Side by side

Compare seeds

Pick two or three seeds to see how they grow, side by side: sprouting, spacing, sun, water, frost and pet safety in one table.

First seed

Second seed

Third seed (optional)

Zinnia is ready to compare. Pick one or two more seeds above, then choose “Compare seeds”.

Pick a partner

Compare zinnia with…

Seeds from flowers come first, as the closest matchups.

Side by side

Two seeds, every growing fact lined up, so you can pick the one that suits your space.

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.

The table, row by row

Every row is a fact from each seed's own profile, lined up so the differences stand out.

Sprouting
Germination time and temperature
How many days the seeds take to sprout, and the temperature range they sprout in.
Sowing
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.
Timing
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.
Light and water
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.
Space and weather
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.
Pets
Toxicity to cats and dogs
Whether the plant is toxic to cats and dogs.

Comparing

How many seeds can I compare?: Two or three at a time. Pick them in the boxes at the top, or start from any seed's page with “Compare with another seed”.
Can I share a comparison?: Yes. Every comparison has its own address, like /compare-seeds/?seeds=basil,parsley, so you can copy the link from your browser and send it.
Where do the facts come from?: From each seed's profile. Every fact there is researched and reviewed by our editors before it goes live.
Can I see metric or imperial units?: Both. The table picks the units that match your browser's language, and the switch above it changes them. Your choice is remembered in this browser.
Do I need an account?: No. Comparing seeds, like every page on SeedBattle, is free and needs no account.

Each seed's page explains how to grow it from seed, with facts researched and reviewed by our editors.