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 Strawflower vs. African Daisy vs. African Marigold
The comparison
| Fact | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Easy |
| Life cycle | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Annual |
| Germination time | 7–10 days | Not yet verified | 4–7 days |
| Germination temperature | 21–24 °C70–75 °F | 18 °C64 °F | 24–27 °C75–81 °F |
| Sowing depth | On the surface | Not yet verified | 6 mm¼ in |
| Sun | Full sun | Full sun | Full sun, partial shade |
| Water | Not yet verified | Low | Moderate |
| Containers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Frost tolerance | Not yet verified | Half-hardy (light frost) | Tender (no frost) |
| Soil pH | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | pH 6.0–7.0 |
| Links |
Up close
What each one is, in a few lines, with the full growing guide one click away.
FlowersXerochrysum bracteatum
Strawflower is a sun-loving daisy from Australia prized for papery blooms that keep their color when dried. Seeds sprout in about 7 to 10 days in warm conditions and should be left uncovered.
How to grow strawflowerFlowersOsteospermum ecklonis
Osteospermum ecklonis, the African daisy, is an evergreen shrub with daisy flowers that have dark blue centres and white-to-indigo petals. It likes full sun and can be sown in spring at 18 °C (64 °F).
How to grow african daisyFlowersTagetes erecta
African marigold is a tender annual grown from seed in full sun, with fragrant leaves and showy flowers that attract butterflies. It also grows well in containers.
How to grow african marigoldKeep comparing
Add a third seed, or swap one for a close relative from the same category.
Strawflower vs. AgeratumStrawflower against another flowerAfrican Daisy vs. AgeratumAfrican Daisy against another flowerAfrican Marigold vs. AgeratumAfrican Marigold against another flower
Strawflower vs. Alpine AsterStrawflower against another flowerAfrican Daisy vs. Alpine AsterAfrican Daisy against another flowerAfrican Marigold vs. Alpine AsterAfrican Marigold 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.
