Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
Original price was: $4.00.$2.00Current price is: $2.00.
Sugar Baby Watermelon is a classic icebox-type watermelon producing round, 8-10 lb fruits with deep green rinds and sweet, red flesh. Its compact vines are well-suited to home gardens, and its short maturity (approximately 75-80 days) makes it one of the most popular watermelons for Central Texas where the season between cool nights and extreme heat can be short.
At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Sugar Baby transplants are grown for vigorous vines and reliable fruit set suited to Austin’s summer growing conditions.
Out of stock
Consistent, deep watering required during fruit development
Reduce watering as fruits approach maturity to concentrate sweetness
Avoid overhead watering; use drip or soaker hose
High nitrogen at planting; transition to low nitrogen, high potassium at flowering
Side-dress with compost tea or balanced organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
Train vines away from walkways
Limit fruits to 2-3 per vine for best size and quality
Remove male flowers early if vine growth needs priority
Squash vine borers
Cucumber beetles
Powdery mildew
Blossom end rot from inconsistent watering
Anthracnose
Start transplanting as soon as soil temperatures reach 70 F (mid-March) for maximum growing season
Use drip irrigation to reduce foliage disease and water waste
Place fruits on cardboard or straw to prevent ground rot
Tap fruits; a hollow thud indicates ripeness
Primary planting window; establish vines before summer heat peaks
Focus on vine establishment for first 3-4 weeks
Fruit development; consistent moisture critical
Harvest approximately 75-80 days from transplant
A second planting in late July-early August may be possible in Austin
Heat and drought stress can affect fruit set in second plantings
Mid-March through early May after last frostIdeal soil temperatures: 70-85 F
Full sun
Minimum 8 hours daily
3-5 feet apart; rows 6-8 feet apart
Compact vines for a watermelon but still need room to spread
Well-draining, fertile, sandy loam
Heavy clay soils should be amended with compost and coarse sand
pH 6.0-6.8
Water deeply immediately after transplanting
Maintain consistent moisture through vine establishment and fruit development
Watermelon flesh is generally considered non-toxic to:
However:
Seeds and rind can cause gastrointestinal blockage or upset.
Feed only seedless flesh in small quantities as an occasional treat.
