Side by side
Pick two or three seeds to see how they grow, side by side: sprouting, spacing, sun, water, frost and pet safety in one table.
Comparing Cornflower vs. Coreopsis
The comparison
| Fact | | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Life cycle | Annual | Annual |
| Sun | Full sun, partial shade | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate | Low |
| Containers | Yes | Yes |
| Frost tolerance | Not yet verified | Hardy |
| Toxicity to cats | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Toxicity to dogs | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Links |
Up close
What each one is, in a few lines, with the full growing guide one click away.
FlowersCentaurea cyanus
Cornflower is an annual with blue flowers that grows in full sun or light shade and reseeds easily. Seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
How to grow cornflowerFlowersCoreopsis tinctoria
Coreopsis tinctoria, also called plains coreopsis or tickseed, is an annual wildflower with bright yellow flowers. It grows well in full sun and tolerates poor, dry soil.
How to grow coreopsisKeep comparing
Add a third seed, or swap one for a close relative from the same category.
Cornflower vs. Coreopsis vs. African DaisyAdd african daisy as a third
Cornflower vs. Coreopsis vs. African MarigoldAdd african marigold as a third
Cornflower vs. Coreopsis vs. AgeratumAdd ageratum as a thirdCornflower vs. African DaisyCornflower against another flowerCoreopsis vs. African DaisyCoreopsis against another flowerCornflower vs. African MarigoldCornflower against another flowerThe table, row by row
Every row is a fact from each seed's own profile, lined up so the differences stand out.
Germination time and temperature
How many days the seeds take to sprout, and the temperature range they sprout in.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Toxicity to cats and dogs
Whether the plant is toxic to cats and dogs.
Quick wins
Days from sowing until the first shoots appear, in good conditions.
Pet friendly
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
Each seed's page explains how to grow it from seed, with facts researched and reviewed by our editors.
