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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