Knowing when is a sugar baby watermelon ready to pick is the key to enjoying its famously sweet, crisp flesh. Picking it too early means a bland melon, while waiting too long can lead to overripe, mushy fruit. This guide gives you the clear, simple signs to look for so you can harvest your melon at its absolute peak.
When Is A Sugar Baby Watermelon Ready To Pick
The ‘Sugar Baby’ is a popular icebox-type watermelon, meaning it grows to a manageable size, usually 6-10 pounds. Unlike larger varieties, it ripens relatively quickly, in about 75-80 days from planting. But the calendar is just a starting point. You need to check several physical clues on the plant and the fruit itself.
The Top Signs of Ripeness
Relying on just one method is a common mistake. Use a combination of these indicators for the best results. When three or more point to “ready,” your melon probably is.
- The Tendril Dries Up: Find the curly tendril on the stem right next to where the melon attaches. When this tendril turns completely brown and dry, it’s a strong signal. If it’s still green, the melon is still growing.
- The Spot Turns Yellow: Every watermelon has a spot where it rests on the ground. A green or white ground spot means it’s not ripe. On a ripe Sugar Baby, this spot changes to a creamy, buttery yellow.
- The Skin Loses Its Shine: The rind’s appearance changes as it matures. A ripe melon has a duller, more matte finish compared to the glossy shine of a younger fruit. The subtle veining might also become more noticeable.
- It Sounds Hollow: Give the melon a firm knock with your knuckles. An unripe melon will produce a higher-pitched, solid ping. A ripe one gives a deeper, more resonant thump that sounds hollow. This takes a bit of practice.
- It Stops Growing: Size can be a clue. Sugar Babies typically max out at about the size of a large cantaloupe. If it seems to have stopped getting bigger over a week, check the other signs.
The Step-by-Step Harvest Check
Follow this simple sequence each time you check your melons.
- Check the Days: Note the approximate date 75 days after transplanting or seeding. Start your inspections around this time.
- Look at the Tendril: Walk down the row and look for melons with a completely brown, dry tendril closest to the fruit. Make a mental note of those.
- Inspect the Ground Spot: Gently lift the melon (be careful not to break the stem) to check its underside. Is the spot a rich yellow? If it’s pale or green, set it back down.
- Observe the Rind: Look at the skin’s sheen. A ripe melon often looks a little more dull, and the rind becomes tough, resisting a light scratch from your fingernail.
- Perform the Thump Test: Finally, give your best candidates a knock. Listen for that lower, hollow sound. If you’re unsure, compare the sound to a melon you know is immature.
What NOT To Do When Harvesting
Avoid these common errors that can cost you your perfect watermelon.
- Don’t Judge by Size Alone: Some melons are just smaller. A small melon with all the right signs can be perfectly ripe.
- Don’t Rely Solely on the Thump Test: Especially for beginners, the sound can be tricky to interpret. Always use it with other visual clues.
- Don’t Harvest by Cutting the Stem in the Middle: Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem, leaving about an inch attached to the fruit. This helps prevent rot at the stem scar.
- Don’t Tug or Twist the Melon Off: This can damage the vine and any other developing fruits. Always use a clean cutting tool.
What to Do After Picking
Your job isn’t quite done after harvest. For the best flavor, “cure” your Sugar Baby watermelon at room temperature for a day or two. This allows the sugars to fully develop. Then, you can refrigerate it. A whole, uncut melon will keep in the fridge for about a week, sometimes longer. Once cut, wrap the cut surface tightly in plastic wrap and use within 3-4 days.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to handle a few issues.
- My melon split on the vine: This is often caused by irregular watering—a very dry period followed by a heavy rain or deep watering. Try to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially in the final weeks of growth.
- The tendril is brown but the spot is still white: Wait. The ground spot color is a very reliable indicator. Give it a few more days of sunshine and check again.
- I picked it and it’s pale inside: Unfortunately, it was likely picked to early. The flesh should be a deep pinkish-red. Use an underripe melon in a blended smoothie or a savory salad where you can add other flavors.
- Birds or pests are pecking at my melons: This is frustrating. You can try protecting individual melons with garden netting or lightweight cloth row covers placed directly over the fruit.
FAQ: Your Sugar Baby Questions Answered
How long does it take for a Sugar Baby watermelon to ripen?
From the time you transplant seedlings or see the first true leaves from seed, expect about 75 to 80 days to maturity. Weather can effect this slightly.
Can a Sugar Baby watermelon get to big?
They are naturally small. If left to long, they can become overripe, which leads to a mealy or grainy texture and a hollow sound. It’s better to pick slightly early than far too late.
What does a ripe Sugar Baby watermelon look like inside?
The flesh should be a consistent, deep red or pink color with little to no white streaks. The seeds should be dark black or brown, not white. White seeds often indicate immaturity.
How many melons does one Sugar Baby plant produce?
Each vine typically yields 2-3 good-sized melons. The plant puts its energy into these fruits, so don’t expect a dozen from a single vine.
Should I prune my watermelon vines?
It’s not strictly necessary for home gardens, but some gardeners prune to direct energy. If you do prune, focus on removing some lateral vines, not the main runner where the fruit sets.
Mastering the harvest of your Sugar Baby watermelon is incredibly satisfying. By paying close attention to the tendril, the ground spot, and the rind’s appearance, you’ll consistently pick melons at their sweetest. Remember, patience is your friend. When in doubt, waiting a couple extra days is usually safer than picking to soon. With these tips, you’re ready to enjoy the literal fruit of your labor.