Annual Sweet Pea - Bijou Mix

Lathyrus odoratus 'Bijou Mix' is a compact, bush-type sweet pea that delivers all the old-world charm of this quintessential English cottage flower in a space-efficient 16-inch habit. Prolific and ruffled blooms in lavender, pink, purple, red, salmon, and white appear on stems long enough to cut, making Bijou equally at home in window boxes, borders, beds, and vases. Fragrant, cool-season, and historically beloved — sweet peas were called “the queen of annuals” for good reason.

Approx. 350 seeds per oz.

Plant Highlights

• Bush habit: 16 inches — no trellis required
• Rich fragrance; large, ruffled blooms in a full color mix
• Long-stemmed enough for cutting and indoor bouquets
• Ideal for window boxes, borders, and beds
• Cool-season performer; thrives in spring and fall
• Approx. 350 seeds per oz

A Brief History

Sweet peas trace their recorded origins to 1699, when a Franciscan monk named Francisco Cupani found them growing in Sicily and sent seeds to Amsterdam botanist Dr. Casper Commelin. The first botanical description and illustration appeared in 1701. By the early 18th century they had earned a place in royal gardens across Europe — and they’ve been a cottage garden staple ever since.

Growing Guide

Seed prep: Soak seeds overnight in warm water. If any remain hard, nick the seed coat lightly with a sharp knife before planting.

Cool-winter areas: Sow prepared seeds in fall for the earliest spring blooms.

Spring planting: Sow as soon as the ground can be worked — seeds tolerate light frost but need at least 55°F to germinate. Plant just under the soil surface; keep lightly moist until germination.

Starting indoors: Sow in groups of three in individual peat pots to avoid disturbing roots at transplant. Give ample sunlight. Pinch top leaves as seedlings develop to encourage branching.

Ongoing care: Water regularly; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Apply fertilizer several times through the season. Watch for slugs and birds on young plants.

Cutting: Cut early in the morning with the lowest blossom just beginning to open. Strip lower leaves and place in water immediately. Frequent harvesting encourages continued blooming.

Seed saving: Let pods ripen to light brown on the plant, then pick and dry away from direct sunlight. Split pods, dry seeds fully, and store in a cool, dry place.

Planting Specs

• Type: Annual
• USDA Zones: 3a–9b
• Height: 16 inches (bush type)
• Bloom season: Summer through fall
• Bloom color: Lavender, pink, purple, red, salmon, white — mixed
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, pH 6.1–7.5
• Germ temp: 55–68°F | Avg. germ time: 14–21 days
• Spacing: 4–6 inches