When to Pick Watermelon Sugar Baby? 7 Key Signs to Look for

Do you know when to pick watermelon Sugar Baby for the perfect taste? It’s all about timing and looking for the right signs. From a creamy yellow field spot to a dull green rind, these little clues tell you when your melon is ready.

Stick with me to learn these simple tricks, and make sure you never pick an unripe watermelon again.

Key Points

• Sugar Baby watermelons ripen in 70–80 days after planting.
• A dull green rind and creamy yellow field spot show ripeness.
• A dry, brown tendril near the stem is a clear signal to harvest.
• Tap the melon – a hollow sound means it’s ready.
• A ripe melon feels heavier than it looks.
• Scratch the rind – a tough surface means it’s ripe.
• Avoid picking too early by checking all the signs.
• Proper harvesting ensures your melon stays sweet and juicy.

When to Pick Watermelon Sugar Baby? Check 7 Signs

Pick a Sugar Baby watermelon when it shows clear signs of ripeness. Look for a dull green rind, a creamy yellow bottom, and a dry, brown tendril near the stem. Tap it—it should sound hollow. The fruit should also feel heavy and resist scratching with your nail.

In most cases, you will pick a Sugar Baby watermelon about 70–80 days after planting or 3–4 weeks after the flowers bloom.

Carefully look for these signs to know when to pick watermelon sugar baby:

Check the Rind

The rind tells you so much about the sugar baby watermelon. First, it stops being shiny. When the watermelon is still growing, the skin looks glossy. As watermelon sugar baby ripens, the gloss fades, and the rind becomes dull. That’s a big clue.

Next, check the bottom. This is the part touching the ground, called the field spot. If the spot is still white, the watermelon isn’t ready.

But if it’s creamy yellow or buttery in color, you’ve got a ripe one. The yellowing happens because the fruit stops growing and settles on the ground.

I like this method because you can see these changes clearly. If you’re unsure, compare a few melons side by side. The ripe one will have duller skin and a yellower bottom.

Tendril Check

The tendril is a small curly vine near where the watermelon is attached. This little guy is like a ripeness signal. If it’s green and fresh, the sugar baby watermelon isn’t ready yet. But if the tendril dries up, turns brown, and shrivels, the watermelon is ripe.

Tapping Test

Tapping is an old-school trick, but it works. Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe sugar baby watermelon sounds deep and hollow, like a drum. An unripe one sounds dull or kind of flat.

This test takes practice. The first time I tried it, I tapped a bunch of melons to learn the difference in sounds. It’s a fun and quick way to double-check if your melon is ready.

Texture of the Skin

The rind of a ripe Sugar Baby watermelon is tough. You can test it by scratching the surface lightly with your fingernail. If the rind doesn’t scratch easily, the melon is ready. If it scratches without much effort, it still needs time to ripen.

This tip is super handy when you’re not sure about the other signs. I always do this as a final check before picking the melon.

Size and Shape

Sugar Baby watermelons are small, but they still have a standard size and shape when ripe. They usually grow to about 6–10 pounds and measure 7–8 inches across. The melon should also feel heavy for its size.

A ripe watermelon sugar baby has a nice, even, round shape. If it’s oddly shaped or smaller than expected, it might not be fully grown.

When I check for size, I always lift the melon to see how heavy it feels. If it’s heavy and looks round, it’s usually ready to harvest.

Taste Test

If you’re still not sure, there’s no harm in picking one melon to taste. Cut it open and see if it’s sweet and juicy. If it tastes perfect, the rest of your sugar baby melons are likely ripe, too.

This ripeness-checking method works like a charm. It’s also a great excuse to enjoy a slice of your hard work. Sometimes, I do this even when I’m sure, just because I can’t resist tasting it first.

Tracking the Time from Planting

Sugar Baby watermelons take about 70–80 days to ripen after you plant the seeds. If you didn’t note when you planted them, look at the flowers on the vines. The fruit is usually ready 3–4 weeks after the flowers bloom.

This timing isn’t exact, so don’t rely only on the days. It’s more like a guide. For example, if it’s been over 80 days and the flowers are long gone, start checking for other signs like the rind or tendrils. Keeping track of the planting date makes this process much easier.

I always use a notebook to write down when I planted, and it saves a lot of guessing later.

Picture of ripe Sugar Baby watermelon

A ripe Sugar Baby watermelon is easy to recognize. The rind turns dull green instead of shiny, and the bottom develops a creamy yellow spot where it touches the ground. When you cut it open, the flesh is bright red and juicy, with black seeds spread throughout.

Here’s a picture of ripe Sugar Baby watermelon:

How to Pick Watermelon Sugar Baby? (5 Steps)

To harvest a Sugar Baby watermelon, wait until it’s fully ripe. Look for signs like a dull rind, a creamy yellow field spot, and a dry, brown tendril near the stem. Cut the melon off the vine with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving a small piece of stem attached.

Step 1: Check for Ripeness

Before you harvest, make sure the watermelon is ripe. Look at the rind—it should be dull, not shiny. Check the field spot (the bottom of the melon). A ripe melon has a creamy yellow spot, not white.

