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 Petunia vs. Blazing Star
The comparison
| Fact | | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Life cycle | Annual | Perennial |
| Germination time | 7–10 days | 20–45 days |
| Sowing depth | On the surface | Not yet verified |
| Spacing between plants | Not yet verified | 30–38 cm12–15 in |
| Sun | Full sun | Full sun, partial shade |
| Containers | Yes | Not yet verified |
| Frost tolerance | Tender (no frost) | Hardy |
| Soil pH | pH 6.0–7.0 | Not yet verified |
| Toxicity to cats | Non-toxic | Not yet verified |
| Toxicity to dogs | Non-toxic | Not yet verified |
| Links |
Up close
What each one is, in a few lines, with the full growing guide one click away.
FlowersPetunia × atkinsiana
Long-flowering favorites for beds, pots and hanging baskets. Sow the dust-fine seed on the surface indoors about 10 weeks early, then plant out in full sun after frost.
How to grow petuniaFlowersLiatris spicata
Blazing star (Liatris spicata) is a hardy native perennial with spikes of purple, pink or white flowers. It grows from seed in full sun but may take two or three years to bloom.
How to grow blazing starKeep comparing
Add a third seed, or swap one for a close relative from the same category.
Petunia vs. Blazing Star vs. African DaisyAdd african daisy as a third
Petunia vs. Blazing Star vs. African MarigoldAdd african marigold as a third
Petunia vs. Blazing Star vs. AgeratumAdd ageratum as a thirdPetunia vs. African DaisyPetunia against another flowerBlazing Star vs. African DaisyBlazing Star against another flowerPetunia vs. African MarigoldPetunia 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.
