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 Red-Veined Sorrel vs. Mint
The comparison
| Fact | | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Life cycle | Perennial | Perennial |
| Germination time | Not yet verified | 10–14 days |
| Sowing depth | Not yet verified | On the surface |
| Sun | Full sun, partial shade | Full sun, partial shade |
| Containers | Yes | Yes |
| Frost tolerance | Hardy | Hardy |
| Toxicity to cats | Not yet verified | Toxic |
| Toxicity to dogs | Not yet verified | Toxic |
| Links |
Up close
What each one is, in a few lines, with the full growing guide one click away.
HerbsRumex sanguineus
Red-veined sorrel (Rumex sanguineus) is a low-maintenance perennial with deep red-veined leaves. Its young leaves are tart and edible, and it does best in full sun or partial shade.
How to grow red-veined sorrelHerbsMentha spicata
A hardy, fast-spreading perennial herb that's easiest to start from a plant or cutting. Grow it in a pot to keep its runners in check, in sun or partial shade.
How to grow mintKeep comparing
Add a third seed, or swap one for a close relative from the same category.
Red-Veined Sorrel vs. Mint vs. BasilAdd basil as a third
Red-Veined Sorrel vs. Mint vs. Bee BalmAdd bee balm as a third
Red-Veined Sorrel vs. Mint vs. BorageAdd borage as a thirdRed-Veined Sorrel vs. BasilRed-Veined Sorrel against another herbMint vs. BasilMint against another herbRed-Veined Sorrel vs. Bee BalmRed-Veined Sorrel against another herbThe 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.
