Growing Sweet Pea Knee High Mix: The Perfect Compact Blooms for Small Gardens

Hey garden lovers! I’ve been growing sweet peas for years and today I’m super excited to share everything about one of my absolute favorites – the Sweet Pea Knee High Mix. These charming compact flowers have completely transformed my small garden space and I know they can do the same for yours!

What Makes Sweet Pea Knee High Mix Special?

The Sweet Pea Knee High Mix is a fantastic blend of dwarf sweet pea varieties that only grow between 12-18 inches tall. What I love most about these little beauties is that they pack all the charm and fragrance of traditional sweet peas into a more manageable size. They’re perfect for gardeners like us who might be working with limited space!

Here’s what makes them stand out

• Compact Height: Usually grows 12-18 inches tall
• Diverse Colors: Beautiful mix of pink, purple, red, white, lavender, and salmon blooms
• Sweet Fragrance: Lovely honey and orange scent
• Low Maintenance: No trellising needed
• Long Blooming: Flowers for 8-10 weeks with proper care

Popular Varieties in the Mix

The knee high mix typically includes these amazing varieties:

• Bijou Mix (10-12 inches tall)
• Little Sweetheart Mix (14-18 inches tall)
• Cupani (12-15 inches tall)
• Benny (14 inches tall)
• Misty (10 inches tall)

How to Grow Your Sweet Pea Knee High Mix

I’ve learned some tricks over the years and here’s my fool-proof guide to growing these beauties

Planting Requirements

1. Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
2. Soil: Rich, well-draining loamy soil
3. Temperature: Best when soil is 55-65°F
4. Spacing: Plant seeds 2-3 inches apart, then thin to 6-8 inches

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Seed Preparation

   • Soak seeds for 24-48 hours before planting
   • Plant seeds 1 inch deep
   • Keep soil consistently moist until germination

2. Timing

   • Spring planting: When soil warms to 55-60°F
   • Fall planting: Possible in mild winter areas
   • Germination takes 10-21 days

3. Ongoing Care

   • Water when top few inches of soil feels dry
   • Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer
   • Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms

Creative Ways to Use Sweet Pea Knee High Mix

I’ve tried these plants in various settings, and here are my favorite ways to use them:

• Container Gardens: Perfect for patio pots and window boxes
• Border Plants: Creates lovely edging in flower beds
• Mixed Containers: Pairs beautifully with:
  • Lobelia
  • Marigolds
  • Nasturtiums
  • Alyssum

Pro Tips from My Garden

After growing these sweet peas for several seasons, here are some insider tips:

1. Moisture Management

   • Keep soil evenly moist
   • Don’t let plants completely dry out
   • Use mulch to retain moisture

2. Temperature Control

   • Provide afternoon shade in hot climates
   • Mulch to keep roots cool
   • Plant early to beat summer heat

3. Maintenance

   • Pick flowers daily for bouquets
   • Remove spent blooms promptly
   • Trim plants back halfway through summer

Common Questions I Get About Sweet Pea Knee High Mix

Q: Do these need support like regular sweet peas?
A: Nope! That’s the beauty of this mix – they’re self-supporting, though a small cage can help keep them tidy.

Q: How long will they bloom?
A: With proper care and regular deadheading, you’ll get 8-10 weeks of beautiful blooms!

Q: Are they good for cutting?
A: Absolutely! They make wonderful bouquets and the more you cut, the more they bloom.

Final Thoughts

The Sweet Pea Knee High Mix has been a game-changer in my garden, and I bet it will be in yours too! They’re perfect for small spaces, super easy to grow, and give you months of gorgeous, fragrant blooms. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, these compact sweet peas deserve a spot in your garden.

Remember, success with these beauties comes down to good soil prep, regular deadheading, and consistent moisture. Give them these basics, and they’ll reward you with an amazing display of colors and scents all season long!