Also, inspect the tendril nearest the stem. If it’s brown, dry, and shriveled, that’s a clear sign the watermelon is ready to pick.

I’ve found that these three signs work best when used together. If even one is off—like the tendril is still green—it’s better to wait a little longer. Picking too early means you’ll miss out on the sweetness!

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

To harvest properly, you’ll need a sharp knife, garden shears, or scissors. This makes cutting the stem clean and easy. Avoid pulling or twisting the watermelon off the vine, as this can damage the fruit.

I always keep a clean pair of garden scissors handy during harvest time. It makes the process quick and keeps the plant healthy for future growth.

Step 3: Cut the Stem

Hold the watermelon gently and cut the stem about 1–2 inches above where it connects to the melon. Leaving a small piece of stem attached helps the watermelon last longer after picking.

This step is super simple. Just be careful not to drop the melon while cutting. It can be heavier than it looks! I always place it gently in a basket or on soft ground to avoid bruising.

Step 4: Handle with Care

Once the watermelon is off the vine, handle it carefully. Sugar Baby watermelons are small but still delicate. Dropping or bumping them can cause bruises, which might lead to quicker spoilage.

I usually harvest with a small basket or tote to carry the melons safely. It keeps them in good shape until I’m ready to enjoy them.

Step 5: Store Properly

If you’re not eating the watermelon right away, store it in a cool, dry place. A ripe watermelon can last up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator.

I love chilling my Sugar Baby watermelons before eating. There’s nothing better than a cold slice on a hot day. Just remember to eat it within a week or two for the best flavor!

Curious about expanding your watermelon varieties? If you’re growing Sugar Baby watermelons, you might also enjoy this guide on growing seedless watermelon with simple, easy steps.

What is the Sugar Baby Watermelon Size?

Sugar Baby watermelons are small and perfect for personal use. They usually weigh between 6–10 pounds. Their size is around 7–8 inches in diameter. This makes them easy to carry, store, and enjoy. Unlike larger watermelons, you don’t need a lot of space to grow them.

Their small size is why many people love them. They’re great for small families or anyone who doesn’t want a huge watermelon. Even though they’re small, they’re very sweet and juicy. When I grow them, I know they’re ready once they stop growing and look heavy for their size.

If your Sugar Baby watermelon isn’t around this size, it might still be ripening. Give it a little more time. But if it’s big and shows other signs of ripeness, like a dull rind or a yellow bottom, it’s good to harvest.

How Many Sugar Baby Watermelons Per Plant?

Most Sugar Baby watermelon plants produce 2–4 melons. But this depends on how healthy the plant is and the care it gets. If you take good care of the plant, you might even get more.

Some things decide how many melons you get. For example, space is really important. If the plant has room to grow and spread, it will produce more melons. Sunlight also matters a lot. These plants need full sun to grow well. Without enough sun, they won’t make as many melons.

Water and nutrients are also important. If the plant doesn’t get enough water or food, it won’t be able to grow a lot of melons. Pollination plays a big role too. Bees help transfer pollen between flowers. If there aren’t many bees, you can hand-pollinate the flowers with a small brush to help.

In my garden, I usually see three melons per plant. When I make sure they have space, sun, water, and good soil, I get sweet and healthy fruits.

Factors That Affect Melon Count are:

• Space: The vines need room to spread. If they’re crowded, they’ll grow fewer melons.
• Sunlight: Sugar Babies love sunlight. They need 6–8 hours of full sun every day to thrive.
• Water and Fertilizer: Plants need regular watering and balanced nutrients, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Pollination: Bees help pollinate flowers. Without them, the plant might struggle. Hand-pollination can help.

I always check these things to make sure my plants are happy and give me more melons.

After tending to your watermelons, check out this guide on whether loose mud is ideal for planting potatoes.

Sugar Baby Watermelon Growing Stages

Sugar Baby watermelons grow in four main stages. The seeds germinate in 5–10 days. Vines grow for 4–6 weeks. Flowers appear after about 40–50 days. Sugar baby watermelons ripen and are ready to harvest in 70–80 days after planting.

Germination

The first stage is when seeds sprout. This takes about 5–10 days after planting. The soil must stay warm, above 70°F. If the soil is too cold, the seeds won’t sprout well. Water the soil lightly to keep it moist but not soaked.

I usually plant my seeds 1 inch deep in loose, soft soil. This helps them sprout quickly. Once they germinate, you’ll see small green shoots pop out of the ground. That’s when I know they’re on their way to becoming healthy plants.

Vine Growth

After sprouting, the plant grows vines for the next 4–6 weeks. These vines spread out and grow big leaves. The leaves are important because they collect sunlight to make energy for the plant.

During this time, the plant needs plenty of space. I always check to make sure the vines aren’t getting tangled. Giving them room helps the plant grow strong. I also feed the plant with a light fertilizer to boost its growth.

