Knowing the perfect time to harvest your Sugar Baby watermelon is the key to enjoying its sweet, crisp flavor. If you pick it to early, you’ll be disappointed; too late, and the texture can become mealy. This guide will show you exactly how to tell when your Sugar Baby watermelon when to pick is perfectly ripe and ready.
Getting it right means you’ll taste that classic, sugary sweetness this variety is famous for. Let’s look at the simple signs nature gives you.
Sugar Baby Watermelon When To Pick
The main signs of ripeness work together. You shouldn’t rely on just one indicator. Instead, check for a combination of these clues from the vine, the melon itself, and the stem.
The Top Signs Your Sugar Baby is Ripe
Here are the primary methods to determine ripeness. Look for at least three of these signs before harvesting.
- The Tendril Turns Brown: Find the curly tendril closest to the stem where the melon attaches. When this tendril completely dries out, turns brown, and becomes brittle, it’s a strong signal the melon is mature.
- The Field Spot Changes Color: Carefully roll the melon over (be gentle). The spot where it rests on the ground, called the field spot, should change from white or pale green to a deep, creamy yellow.
- The Rind Loses Its Shine: A ripe Sugar Baby’s rind becomes dull, not glossy. The dark green stripes may also appear a bit more pronounced against the lighter green background.
- It Sounds Hollow: Give the melon a firm tap with your knuckles. An unripe melon sounds solid and dense. A ripe one will produce a deeper, hollow-sounding “thump.” This takes a little practice to hear the difference.
- It Stops Growing: Sugar Baby watermelons are typically 8-10 inches in diameter and weigh 8-12 pounds when ripe. If it’s been that size for a week or so, it’s likely ready.
The Stem Check: A Crucial Detail
Look closely at the small stem connecting the melon to the main vine. On a ripe Sugar Baby, this stem will often start to dry out and may develop small cracks near the base of the fruit. This is different from the main vine’s tendril. It’s another piece of the puzzle.
Don’t wait for the stem to fall off on it’s own—that usually means the melon is overripe. A slight drying and cracking is what you want.
What NOT to Rely On
Some common advice isn’t very reliable for Sugar Babies. The rind of this variety is very tough, so pressing on it to feel for “give” is rarely effective. Also, the classic “sweet smell” test is less noticeable with Sugar Babies compared to other melons.
Stick to the tendril, field spot, and sound test for the best results. These methods have proven accurate for generations of gardeners.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Guide
Once you’ve confirmed ripeness, it’s time to harvest. Doing it correctly protects your plant and your melon.
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or a sturdy knife. Dull tools can crush the vine.
- Cut, Don’t Pull: Never twist or pull the melon from the vine. This can damage a long section of the plant. Make a clean cut on the stem, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached to the melon. This helps prevent rot at the top.
- Handle With Care: Even though the rind is tough, avoid dropping or bruising your watermelon. Bruises can lead to soft spots and faster spoilage.
- Clean and Dry: Gently wipe off any dirt with a dry cloth. Do not wash it yet, as moisture can encourage mold during storage.
What to Do After Picking
Your Sugar Baby will actually get a little sweeter after harvest if you handle it right. This process is called “curing” the sugars.
- Store uncut melons at room temperature for 2-3 days. This allows the last bit of internal sugars to fully develop.
- After that, you can move it to the refrigerator. A whole, uncut Sugar Baby can last in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Once cut, tightly wrap the remaining piece in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for 3-5 days.
For long-term storage, you can cube the flesh and freeze it. Frozen watermelon is great for smoothies or as a cold snack, though the texture will be softer when thawed.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here’s what might happen and why.
- Melon Tastes Bland or Watery: This usually means it was picked to early, before sugars fully developed. Inconsistent watering can also dilute flavor.
- Texture is Mealy or Gritty: This is a sign of an overripe melon. The fruit structure starts to break down. Next time, harvest a bit sooner.
- Melon Splits on the Vine: A sudden, heavy rain or overwatering after a dry period can cause the fruit to take in water to fast and crack. Try to maintain even soil moisture.
- White Seeds Inside: Sugar Baby seeds are often black, but immature seeds can be white. If the melon meets all other ripeness signs, white seeds are normal for some fruits and it’s still sweet.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
How long does it take for a Sugar Baby watermelon to ripen?
From the time a small fruit sets on the vine, it takes about 75-80 days for a Sugar Baby to reach full maturity. Always use the visual and sound checks, not just the calendar.
Can a Sugar Baby watermelon ripen off the vine?
No, unlike some fruits, watermelons do not continue to sweeten or ripen after they are picked. They may become softer, but not sweeter. This is why picking at the right time is so critical.
What time of day is best to pick watermelon?
Harvest in the early morning when temperatures are cool. This helps the melon retain its firmness and prevents heat stress during handling.
How many Sugar Baby watermelons per plant?
Each vine will typically produce 2-4 fruits. The plant will put its energy into these, so quality is usually high when the plant is healthy.
What if the tendril is brown but the spot is still white?
Wait. The field spot is a very reliable indicator. Give it a few more days and check the spot daily. All signs should align for the best flavor.
By following these simple, observational steps, you’ll master the timing. The reward is a perfectly sweet, homegrown Sugar Baby watermelon, picked at its peak for you and your family to enjoy.