‘Sugar Baby’ is generally ready for harvest 80 days after sowing. These melons are 10 inches in diameter, round, and with dark green rinds. The flesh is pink, and sweet. Seeds are brown. Watermelons generally do best in warm climates. Cool weather will not produce good fruits, but some of the adversity of cool weather can be overcome by starting seeds early indoors, and transplanting them out at the height of summer. Plastic groundcovers are highly recommended to increase soil temperature in the spring, and rowcovers will help the crop ripen in the fall.
Google Plant Images: click here!
![Free Garden Catalog](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_200,h_72/https://www.backyardgardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/catalog_request_big.gif)
Characteristics
Cultivar: Sugar BabyFamily: Cucurbitaceae
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Plant Category: annuals and biennials, climbers,
Plant Characteristics: seed start,
Foliage Characteristics: medium leaves,
Flower Characteristics:
Flower Color:
Tolerances: heat & humidity,
Requirements
Bloomtime Range: not applicable
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9 to 11
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant
Light Range: Sun to Full Sun
pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5
Soil Range: Sandy Loam to Sandy Loam
Water Range: Normal to Normal
Plant Care
Fertilizing
How-to : Fertilization for Young Plants Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus, P, in it(the second number on the bag.) Apply recommended amount for plant per label directions in the soil at time of planting or at least during the first growing season.
How-to : Fertilization for Annuals and Perennials
Annuals and perennials may be fertilized using: 1.water-soluble, quick release fertilizers; 2. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers; or 3. organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water soluble fertilizers are generally used every two weeks during the growing season or per label instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil ususally only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, follow label directions as they may vary per product.
Light
Conditions : Sun Sun is defined as the continuous, direct, exposure to 6 hours (or more) of sunlight per day.
Conditions : Full Sun
Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.
Watering
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor Plants Normal watering means that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly, as conditions require. Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season, but take care not to over water. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important for establishment. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes.
Planting
Problems
Miscellaneous
Glossary : Sandy LoamSandy Loam refers to a soil that drains well, with excellent air space, and evenly crumbled texture when squeezed in the hand. A good workable garden soil that benefits from added fertilizer and proper watering. Dark gray to gray-brown in color.
Glossary : Annual
An annual is any plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Glossary : Seed Start
Seed Start: easily propagated from seed.
Glossary : pH
pH, means the potential of Hydrogen, is the measure of alkalinity or acidity. In horticulture, pH refers to the pH of soil. The scale measures from 0, most acid, to 14, most alkaline. Seven is neutral. Most plants prefer a range between 5.5 and about 6.7, an acid range, but there are plenty of other plants that like soil more alkaline, or above 7. A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easily absorb the most nutrients in the soil. Some plants prefer more or less of certain nutrients, and therefore do better at a certain pH.