Watermelon

Basic Information

Seed Number

89

Seed Name

Watermelon

Variety

Sugar Baby

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Icebox watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 14

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 20

Plantable Months

April, May, June

Indoor Start

Apr 14 – Apr 28

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jun 20

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

3 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

5–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

75–85 days

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-95°F

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

36-48 in

Row Spacing

48-60 in

Thin-To Spacing

36-48 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep soil consistently moist during early growth and flowering; reduce watering slightly as fruit ripens

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil amended with compost; approximately pH 6.0-6.8

Minimum Container Size

10-15 gal with room for vines

Plant Height

Short trailing vine

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after soil warms or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 25 – Jun 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 75–100 days
Container Friendly: Possible, 10+ gal; best in ground
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Sugar Baby is one of the better choices for shorter seasons.
Zone 6B Notes: Needs warm soil and full sun. Black plastic/mulch can help heat soil.
Companion Plants: Corn, sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, radish, herbs nearby for pollinators
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, crowded beds
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Sugar Baby is an early icebox watermelon especially suitable for northern gardens. Plant after soil reaches at least 70°F.
Germination: Germinates in 5-10 days under warm conditions. Sow 1 inch deep.
Harvest: Fruits are typically 6-10 pounds with dark rind and deep-red flesh. Harvest when the nearest tendril dries, the ground spot becomes creamy and other ripeness signs are present.
Seed Saving: Sugar Baby is open-pollinated. It crosses with other Citrullus lanatus watermelons, so isolate or use controlled pollination for true seed.
Special Care: Its relatively short vines and smaller fruit make it more practical for raised beds and large containers than large picnic watermelon varieties.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/watermelon-sugar-baby — 5-10 day germination, 75-85 day maturity, 70-95°F soil temperature, 1-inch depth, spacing and 6-10 pound fruit
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]