XL Mylar Packet - Bijou Mixed Sweet Pea Seeds

Gold Vault Mylar Zip Packet

  According to traditional lore, poet John Keats first called these fragrant country flowers "sweet peas." It has also been called the queen of annuals and is the quintessential old fashioned English flower. Though accounts of this flower's origins differ, most historians agree that a Franciscan monk named Francisco Cupani found it growing when visiting the island of Sicily. In 1699, he sent the seeds of the plant to a botanist in Amsterdam, Dr. Casper Commelin, who published the first recorded description and illustration of sweet peas in 1701. Dr. Leonard Plukenet, the Royal Professor of Botany and gardener of Queen Mary, also recorded obtaining a specimen of sweet pea in the early 18th century.

  To soften the hard coating of these seeds, soak them for several hours or overnight in warm water before planting. Most of the seeds should have softened and begun to swell, but if a few remain hard make a slight nick in the seed coat with a sharp knife. In climates with mild winters, these prepared seeds can be sown in the fall to bring the earliest spring blooms. Otherwise, they should be planted in spring as soon as the ground can be worked; light frosts will not be harmful, though the seeds require at least 55 degrees F to germinate. Plant the seeds just under the surface and keep the soil lightly moist until germination. Seeds started indoors should be prepared in the same way, but planted in groups of three in individual peat pots and given plenty of sunlight.

  These seeds are non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), and are also free from all Neonicotinoids.  They are packaged in our superb Gold Mylar Mylar Zip Packaging, which gives the seeds the best storage possible, and allows you to reseal the bag for later use.  The artwork and labels on the packet are loaded with information - many people comment that it is the most beautiful packet that they have ever seen.  If you have never tried out our seeds before, this is your chance to experience something special!