Watermelon Sugar Baby [Citrullus lanatus]

The watermelon 'Sugar Baby' is an annual fruit vegetable plant that comes from southern Africa. The species was valued thousands of years ago for its many health benefits and applications. The plants form long tendrils on which the aromatic and sweet fruits weighing up to 3 kg develop. When fully ripe, the peel is dark green with salmon-colored, juicy flesh. Outdoor cultivation takes place in subtropical climate zones; in temperate climate zones, protected cultivation in a greenhouse is possible.

General information
Plant family: Cucurbitaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 40 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Heavy eater
Water requirements: High
Winter hardiness: Up to 3 °C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, loamy, sandy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 2-3 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-26 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 70x80 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Peanut, Soy, Bean, Pea, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Beetroot, Nasturtium, Corn
Unfavorable mixed culture: Potato, Tomato

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to June.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from April to May.

General
When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible melon leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Watermelon prefers a sunny, wind-protected and warm location above 12°C with a permeable, nutrient-rich, humus-rich and sandy loam soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
One plant produces 2-4 fruits. Outdoor cultivation is only recommended in warm climates; greenhouse cultivation is possible in cooler areas. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds.

Plant care
Regular and constant watering ensures optimal fruit development. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Citrullus lanatus
English names: Watermelon
German names: Wassermelone
Portuguese names: Melancia
Spanish names: Sandía
French names: Pastèque