{"product_id":"watermelon-sugar-baby-seeds-citrullus-lanatus","title":"Watermelon Sugar Baby Seeds — Citrullus lanatus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Classic Backyard Watermelon\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatermelon Sugar Baby\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eCitrullus lanatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is the quintessential home garden watermelon — compact, prolific, and absolutely delicious. Sugar Baby produces small to medium round fruits with a deep green skin and stunning bright red, intensely sweet flesh that is perfect for slicing on a hot summer's day. One of the most popular watermelon varieties in the world, and a firm favourite with NZ gardeners for its manageable size and reliable performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🍉 \u003cstrong\u003eIntensely sweet bright red flesh\u003c\/strong\u003e — classic watermelon flavour at its best\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eCompact vines\u003c\/strong\u003e — more manageable than full-sized watermelon varieties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📅 \u003cstrong\u003eReliable producer\u003c\/strong\u003e — typically 2–3 fruits per plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e☀️ \u003cstrong\u003eLoves the heat\u003c\/strong\u003e — thrives in warm NZ summers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e💚 \u003cstrong\u003eDeep green skin\u003c\/strong\u003e — attractive, classic watermelon appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWatermelons need warmth to thrive — sow seeds indoors in individual pots from September to October, and transplant outdoors once all frost risk has passed and soil has warmed (November onwards). Choose the sunniest, most sheltered spot in your garden and plant in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Space plants 1–1.5 m apart and water deeply but infrequently, reducing water as fruits approach maturity to concentrate sweetness. Fruits are ready to harvest when the tendril nearest the fruit has dried and the underside turns from white to creamy yellow — typically 75–85 days from transplanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e💡 \u003cstrong\u003eGrower's tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e In cooler NZ regions, growing under a cloche or in a greenhouse will significantly improve results. Resting fruits on a piece of cardboard or straw will protect them from soil moisture and help them ripen evenly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e5 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Watermelon Sugar Baby (\u003cem\u003eCitrullus lanatus\u003c\/em\u003e), with sowing and growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45307855175749,"sku":null,"price":3.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_8538d342-1f4a-4db7-afa6-c1f0ecfb38db.png?v=1783408713","url":"https:\/\/chbotanics.co.nz\/products\/watermelon-sugar-baby-seeds-citrullus-lanatus","provider":"Chbotanics Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}