Yates Seed of the Month
March 2008

Sweet Pea Bijou

Yates Seed of the Month for March 2008, Sweet Pea Bijou, is the perfect sweet pea for gardens that
don't have the space for the tall-growing varieties. Why? Because it only reaches about 60cm tall
(that's two feet if you feel more comfortable in the old imperial measurements). And, despite Bijou's
small stature, its late winter and early spring blooms come in a mix of vibrant colours and have the
same delightful fragrance that's such an integral part of sweet pea charm.

 

Although Bijou plants are short, the blooms are just as suitable for picking as those on the taller-
growing sweet peas. This, of course, means you get to enjoy the colour and perfume indoors. In fact
the more you pick them, the more flowers the plants produce.

March is the month when everyone thinks about growing sweet peas, and St Patrick's Day, 17 March,
is the traditional day for sowing their seeds. (It's worth noting, however, that while this date serves as a
great reminder, it's often better to wait a few more weeks in warm climates).

Choose a sunny, well-drained spot in the garden or fill a good-sized pot (Yates Tuscan pots are ideal)
with a quality potting mix. Blend in some Thrive Granular All Purpose and a sprinkling of Yates Garden
Lime or Dolomite. Cover the soil with a generous layer of Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix, water
well the day before sowing, and then push the seeds into the just-moist mix. Make sure they're well
covered (to about 2.5 cm) as the seeds will only germinate if they're in the dark. In fact, some keen
growers go to the effort of covering the bed with sheets of newspaper during the germination period.

As the seedlings start to grow, watch for snails and slugs; protect with some Blitzem or Baysol pellets.
Keep a Yates Rose Gun on hand, too, to treat insect pests, mites and the fungal diseases (such as
powdery mildew) that can affect sweet peas.

Bijou is ideal for garden borders, containers or for simply adding charming colour to sunny spots in the
garden.

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