Sugar Baby is a popular icebox-type watermelon introduced in 1956 that revolutionized small-fruited watermelon growing for home gardens. Its compact, round fruit fits easily in a refrigerator, and its short vines and relatively early maturity make it well suited to smaller gardens and cooler, shorter-season climates. Sugar Baby is prized for its intensely sweet, deep red flesh and dark, nearly black-green rind. It has remained a favorite among home growers for over half a century because of its dependability and manageable size. The variety is open-pollinated, so gardeners can save seed, and it produces well even where larger watermelons struggle to ripen.
Flavor Profile
Very sweet and sugary with tender, deep red flesh.
Visual Characteristics
Small round fruit weighing 8-12 pounds with a dark green, almost black rind and bright red flesh.
Growing Tips
An excellent choice for short seasons and small spaces; its compact vines can be grown closer together than large-fruited types.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Moderate field tolerance to common wilts
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.