What hardiness zones is Citrullus lanatus 'Sugar Baby' suitable for?

Citrullus lanatus 'Sugar Baby' is an annual vine reaching 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) tall with a spread of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) and a trailing, vining habit—more compact than full-size watermelons. Developed by M. Hardin of Conley, Georgia, introduced in 1956, it produces round, icebox-type fruits 6-12 pounds (2.7-5.4 kg) with a solid dark green rind (no striping) and deep red, sweet, fine-grained flesh. The rind is thin but tough. Days to maturity 70-80 from transplant—among the earliest watermelons. Growth rate is fast. The standard icebox watermelon—fits in a refrigerator. More compact vines than full-size types—suitable for smaller gardens. Open-pollinated.

Native Range

Citrullus lanatus is native to tropical Africa. 'Sugar Baby' was developed by M. Hardin of Conley, Georgia, and introduced in 1956.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—fresh eating, pickling rind. Standard icebox watermelon 6-12 lb—fits in refrigerator. Compact vines for smaller gardens. Earliest watermelon 70-80 days. Deep red sweet flesh. 1956 Georgia. Open-pollinated. Not suitable for large-fruit competition or where striped rinds are preferred.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Crimson Sweet' by the smaller size (6-12 versus 20-25 lb), the round (versus oval) shape, the solid dark green (versus striped) rind, the more compact vines (4-6 versus 6-10 ft), and the earlier maturity (70-80 versus 80-90 days). Distinguished from 'Yellow Doll' by the red (versus yellow) flesh and the dark green (versus light striped) rind. Sugar Baby—standard icebox, solid dark green rind, most compact vines, earliest, 1956 Georgia.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'3"

Width/Spread4' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Small yellow flowers—male first, then female with miniature fruit at base. Bee pollination essential. Each flower open one day.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; small; male and female separate; bee-pollinated

Foliage Description

Dark green; deeply lobed; on compact trailing vines

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

70-80 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after soil warms to 70°F (21°C). Full sun, well-drained, sandy loam (pH 6.0-7.0). Hills or mounds. Heavy feeder. Consistent moisture until fruit set, then reduce. Days to maturity 70-80 from transplant. Compact vines 4-6 feet—suitable for smaller gardens. Ripe when belly spot turns creamy yellow and rind resists fingernail scratch.