- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
- Learn More
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 80 days
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Type: Watermelon (Learn more)
Native: Africa
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 6'–10' vines
Variety Info: 8–10 pound fruit about 9" long with bright red, sweet flesh, and fewer than average, very small seeds. The rind is dark green with thin, mottled, darker green stripes. 'Sugar Baby' was introduced in 1959.
Attributes: Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–90°F.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Transplant when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ½"
Seed Spacing: 2–3 seeds per mound
Row Spacing: 4'–6' apart
Thinning: When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per mound
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
Harvesting: It can be tricky to know exactly when a watermelon is ripe and ready to pick. First, know the number of "days to harvest" and begin checking fruits as harvest date draws closer. Signs to look for are: (1) the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color; (2) the surface color of the fruit turns dull; (3) the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the touch; and (4) light green, curly tendril on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon is brown and dry. All of these indicators may not necessarily occur at the same time.
- Cesaera P.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/4/25Growing like crazy -haven’t tasted them yet
Started seeds indoors and forgot that I grew watermelon. Planted them outside in my raised bed gardens and I have more watermelon that I know what to do with. They look great. They are healthy and they are growing up tomato cages. Right now. They are bigger than a softball, but probably not mature sized so I have no idea what they taste like but they are doing spectacularly well in a very crowded keyhole type garden
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests8/4/25Hey Cesaera P.,
Thank you so much for sharing your delightful growing adventure! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your Sugar Baby Watermelon Seeds are growing like crazy - what a wonderful surprise to rediscover those forgotten seedlings! We love that you're using tomato cages to support them - such a clever approach for managing those vigorous vines in a crowded space! We're excited for you to experience that first sweet taste when they reach full maturity - Sugar Baby watermelons are known for their incredible flavor! There are so many ways to enjoy watermelon during the summer months.
Keep on growing 🌻️ - Lorraine D.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/31/245 Stars
Arrived quickly! I haven't used all the seeds yet but I am pleased with the ones I've planted!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Alexandria C.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars6/24/245 Stars
Botanical Interest Seeds provides detailed information about the product you are purchasing. The instructions tell you exactly how to plant the seeds to get the best results. I have one baby watermelon that looks ready to harvest.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Stacey C.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars6/23/245 Stars
I’m a fairly new gardener. I love Botanical Interest seeds! This is my first time ever growing watermelons and I’m loving it so far!! They are just precious 🍉
Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner - Sohee L.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars6/19/245 Stars
I have been always wanted to grow my own watermelon. After watching a lot of Youtube videos, I went ahead and purchase a whole raised garden bed with a packet of seeds from Epic Gardening. They are just sowed in my micro backyard farm and I can't wait to see them grow!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner