How to grow

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Background

The sugar baby watermelon was developed in the 1950s as a convenient, smaller ‘icebox’ size — small enough to fit in little fridges or picnic hampers.

The variety quickly grew in popularity thanks to the sweet, small fruit and relatively short time to grow and reach harvest.

The origin of watermelons overall can be traced back to the African Kalahari Desert. But the Egyptians were the first to cultivate watermelons over 5,000 years ago, prizing them for their ability to provide hydration in the arid climate.

As trade routes developed, watermelons were introduced to other parts of the world. Spanish explorers are credited with bringing watermelon seeds to the New World in the 16th century, and from there, watermelons spread throughout North and South America. Today, the United States is one of the leading producers of watermelons.

Health Benefits

It is a rich source of vitamins (A and C) and minerals (potassium and magnesium).

Consuming watermelon can support healthy skin, immune function, and hydration due to its vitamin content and high water content.

Watermelon is also packed with antioxidants, such as lycopene, which helps protect against oxidative damage and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Its natural sweetness makes it a great alternative to sugary treats. Additionally, the amino acid citrulline in watermelon may help improve blood flow and support cardiovascular health.

Growing Tips and Tricks

Location:

Watermelon plants need plenty of sunlight to produce sweet and juicy fruits. Choose a sunny location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter.

Watering:

Watermelons require consistent and ample watering, especially during hot weather when they are actively growing and fruiting. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. In the peak of summer, you may need to water deeply every 2-3 days, depending on the soil’s moisture retention capacity.

Problems:

Pest Control: Watch out for common watermelon pests such as aphids, pumpkin beetles, caterpillars. Use row covers or organic pest control methods to protect the plants from infestations.

Diseases: Watermelons can be susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew. To prevent these issues, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plants.

Fruit Cracking: Rapid fluctuations in moisture levels can cause the watermelon fruit to crack. Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent this problem.

Pollination Issues: Sometimes, watermelon plants may experience poor fruit set due to inadequate pollination. Hand-pollinating the female flowers using a small brush or cotton swab can improve the fruit set.

Harvest:

Sugar baby Watermelons are ready for harvest in around 10 weeks.

A good indication is when the skin becomes dull or matte, there is a yellowish ground spot, and a dry tendril opposite the fruit stem. Gently tap on the the watermelon, and if it produces a deep, hollow sound, it’s likely ripe. Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a short stem attached.

Patch to plate

You can’t beat a piece of sweet and juicy watermelon on a hot summer’s day! No trip to the beach or a picnic in summer is complete without some sliced watermelon to refresh the crew. There’s so much more you can do with watermelons too! Here’s a couple of ideas to get your watermelons out of the patch and into the kitchen…

• Watermelon granita, just when you thought that watermelon couldn’t get any more refreshing!
• Served with feta and mint as a refreshing summer side dish
• Grilled on the BBQ and served with lime, chilli and coriander