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Seed | Sugar Baby Watermelon

Seed | Sugar Baby Watermelon

$3.99 CAD
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Sugar Baby watermelon seeds are a compact variety ideal for small gardens. Produces round, 15-20 cm fruits with bright red, juicy, and sweet flesh.

A LITTLE HISTORY

History and Origin of the Sugar Baby Watermelon

Watermelons have a rich history dating back to Africa, where they were cultivated thousands of years ago. The Sugar Baby watermelon was specifically developed by Mr. Hardin in Geary, Oklahoma, and was introduced by the Woodside Seed Company in 1955.

As an heirloom variety, the Sugar Baby watermelon has been passed down from generation to generation, preserving its original genetic characteristics.

Characteristics of Sugar Baby Watermelon
Size and shape
One of the great advantages of the Sugar Baby watermelon is its ease of handling. These watermelons typically measure between 18 and 20 cm in diameter and weigh between 2.7 and 5.4 kg. Compared to large watermelons that can weigh up to 14 kg or more, this variety is very practical thanks to its compact size, making it easy to transport, store, and serve at events.

Skin and flesh
The Sugar Baby watermelon has a dark green skin, sometimes slightly striped. Inside, its bright red flesh is firm, dotted with small seeds, and extremely sweet. The contrast between the dark skin on the outside and the juicy, bright flesh on the inside makes it a fruit that is as delicious as it is attractive. Its high sugar content is the main reason for its popularity.

Popularity: Beginning in the 1960s, the Sugar Baby gained popularity as a garden variety. Its ease of growing and sweet taste made it a favorite among watermelon lovers.

Modern Cultivation: Today, the Sugar Baby is widely cultivated not only in the United States, but also in other parts of the world. It is often offered at summer markets and is a favorite for picnics and barbecues.

PROPERTIES

Sugar Baby watermelon, like other watermelon varieties, has several health benefits:

  • Hydration
    Rich in water: Composed of approximately 92% water, it helps maintain good hydration, which is especially important during the warmer months.
  • Low in calories
    Light diet: With a low calorie content, it is ideal for those who want to control their weight while enjoying a sweet taste.
  • Antioxidants
  • Lycopene: Watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases, including some cancers and heart disease.
  • Vitamins: It also contains vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for skin health and the immune system.
  • Digestion
  • Fiber: Although it is not very high in fiber, it contains enough to contribute to good digestion and gut health.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
    Citrulline: Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.
  • Cardiovascular benefits
    Heart Health: The antioxidants and nutrients in watermelon may contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and improving blood circulation.
  • Diuretic properties
    Helps with elimination: Its high water and potassium content promotes the elimination of toxins through the kidneys, acting as a natural diuretic.
    By incorporating Sugar Baby watermelon into your diet, you can enjoy these various health benefits while enjoying a delicious and refreshing fruit.
HOW TO COOK?

Sugar Baby watermelon is delicious fresh, but it can also be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some ideas for cooking it:

  • Watermelon Salad
    Ingredients: Watermelon, feta, fresh mint, lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper.
    Preparation: Cut the melon into cubes, crumble the feta cheese over the top, add chopped mint, and drizzle with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Watermelon Smoothie
    Ingredients: Watermelon, natural yogurt, a little honey, lemon juice.
    Preparation: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve chilled.
  • Sorbets or granitas
    Ingredients: Watermelon, sugar, lemon juice.
    Preparation: Blend the melon with the sugar and lemon juice, then place the mixture in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes until it forms a granita-like texture.
  • Pies or cakes
    Ingredients: Watermelon, pie crust, pastry cream, sugar.
    Preparation: Pre-bake the pastry, add the pastry cream, then decorate with melon slices. Refrigerate before serving.
  • Juice or cocktails
    Ingredients: Watermelon, lime, mint.
    Preparation: Blend the melon with lime juice, strain to remove the pulp, and serve with fresh mint. You can also use it as a base for cocktails by adding alcohol.
  • Appetizer picks
    Ingredients: Watermelon, raw ham, basil.
    Preparation: Dice the melon, wrap it in cured ham and add a basil leaf for a tasty bite.
    These recipes are simple and showcase the sweetness and freshness of Sugar Baby watermelon. Have fun experimenting and creating your own dishes!

Here are some traditional recipes featuring watermelon, especially the Sugar Baby variety:

  • Traditional Watermelon Salad
    Ingredients :
    1 Sugar Baby watermelon
    200 g of feta
    A few fresh mint leaves
    Olive oil
    Lemon juice
    Salt and pepper
    Preparation :
    Cut the melon in half, remove the seeds and flesh. Cut it into cubes.
    In a salad bowl, mix the melon cubes with the crumbled feta.
    Add chopped mint leaves.
    Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
    Mix gently and serve chilled.
  • Watermelon in wine
    Ingredients :
    1 Sugar Baby watermelon
    1 bottle of rosé wine
    Sugar (to taste)
    A few mint leaves
    Preparation :
    Cut the melon into quarters and remove the seeds.
    In a large bowl, mix the melon pieces with the rosé wine and sugar.
    Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
    Serve in glasses with a few mint leaves as garnish.
  • Watermelon Compote
    Ingredients :
    1 Sugar Baby watermelon
    2-3 tablespoons of sugar (according to taste)
    The juice of one lemon
    Preparation :
    Peel the melon and remove the seeds, then cut it into small pieces.
    In a saucepan, add the melon pieces, sugar and lemon juice.
    Cook over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the melon becomes tender.
    Let cool, then serve warm or cold.
  • Watermelon Jam
    Ingredients :
    1 kg of Sugar Baby watermelon
    500 g of sugar
    The juice of one lemon
    Preparation :
    Peel and cut the melon into small pieces, removing the seeds.
    In a saucepan, mix the melon pieces with the sugar and lemon juice.
    Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens.
    Put in jars and let cool.
  • These traditional recipes showcase the sweetness and freshness of watermelon, perfect for summer or any occasion. Enjoy!
HOW TO GROW?

Culture stuff;

Growing Sugar Baby watermelons in pots and on a trellis is entirely possible and can even be very rewarding! Here are some specific tips:

  • Choice of pot
    Size: Choose a pot that is at least 12 to 18 inches deep and wide (5 to 7 gallon pot). Watermelons have fairly extensive roots.
  • Drainage: Make sure the pot has good drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
  • Using a trellis
    Installation: Place a sturdy trellis near the pots or in the ground. Wire mesh or wooden trellises work well.
  • Training: As plants begin to climb, gently guide them up the trellis, tying them with soft ties if necessary.
  • Fruit Support: Use fabric bags or netting to support melons as they grow, so they don't fall over and are better exposed to light.
  • Watering
    Regularity: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
    Technique: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Citrullus lanatus
  • Sowing: Early April (under cover, outdoor greenhouse) or early May indoors, or directly in the ground
  • Seeds: 2 seeds per pot, beginning of May and put the plants in the ground at the end of May, beginning of June
    The pots will be ready to put in the ground at the beginning of June.
  • Sowing depth: 1-2cm
  • Germination time: 5-10 days
  • Soil: Slightly acidic, humus-rich, loose, fresh and well-drained
  • Location: Requires very hot cultivation and plenty of sun
  • Spacing between plants: 55-70 cm
  • Mature height: 80-120cm | Ideally, train it up a trellis or rope stake and remember to water thoroughly, on the ground and not on the leaves
  • Maturity: 70-80 days | Productive | Very prolific
  • Seed per envelope: +/- 30

Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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