How to Tell When Sugar Baby Watermelons are Ripe

Hi, I'm a gardener and absolutely love growing sugar baby watermelons in my garden.  There's nothing more refreshing and sweet than biting into a juicy, ripe sugar baby melon during the hot summer months.  Today, I'll share a step-by-step guide on how to tell when sugar baby watermelons are ripe and ready to pick.  These are some of my very favorite watermelons to grow.  They are so sweet and juicy.  So let's dive into learning when to harvest!

Introduction to Sugar Baby Watermelons

Sugar baby watermelons are smaller and sweeter than traditional watermelon varieties, making them perfect for home gardeners.  These compact melons typically weigh around 8 to 10 pounds and have a deep green rind with bright red, juicy flesh.  The sugar baby watermelon vine can grow up to 12 feet long, but with proper care and attention, you can enjoy the delicious rewards of your gardening efforts.  Growing sugar-baby watermelons will water your mouth by the summer's end!  

Understanding the Growing Season and Days to Maturity

To know when your sugar baby watermelon is ripe, it's essential to understand the growing season and days to maturity.  The average growing season for sugar baby watermelons is around 75 to 80 days, shorter than most other watermelon varieties.  It's essential to keep track of your fruit and vegetable planting date to know when to expect ripe watermelons.

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Inspecting the Tendril Nearest the Fruit

One of the most reliable indicators that your sugar baby watermelon is ripe is the tendril nearest the fruit.  When the tendril turns brown and dries up, it's a sign that the baby watermelon is ready to pick.

• Look for the curly, green tendril attached to the vine close to the fruit.
• Observe its color and texture.
• Your sugar-baby watermelon is likely ripe if the tendril is brown and dry.

Checking the Color and Texture of the Rind

Another way to determine if your sugar baby watermelon is ripe is by examining the color and texture of its rind.

• Look for a uniform, deep green color with a matte finish.
• A ripe sugar baby melon should not have a glossy appearance.
• Press your fingernail into the rind; the melon is probably ripe if it resists puncture.

Assessing the Ground Spot

As sugar-baby watermelons ripen, they develop a creamy yellow spot where they rest on the ground.  This ground spot, or sugar spot, indicates your baby watermelon is ripe and ready to harvest.

• Locate the spot where your melon rests on the ground.
• Check for a creamy yellow color.
• Your watermelon may need more ripening time if the ground spot is still white or green.

Listening to the Hollow Sound

Tapping or thumping your sugar baby watermelon can help determine its ripeness.  A ripe melon will emit a deep, hollow sound when tapped, while an unripe melon will produce a dull or flat sound.

• Gently tap or thump the melon with your knuckles.
• Listen for a deep, hollow sound.
• If the sound is dull or flat, your sugar baby watermelon may need more ripening time.

Observing the Overall Size and Shape

While sugar-baby watermelons are generally smaller than other varieties, observing the overall size and shape can help determine if your melon is ripe.

• Compare the size of your sugar baby watermelon to the expected 8 to 10-pound range.
• Check for a uniform, round shape.
• If your melon meets these criteria, it's likely ripe and ready to pick.

Testing the Melon's Resilience

Another way to determine if your sugar baby watermelon is ripe is by testing its resilience.  Gently press your fingers into the melon's surface; if it yields slightly, it is ripe.

Tips for a Successful Sugar Baby Watermelon Harvest

To ensure a successful harvest of your sugar baby watermelons, consider these helpful tips:

1. Monitor weather conditions: Watch the weather forecast as your sugar baby watermelons approach ripeness.  If heavy rain or extreme heat is expected, you may want to harvest your melons slightly early to avoid potential damage.

2. Avoid over-watering: As your sugar baby watermelons near maturity, reduce the water you provide.  Over-watering can cause the melons to burst or develop a bland flavor.

3. Support the melons: If your sugar baby watermelon vine is growing on a trellis or fence, provide additional support to prevent them from falling or becoming damaged.

4. Check for pests and diseases: Regularly inspect your sugar baby watermelon vine for signs of pests and diseases.  Address any issues promptly to ensure a healthy, productive harvest.

5. Rotate your crops: Plant sugar baby watermelons in a different area of your garden each year to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases and pests.

By following these tips and the step-by-step guide for determining when your sugar baby watermelons are ripe, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a bountiful harvest of these delicious, compact melons.  Enjoy your freshly picked sugar baby watermelons within two weeks, and share your success with friends and family by offering them a taste of your homegrown, juicy treats.