Flowering

At around 40–50 days, the plant begins to flower. You’ll see small yellow flowers. Some are male, and some are female. The male flowers bloom first. Female flowers follow and have tiny baby watermelons at their base.

Pollination is very important now. If there aren’t enough bees, the flowers won’t turn into fruit. When I don’t see bees, I hand-pollinate by brushing pollen from a male flower to a female one. This makes sure the plant produces fruit.

Fruiting

The final stage is when the fruits grow and ripen. This starts about 70 days after planting. The small melons quickly grow into their full size of 6–10 pounds. During this time, I reduce watering just a little to make the fruits sweeter.

To check if they’re ready, I look at the rind and field spot. A dull rind and creamy yellow spot mean it’s time to harvest. Picking a ripe melon at this stage is so rewarding.

Here’s a video on growing sugar baby watermelon you will find interesting:

5 Sugar Baby Watermelon Benefits to Know

Sugar Baby watermelons are not just sweet and refreshing but also packed with health benefits. They are full of vitamins A and C, help keep you hydrated, support heart health, and are low in calories.

1. Keeps You Hydrated

Sugar Baby watermelons are over 90% water. This makes them a fantastic fruit for staying hydrated, especially on hot summer days.

When I feel tired or thirsty on warm days, I reach for watermelon. It’s much better than sugary drinks because it hydrates naturally and tastes great. Plus, it’s easy to pack for picnics or snacks.

2. Rich in Vitamins

These watermelons are loaded with vitamins A and C. Vitamin A helps keep your eyes healthy and boosts your immune system. Vitamin C is great for your skin and helps your body heal faster.

I love knowing that a sweet treat like this is also good for me. One slice gives you a big dose of these important nutrients, so it’s like eating something delicious and healthy at the same time.

3. Heart-Friendly

Sugar Baby watermelons contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that’s great for your heart.

When I learned about lycopene, I was surprised that a fruit that is this tasty could also help my heart. It’s a simple way to add heart-healthy food to your diet without making big changes.

4. Low in Calories

Even though it’s sweet, Sugar Baby watermelon is low in calories. This makes it perfect if you want a snack that won’t make you feel heavy or guilty.

Whenever I’m trying to eat lighter, I keep watermelon in the fridge. It’s filling and satisfying without adding too many calories to my day.

5. Natural Sweetness

The natural sugars in Sugar Baby watermelons make them a healthier option than processed sweets. They satisfy your sweet tooth without artificial additives.

I use this watermelon as a dessert alternative, especially when I want something refreshing and guilt-free. Kids love it too, which makes it a win for the whole family.

Sugar Baby Watermelon Growth Time

Sugar Baby watermelons take about 70–80 days from planting to ripen. The seeds sprout within 5–10 days, and the vines develop over the next 4–6 weeks. Flowers appear around 40–50 days, and fruits mature in 3–4 weeks after flowering.

With proper care, you can enjoy sweet, ripe melons in under three months.

Common Mistakes People Make When Picking Sugar Baby Watermelons

Many people pick Sugar Baby watermelons too early or rely on the wrong signs. Common mistakes include not checking the tendril, ignoring the field spot, judging ripeness by size alone, failing to tap-test, and not lifting the melon to check its weight.

1. Not Checking the Tendril

The tendril near the stem is one of the best indicators of ripeness. If it’s still green, the watermelon isn’t ready. A brown and dry tendril means it’s time to harvest.

I’ve made this mistake before, and the melon turned out bland. Now, I always check the tendril first. It’s like the plant’s signal that the fruit is ripe.

2. Ignoring the Field Spot

The field spot is the part of the melon that rests on the ground. A ripe melon has a creamy yellow spot. If the spot is white, it’s not ready.

I used to skip this step, but once I learned how to check the field spot, it became one of the easiest ways to pick the perfect melon.

3. Judging by Size Alone

Many people think bigger is better. While size is important, it’s not the best way to judge ripeness. A small melon can be ripe if it shows other signs.

I always look for a combination of signs instead of just going for the largest melon. It’s saved me from picking unripe ones.

4. Skipping the Tap Test

Some people forget to tap the melon to listen for the hollow sound. This test helps confirm ripeness, especially if you’re unsure after checking the other signs.

Once I got the hang of this test, it became my favorite. It’s quick and super reliable.

5. Not Lifting the Melon

A ripe sugar baby watermelon feels heavy for its size. If you don’t lift it, you might miss this important clue. A lighter melon is likely underripe.

Now, I always lift the melon before picking it. If it feels heavy, it’s a good sign that it’s full of water and sweetness.

After perfecting your watermelon harvest, learn how to tackle overgrown kale and make the most of your produce.

Conclusion

To harvest the perfect Sugar Baby watermelon:

• Check the tendril near the stem—it should be brown and dry.
• Look for a dull rind with a creamy yellow field spot.
• Tap it; a hollow sound means it’s ripe.
• Ensure the melon feels heavy for its size.
• Scratch the rind. If it resists, it’s ready.

With these tips, you’ll always enjoy the sweetest, juiciest Sugar Baby watermelons. Happy picking!