Sweet Pea 'Bijou' mix - Lathyrus odoratus

40 seeds

Fragrant Blooms:

Sweet Pea 'Bijou' is known for its intense fragrance, offering the classic sweet pea scent that fills the air on warm summer days.

Compact Growth:

This variety has a compact growth habit, typically reaching heights of 12-18 inches, making it perfect for containers, window boxes, and small gardens. It’s also ideal for hanging baskets and ground-level borders.

Color Variety:

The blooms come in a stunning range of pastel colors, including soft pinks, purples, and whites, adding a pop of delicate color to any garden.

Attracts Pollinators:

Sweet peas attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

Cut Flower Friendly:

'Bijou' sweet peas are perfect for cutting and adding to floral arrangements, thanks to their long stems and profusion of blooms.

Light Requirements:

Sweet Peas thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For best flowering, plant them in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Watering:

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Sweet peas prefer slightly damp soil, so water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Good drainage is essential for preventing waterlogged roots.

Soil:

Sweet Peas prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They grow best in loamy or sandy soils with a slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). If planting in containers, use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix to ensure healthy root development.

Fertilization:

Sweet Peas do not require heavy feeding, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth. You can also provide a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote abundant flowering, but avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Support:

Sweet Peas are climbing plants, so they will benefit from a trellis, fence, or cage for support. For the Bijou variety, a small trellis or support structure is sufficient due to its compact size. As the plants grow, gently tie the stems to the support to help them climb.

Pruning:

Sweet Peas don’t require much pruning, but cutting back spent flowers, known as deadheading, will encourage more blooms and keep the plant looking tidy. You can also pinch back the growing tips early on to encourage bushier growth.

Pests & Diseases:

Sweet Peas are generally resistant to pests, but they can occasionally attract aphids, slugs, or snails. In case of pest infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering.

Mulching:

Applying a layer of mulch around your sweet peas can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool. Be careful not to mulch too close to the stems to prevent rot.

Companion Planting:

Sweet Peas are a great companion plant for roses, sunflowers, and lavender, as their bright colors and lovely fragrance complement these plants. Additionally, pairing them with herbs like oregano or basil can create a beautiful and aromatic garden space.

Cutting Flowers:

To enjoy the fragrance and beauty of sweet peas indoors, snip the flowers regularly and place them in a vase of water. The more you cut, the more flowers they will produce.

Deadheading:

Removing spent flowers regularly encourages new blooms, helping to extend the flowering period. Sweet Peas can bloom from spring through early summer, and continuous deadheading will keep them blooming longer.