Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Sweet Pea Bijou Mix

Before You Plant

Sweet Pea seeds have a hard outer coat. For best germination, nick each seed with a nail file or sandpaper, or soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. This helps speed up germination.

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

Sweet Pea Bijou Mix is a cool-season annual that loves chilly weather. This dwarf variety grows only 12 to 18 inches tall and does not require support, making it ideal for containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, and front-of-border edging.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors in very early spring, even before the last frost, as soon as the soil can be worked. In mild-winter regions, sow in fall for spring blooms.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and rich, well-drained soil. Bijou Mix is a true dwarf sweet pea and grows 12 to 18 inches tall, so no support is required.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. For best results, improve the soil with compost and make sure it drains well.
• 4. Sow the Seeds
  After prepping the seeds, sow them 1 inch deep and space them 3 to 4 inches apart. In containers, plant 4 to 6 seeds per 12-inch pot for a full, lush display. 1 oz covers up to 30 sq ft.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Cover seeds with about 1 inch of soil and press gently for good contact. Sweet Pea seeds need darkness to germinate, so make sure they are fully covered.
• 6. Water the Area
  Keep soil consistently moist for 10 to 21 days until germination. Germination is best at 55 to 65°F.
• 7. Grow On
  Once established, water deeply at the base 1 to 2 times per week. Container plants may need watering more often because pots dry out faster. Pick flowers regularly to keep plants blooming.

Starting Indoors (Alternative Method)

Sweet Pea Bijou Mix can also be started indoors for earlier blooms, especially in areas with short cool seasons.

• 1. Prep the Seeds
  Nick each seed with a nail file or sandpaper, or soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing.
• 2. Start Seeds Early
  Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Use deep pots or root trainers to give roots room to grow.
• 3. Sow the Seeds
  Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in a seed-starting mix and cover fully, as sweet peas need darkness to germinate.
• 4. Keep Cool and Moist
  Keep the growing medium consistently moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 10 to 21 days at 55 to 65°F.
• 5. Transplant Outdoors
  Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Plant in rich, well-drained soil or containers after the seedlings are established.

Growing Tips

• Sweet Pea Bijou Mix is a cool-season annual and grows best in chilly weather.
• Nick or soak seeds before planting for faster, more reliable germination.
• Choose full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Use rich, well-drained soil for best growth and flowering.
• Seeds need darkness to germinate - cover with about 1 inch of soil.
• Keep soil consistently moist during germination, usually 10 to 21 days.
• Germination is best at 55 to 65°F.
• Space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart.
• Bijou Mix grows 12 to 18 inches tall and does not require support.
• Ideal for containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, and front-of-border edging.
• In containers, plant 4 to 6 seeds per 12-inch pot for a full display.
• Water deeply at the base 1 to 2 times per week once established.
• Container plants may need more frequent watering.
• Pinch growing tips when seedlings reach 3 to 4 inches to encourage bushier plants and more flowers.
• Pick flowers regularly to keep plants blooming.