Baby Doll Watermelon

Transplant seedlings outdoors once soil temperature reaches at least 70°F and all danger of frost has passed. Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Space transplants 36 inches apart in full sun, and plant them at the same depth they were growing in containers.

Direct sow seeds outdoors after soil has warmed to at least 70°F and all frost danger has passed. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and thin seedlings to 36 inches apart once they have developed true leaves.

Baby Doll watermelons reach harvest maturity 70-79 days after planting, though fruit can ripen as early as 40 days from sowing under ideal conditions. Harvest when the fruit shows a deep canary-yellow skin color and develops a creamy or dull finish rather than a glossy sheen. Check ripeness by looking for a pale, creamy spot on the bottom of the melon where it rested on the soil; this spot should be yellow or cream-colored, not pale green. The melon should feel heavy for its size and have a hollow sound when tapped gently. Cut the stem with a knife rather than twisting to avoid damaging the vine.

Baby Doll's vining growth habit typically doesn't require pruning for fruit production, though you can remove dead or diseased leaves as they appear. If growing vertically on a trellis, you may pinch back the main vine after 4-5 nodes to encourage branching and more even fruit distribution. Support developing fruits with soft slings if trellising to prevent the weight from breaking the vine.