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Comparing Beet vs. Bell Pepper vs. Artichoke

The comparison

Beet vs. Bell Pepper vs. Artichoke

Units
Growing facts for Beet, Bell Pepper and Artichoke, side by side
Fact
BeetBeta vulgaris
Bell PepperCapsicum annuum
ArtichokeCynara cardunculus var. scolymus
DifficultyModerateModerateChallenging
Germination timeNot yet verifiedNot yet verified8–12 days
Germination temperature7–29 °C45–84 °FNot yet verified21–26 °C70–79 °F
Sowing depth1.5 cm½ in6 mm¼ in6 mm¼ in
Spacing between plantsNot yet verifiedNot yet verified46 cm18 in
Days to maturityNot yet verified70–85 days from transplantingNot yet verified
SunNot yet verifiedFull sunFull sun
WaterModerateNot yet verifiedNot yet verified
ContainersYes, 1.9 L or largerYes, 2 qt or largerYesNot yet verified
Frost toleranceHalf-hardy (light frost)Tender (no frost)Not yet verified
Soil pHpH 6.0–8.0Not yet verifiedpH 6.5–8.0
Links

Up close

Meet the seeds

What each one is, in a few lines, with the full growing guide one click away.

  • Beet plant with red stems and broad green leaves growing in soil with its root exposedVegetables

    Beet

    Beta vulgaris

    Difficulty: ModerateGrows in pots

    Beets are cool-season root vegetables you can sow straight into the garden or into pots. They need steady moisture, and seedlings usually need thinning.

    How to grow beet
  • Green bell pepper fruit growing on a pepper plant among broad green leavesVegetables

    Bell Pepper

    Capsicum annuum

    Difficulty: ModerateGrows in pots

    A sweet, mild pepper that needs a long, warm season. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, then grow it in full sun, in the ground or in a large pot.

    How to grow bell pepper
  • Globe artichoke buds growing on tall plants in a sunlit garden bedVegetables

    Artichoke

    Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

    Difficulty: Challenging

    Globe artichokes are large, thistle-like plants grown for their edible flower buds. They need full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Seed results are variable, so many growers start with plants or divisions.

    How to grow artichoke

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The table, row by row

How to read a comparison

Every row is a fact from each seed's own profile, lined up so the differences stand out.

  1. Sprouting

    Germination time and temperature

    How many days the seeds take to sprout, and the temperature range they sprout in.

  2. Sowing

    Sowing depth and spacing

    How deep to sow each seed and how far apart the plants should grow. “On the surface” means the seed isn't covered.

  3. Timing

    Days to maturity and life cycle

    How long until the plant is ready, counted from sowing or from transplanting (each value says which). Annuals live one year, biennials two, perennials longer.

  4. Light and water

    Sun and water

    Full sun means 6 or more hours of direct sun a day, partial shade a few hours. Water needs are rated low, moderate or high.

  5. Space and weather

    Containers, frost tolerance and soil pH

    Whether it grows in a pot, with the smallest pot when it's known. Frost tolerance runs from tender (no frost) to hardy. Soil pH 7 is neutral.

  6. Pets

    Toxicity to cats and dogs

    Whether the plant is toxic to cats and dogs.

Quick wins

Fastest to sprout

Days from sowing until the first shoots appear, in good conditions.

Pet friendly

Safe around cats and dogs

Listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Each seed's page has the details.

Not safe for pets: borage, buckwheat, caraway, carnation and 14 more.

Comparing

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