Watermelon Seeds, Sugar Baby

Name: Watermelon Seeds, Sugar Baby
Brand: McKenzie Seeds
SKU: 140170
Price: 2.09 CAD
Availability: InStock

Citrullus lanatus

$2.09

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Product Information

Sugar Baby is the most popular ‘Icebox’ type of watermelon. Fruits mature to be 18-20 cm (7-8") in diameter and weigh 3.5-4.5 kg (8-10 lbs.) each. It is the perfect size for a family treat. The very sweet, crisp, red flesh is a delight. These smaller watermelons are perfect for smaller gardens.

SKU: 140170

Growing Information

Grows
Best In:

Full Sun

Days to
Germination:

5 to 7 days

Water
Needs:

Average 2.5-5 cm (1-2") per week

Days to
Maturity:

75 to 80 days

Key Features

Plant Type: Fruit
Botanical Name: Citrullus lanatus
Fill Weight (grams): 1.5
Approximate Seed Count: 10-15
Planting Method: Sow Direct | Start Indoors
Plant Lifecycle: Annual
Seed Type: Heirloom
Water Needs: Average 2.5-5 cm (1-2") per week
Flavor: Sweet and juicy fresh
Preparation Ideas: Eat fresh or make small watermelmon balls to use in fruit salad.

Instructions

How To Grow

Watermelon seeds can be sown directly into the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past. Soil temperature (not air temperature) should be above 18°C (65°F) . Plant 2-3 seeds in mounds 60-90 cm (24-36") apart. Press seeds into the soil to ensure good contact and cover with 2.5 cm (1") of soil. After planting, water the seeds with a gentle mist or shower. It is critical to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy during germination. When your seedlings reach a height of a few centimetres (inches) and have developed 2 or 3 pairs of leaves, it is important to thin them out, according to the plant spacing indicated below. Do not allow the soil to become dry, as young plants have underdeveloped roots and can quickly dehydrate, particularly in windy conditions.

For an earlier crop, watermelon seeds can be started indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost in your area. Follow the seed depth and spacing guidelines indicated below. Once all danger of frost has passed, seedlings should be hardened off before planting in their growing location. Seedlings should be transplanted according to the plant and row spacing directions below. Regularly monitor your plants and ensure that the soil remains moist while they establish themselves in their new environment.

Click here to read more information on planning and planting a garden.

Planting Depth: 2.5 cm (1")
Plant Spacing: 3 per hill
Row Spacing: 1.5-1.8 m (5-6')

Instructions for Nutrient Care: Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.

Suggestions

Mulch watermelon plants to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, control weeds, and keep fruit clean.
Use a row cover during the first few weeks of seedling growth to protect plants from insect pests. Remove covers when you see both male and female flowers on the vine, as pollinators will need to access the flowers.
Water at the vine’s base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering as this can encourge disease. Reduce watering once fruit are growing. Dry weather produces the sweetest watermelon.
Vines produce male and female flowers separately on the same plant. Usually, male flowers start to emerge several weeks before the female ones. If the male flowers fall off, there is no need to worry as it's normal. The female flowers, which have a swollen bulb at the base, will remain on the vine and produce fruit.
As the fruit is ripening, prevent rotting by gently lifting it and putting cardboard or straw between the fruit and the soil.
Watermelons generally ripen over a two-week period and do not continue to ripen after they are picked. Fruit is ready to harvest when a) The watermelon is ripe when there is little contrast between the stripes. b) An immature watermelon will have a white bottom; a ripe melon will have a cream- or yellow-colored bottom. c) Check the tendril. If it’s green, wait. If it’s half-dead, the watermelon is nearly ripe or ripe. If the tendril is fully dead, it’s ripe or overripe. Stems should be cut with a sharp knife.