Sugar Baby (Simlaw)

Sugar Baby Watermelon 

• Dark green.

• Round shaped.     

Planting

• Soil: Well-drained sandy loam, pH 6.0–6.8.
• Temperature: Plant when soil is above 70°F (21°C).
• Spacing: 3–5 feet between plants, rows 5–6 feet apart.
• Planting Method: Direct sow after the last frost or start indoors and transplant.

Fertilization

• Pre-Planting: Add compost or well-rotted manure.
• Early Growth: Use nitrogen-rich fertilizer (20-10-10) for vine development.
• Flowering & Fruiting: Apply phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer (5-10-15) for better fruiting.

Irrigation

• Early Growth: Keep soil moist, 1–2 inches of water per week.
• Flowering & Fruiting: Reduce watering slightly to enhance sweetness.
• Method: Use drip irrigation to prevent fungal diseases.

Pest & Disease Management

• Pests: Aphids, cucumber beetles, spider mites—control with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Diseases: Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew—prevent with crop rotation and proper spacing