Sweet pea 'Bijou Mixed' Lathyrus odoratus 'Bijou Mixed'

Water

Sweet peas, including the 'Bijou Mixed' variety, require regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it is best to water them thoroughly once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant. This can vary depending on weather conditions; in particularly hot or dry weather, they may need watering twice a week. It's essential to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, so water at the base of the plant. During the winter or in cooler climates, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent the roots from rotting in cold, wet soil.

Light

Sweet peas like 'Bijou Mixed' thrive best in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Position them in a spot where they can receive morning sun, which is less intense, and protection from the harsh afternoon sun if possible. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may not be as abundant as when grown in full sun.

Temperature

Sweet peas, such as 'Bijou Mixed', prefer cooler temperatures with the ideal range being between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit but are not heat tolerant, with maximum temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit being tolerable. For optimal growth and flowering, keeping them within the ideal range will yield the best results.

Pruning

Pruning sweet peas, including the 'Bijou Mixed' variety, is essential for promoting bushy growth and abundant flowering. Pinch out the growing tips when the plants are 4 to 6 inches tall to encourage branching. As the season progresses, regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers to form. The best time for pruning is during the cool part of the day, either in the morning or evening.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet pea 'Bijou Mixed' thrives best in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix composed of loamy garden soil amended with compost and a handful of perlite or sand to improve drainage is ideal for this plant. Ensure that the soil is also fertile and moisture-retentive to support their vigorous growth.

Repotting

Sweet pea 'Bijou Mixed' plants are annuals and do not typically require repotting as they complete their life cycle within one growing season. They are sown directly into the ground or pots where they are to flower.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet pea 'Bijou Mixed' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to normal outdoor humidity ranges. It does not have specific humidity requirements; just ensure that it is grown in a well-ventilated area to discourage disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moist, rich soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, use support for climbing, fertile soil.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Sweet Pea 'Bijou Mixed' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in early spring after being sown in well-draining soil, either indoors or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. The seedlings then develop into vines, producing distinctive tendrils that enable the plant to climb and support itself if given a trellis or similar structure. As the temperature warms, the plants grow rapidly and start to bloom, showing a range of colorful, fragrant flowers from late spring to summer. Following pollination, typically by bees or other insects, the flowers form seed pods. These pods eventually dry out on the plant, at which point they can be harvested for seeds to be sown the following season, completing its annual life cycle. Sweet Pea 'Bijou Mixed', if not deadheaded, will eventually expend its energy in seed production and then die, necessitating replanting the following year.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The sweet pea 'Bijou Mixed' is commonly propagated by sowing seeds. The optimal time for sowing sweet pea seeds is either in late October and November or from January to early April, aiming for a flowering period in spring or summer. To propagate by seeds, it is often recommended to first soften the hard seed coat to encourage germination. This can be done by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours or by gently nicking the seed coat with a file or sandpaper. Then, plant the seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in pots filled with a good-quality seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature between 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C). Seedlings usually emerge in 10 to 14 days, after which they should be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being transplanted to their final location in the garden.