When to Harvest Sugar Baby Watermelon: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a home gardener, I love growing juicy, sweet sugar baby watermelons. But determining the perfect time to harvest these petite melons can be tricky Harvesting too early means disappointing flavor, while leaving them on the vine too long increases risk of rot or pests

In this article, I’ll walk through a step-by-step guide on identifying when your sugar baby watermelons are ripe and ready for picking. We’ll cover techniques like checking tendrils, thumping, and more. Follow these simple tips for harvesting sugar baby watermelons at their peak ripeness.

Overview of Sugar Baby Watermelons

Sugar baby watermelons are a popular variety for home gardens due to their compact size and incredible sweetness. These small, round melons typically weigh 8-10 pounds at maturity and have dark green skins with crisp, red flesh.

Compared to larger watermelon varieties, sugar babies ripen earlier in the season, generally around 70-80 days after transplanting. This makes them a good choice for northern gardeners with shorter growing seasons.

When ripe, sugar baby watermelons have higher sugar content than regular melons, living up to their name with a super sweet flavor However, proper timing is key for harvesting optimal ripeness Here’s how to determine when your sugar babies are ready for picking.

Check the Tendril Near the Fruit

One of the most reliable indicators of ripeness in watermelons is the tendril closest to the fruit. Tendrils are the slender, curling vines that extend off the main watermelon stem.

• Look for the tendril immediately adjacent to each melon

• Watch for the tendril to turn brown and dry up.

• If the tendril near the melon is dried and brown, your sugar baby is likely ripe and ready for harvest.

Inspect the Ground Spot

As sugar baby watermelons ripen, the spot where they rest on the soil will change from white/green to a buttery yellow or cream color. Gardeners refer to this as the “ground spot” or “belly spot”.

• Gently lift or roll watermelons to inspect the underside.

• Look for a rich yellow/cream ground spot color.

• A white or light green ground spot means the melon needs more time to mature.

Listen for a Deep Hollow Sound

You can use your ears to help determine ripeness in sugar baby watermelons. Ripe melons will produce a deep, hollow “thunk” when thumped, while unripe ones sound dull.

• Cup one hand around the melon to amplify the sound.

• With the other hand, gently tap the melon.

• A ripe watermelon will have a bass, hollow reverberation.

• An unripe melon will emit a flat, dull tone.

Check Rind Texture and Color

The rind of a sugar baby watermelon provides visual clues to ripeness. Ripe rinds have a matte appearance versus shiny, and should resist puncturing from a fingernail.

• Look for a solid, deep green rind without glossiness.

• Press your fingernail into the rind near the ground spot.

• If the rind easily gives way, the melon needs more time on the vine.

Watch for Size and Shape

Monitor your sugar baby watermelons as they grow. At maturity, they should be a uniform round shape and within the expected 8-10 pound weight range.

• Lopsided or elongated melons may not be fully ripe yet.

• Weigh your melons on a scale periodically to check if they are nearing full size.

• Pick sugar babies when they are round, symmetrical, and weigh about 8-10 lbs.

Test Surface Resilience

You can gauge ripeness by gently pressing the surface of sugar baby watermelons. If the rind yields slightly under pressure, that’s a sign of ripeness.

• Use your fingertips to carefully push on the melon’s surface near the ground spot.

• Ripe melons will dent slightly when pressure is applied.

• If the rind remains rock hard, the watermelon needs more time to ripen.

Harvest at Proper Maturity

Once you’ve determined your sugar baby watermelons are ripe using these techniques, it’s time to pick them! Here are some harvest tips:

• Use clean, sharp shears or a knife to cut melons from the vine, leaving 1-2 inches stem attached.

• Handle watermelons gently to avoid bruising.

• Move harvested melons to a shaded location out of direct sun.

• Enjoy your ripe sugar baby watermelons within 1-2 weeks for best flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While harvesting sugar baby watermelons, steer clear of these common errors:

• Picking too early – Watermelons don’t ripen further off the vine, so resist early harvesting.

• Waiting too long to harvest – Overripe melons can crack open, rot, or attract pests.

• Rough handling – Dropping or bumping melons can cause bruises and quicker spoilage.

• Leaving in hot sun – Heat accelerates deterioration after picking. Move melons to a cool, shaded area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about harvesting sugar baby watermelons:

How long do harvested sugar baby watermelons last? With proper storage in the refrigerator, ripe sugar baby watermelons will keep for 1-2 weeks. Cut melons should be consumed within 3-4 days.

Can you harvest watermelons at night? Yes, watermelons can be picked at night if needed. Some gardeners prefer night harvesting because melons are crisper when the air is cooler.

What’s the best temperature to store harvested watermelons? Store ripe watermelons at 45-50°F for optimal freshness. Storing melons at room temperature significantly reduces shelf life.

Enjoy Your Sugar Baby Bounty

Now that you know precisely when and how to harvest your sugar baby watermelons, you can look forward to enjoying their sweet, juicy flesh! There’s nothing better than a homegrown melon on a hot summer day. Just be sure to follow these guidelines for identifying ripeness. Happy gardening and have fun savoring the fruits of your labor!