Watermelon Seeds - Sugar Baby

12 Seeds.

Other Names - Water Melon…

• Grow watermelon 'Sugar Baby' in a greenhouse or outdoors in a sunny part of the garden
• Produces round fruits about 20cm in diameter and 4Kg in weight
• Refreshing, sweet and red juicy flesh

Suitable For - Containers, fruit garden, patio, greenhouse, polytunnel, conservatory, grow bags, raised beds

Sowing Months - February - May

Harvest - July - October

Soil Preperation

Add a good amount of well rotted manure or compost to the soil 3 - 4 weeks before planting as well as a modest amount of general purpose fertilizer. If the soil is heavy clay or the drainage is poor mix in a generous amount of sand and gravel to the soil also. Remove any weeds. One week before planting, water the ground well before covering with a sheet of polythene (this will warm up the ground and retain moisture). Use good quality potting compost if growing in containers.

Sowing Guide

Early Sowing/Module Sowing

For best results sow watermelon seeds early so the plants can get the full season of growth. Sow one seed (on it's edge) in moist compost in 9 cm pots at the depth suggested above.
Place the pots in a propagator or clear polythene bag and seal. Germinate at the temperature suggested above.
Once the seedlings have emerged remove from the bag or propagator and place in an warm area (no colder than 21 degrees centigrade including night time temperature). The area also needs to have good daylight exposure (however protect the young plants from direct hot sun.)
When the seedlings are 10 - 12 cm tall (and are to be grown undercover in a frost free greenhouse, coldframe or polytunnel) plant out into their final growing position.
If however the watermelons are for growing outdoors (in a sunny part of the garden) when around 10 -12 cm tall, transplant into 1 litre pots to grow on in a warm area. Plant out in June.
Harden off over 15 - 20 days before planting out.

Direct Sowing

Not recommended for direct sowing.

Growing On

Water newly planted melons well until established however avoid overwatering as this can lead to stem rot. If growing in grow bags plant 2 melon plants per bag. If growing undercover in a greenhouse or polytunnel the young plants will need to be shaded from direct hot sun to prevent scorching.
On hot days keep the greenhouse humid by watering the pathways or placing a tub of water somewhere in the greenhouse. When the plants are well established remove the shade protection and increase the ventilation. Re-apply shade if the temperature begin to exceed 25 degrees centigrade. When the plants are flowering in the greenhouse, provide good ventilation to allow the plants to be pollinated. Pollination by hand may be necessary.
Water established plants frequently as they will not tolerate drought however avoid overwatering as the plants dislike sodden soil which can lead to rotting of the stems. When the fruits are the size of a golf ball, feed with a liquid fertilizer rich in potash and potassium every 2 weeks.
Watermelon plants can be left to sprawl along the ground or trained up a trellis. Growing up a trellis has the benefit of improving ventilation to the foliage and therefore reduces the risk of disease.
Plants growing up a trellis will need to be trained and tied regularly to the supports. As the fruits grow larger and heavier the fruits will also need supporting with some netting.
If growing outdoors direct in the ground plant at the distance suggested above. Cover the newly planted melon plants with a cloche until the temperature is warm. Outdoor grown plants will benefit from having a thick mulch adding to help retain moisture or if preferred the plants can be grown through some polythene sheeting. Ensure the stems are not in contact with the plastic sheeting as this can lead to stem rot.
Plants grown outdoors in flower, should have their cloche removed to allow bees to pollinate. If the plants are allowed to grow along the ground the fruits will need to be lifted off the ground with pots or pieces of wood to prevent the fruits from rotting.
Once the fruits begin to ripen, stop feeding and reduce the frequency of watering. Overwatering at this point may cause the fruits to split.

Harvesting

The fruit grow to about 20 cm in diameter and average around 4Kg in weight.
When the fruit is ripe the skin will have turned an almost black colour.