Nothing brings back the happy memories of sunny summer days like the delicious and refreshing taste of watermelon.
This refreshing fruit has different varieties, but “Sugar Baby” is the most common in home gardens.
Ah, the anticipation of a perfectly ripe sugar baby—crisp, juicy, and bursting with sweet delight. If you’re growing this variety in your garden, get ready for a delicious surprise.
But here’s the million-dollar question: When to pick watermelon sugar baby?
In this article, we’ll discuss the secrets of picking these alluring fruits, ensuring appreciation in every bite.
So, without further delay, let’s begin!
When to Pick Watermelon Sugar Baby?
A sugar-baby watermelon is undoubtedly a very delicious treat.
But one thing to remember while growing it in your garden is how to pick it up at the correct time.
Because if you harvest it too soon, it won’t have the sweet flavor you expect. Contrarily, allowing these watermelons to remain unharvested leads to their deterioration and rotting.
So, it is crucial to pick them up at the right time!
To understand when to pick your watermelon sugar baby, you must look for some signs, including:
Days to Maturity
The first and the best way to tell whether a sugar baby watermelon is ripened is by counting the number of days.
Simple, isn’t it?
Listen! Sugar baby watermelon needs roughly 75 to 90 days to grow 8–12 pounds of fruit.
For best results, starting the seeds indoors before the last frost date is recommended.
By doing so, you can expect the fruits to fully mature as early as May or June.
Related Article:How Long Does It Take For A Watermelon To Grow?
Color
The other reliable indicator to tell the maturity of the watermelon is its color.
As the watermelon matures, the fruit’s skin changes from bright to dull and will grow harder. The area that touches the ground will also change from light green to yellow or cream color.
Observe the signs of color change to find the right time to pick.
Tendrils
Tendrils are the thread-like strands you often find in vining plants—they work as attachments and supports.
One advantage of these tendrils is that you can check the ripeness of watermelon simply by looking at the tendril.
But how will the tendrils tell you about it?
Listen! A green tendril shows that the fruit still needs some time to mature. But once a tendril turns brown and dry, it’s time to harvest.
Growgardener’s NOTE: Don’t let the tendril dry thoroughly because when the tendrils have dried out completely, the fruit is either on the verge of over ripeness or it is already overripe.
All these factors help decide when to pick watermelon sugar baby.
So, look for these signs carefully, and don’t let your fruit stay on the ground for too long.
Discussing what will happen if you neglect to pick the watermelon sugar baby is also crucial.
What If You Neglect to Harvest Watermelon Sugar Baby on Time?
If you neglect to harvest watermelon sugar baby, several results may occur.
Initially, the fruits will continue to ripen on the vine, eventually reaching an overripe state.
It can lead to a decline in flavor and texture, as the sugars may convert into starches, resulting in a less enjoyable eating experience.
Actually, the rule, “The fruits of patience are sweeter,” doesn’t work in this regard.
Getting my point?
As the watermelon becomes overripe, its skin may start to crack or split, making it susceptible to pests and diseases.
Related Article:Why Is My Watermelon Pink Inside – 3 Likely Causes!
It’s noteworthy that unharvested watermelons may also drop from the vine and rot on the ground, creating a mess and attracting pests.
It can negatively impact the cleanliness and overall health of your garden.
Pro Tip: To make the most out of your “Sugar Baby” harvest, it is suggested to monitor the fruits closely and harvest them at their ideal ripeness.
It ensures you can taste the delicious flavor, enjoy the juicy texture, and appreciate the rewards of your gardening efforts.
FAQs
Here are the answers to some often asked questions.
What Should I Do if I Pick an Unripe Watermelon Sugar Baby?
Well! You can try a few things in this case.
- First, store it at room temperature and allow it to ripen further. But remember that this doesn’t guarantee the complete improvement of its flavor and sweetness.
- Another choice is to cut the watermelon into small pieces and use it in recipes like salads or smoothies.
If all else fails, you can compost the unripe fruit.
Remember, it’s best to wait for a fully ripe watermelon sugar baby for the most enjoyable taste.
How Should I Store a Ripe Watermelon Sugar Baby?
It is best to keep it in a cool and dry place like the refrigerator.
You can either store the whole watermelon or cut it into slices or cubes and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
How Can I Enhance the Sweetness of Watermelon Sugar Baby?
You can try a few methods to enhance the sweetness of your watermelon sugar baby.
- Chilling the watermelon in the refrigerator before serving can increase its natural sweetness.
- A sprinkle of salt or a squeeze of lime juice can also help bring out the sweet flavors.
- Another way is to pair the watermelon with complementary sweet ingredients like honey, fresh mint, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
That’s all for today!
Thank you for taking the time to explore the ins and outs of picking the watermelon sugar baby.
Now, let’s wrap up the topic and discuss what we have learned so far.
To Sum Up!
I hope now you know when to pick watermelon sugar baby.
Most expert gardeners pick them up when their heart signals.
But for newbies, there are certain things to consider before picking the watermelon, like color, tendrils, size, and days to maturity. So, it would be best if you looked for these things.
If your watermelon sugar baby is ready to pick, manually check them by cutting a random fruit. And make sure to pick the watermelon immediately when ripe. If they stay on the vine, they may become overripe and lose their sweetness and texture.
I hope you enjoy the sweetest watermelon sugar baby ever by implementing these easy steps.
Your taste buds will thank you!
Regards,
Moiz Atiq.