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 Dahlia vs. Celosia
The comparison
| Fact | | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Germination time | 3–5 days | 8–14 days |
| Germination temperature | 18–21 °C64–70 °F | 21–27 °C70–81 °F |
| Sowing depth | 6 mm¼ in | 3 mm⅛ in |
| Spacing between plants | 30–91 cm1–3 ft | Not yet verified |
| Sun | Full sun | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate | Moderate |
| Containers | Yes | Yes |
| Frost tolerance | Not yet verified | Tender (no frost) |
| Soil pH | pH 6.5–7.0 | pH 6.0–8.0 |
| Toxicity to cats | Toxic | Non-toxic |
| Toxicity to dogs | Toxic | Non-toxic |
| Links |
Up close
What each one is, in a few lines, with the full growing guide one click away.
FlowersDahlia pinnata
Dahlias are colorful summer-blooming flowers that can be started from seed indoors or sown outdoors after the last frost. Most gardeners grow them from tubers, and seed-grown plants often differ from their parents.
How to grow dahliaFlowersCelosia argentea
Celosia argentea is a tropical annual with feathery, plume-like flowers that bloom until the first frost. It is easy to start from seed and grows best in full sun.
How to grow celosiaKeep comparing
Add a third seed, or swap one for a close relative from the same category.
Dahlia vs. Celosia vs. African DaisyAdd african daisy as a third
Dahlia vs. Celosia vs. African MarigoldAdd african marigold as a third
Dahlia vs. Celosia vs. AgeratumAdd ageratum as a thirdDahlia vs. African DaisyDahlia against another flowerCelosia vs. African DaisyCelosia against another flowerDahlia vs. African MarigoldDahlia 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.
