These "Galaxy Flowers" hold the universe in their petals

Nature is just amazing. 

Known as Petunia cultivars, night sky petunias or galaxy flowers (we're sticking with 'galaxy flowers'), the rich purple color is enough to make these flowers stand out. But it's the intricate, lighter-colored patterns on these petunias that give them their name.

The scientific name of the “galaxy flower” is the Petunia Cultivars, and they are a type of Petunia. They are a deep purple flower, which tend to be specked with unique white dots on their petals, creating what bears striking resemblance to a celestial body, or galaxy. The white freckles on their petals seem to have drawn parallels to different galaxies and faraway star clusters and constellations. Indeed, these celestial flowers are a sight to behold! They are frequently referred to as Night Sky Petunias, and can be planted indoors, in a planter.

Each pattern on the flowers is unique, and no two flowers seem to come exactly the same. The pattern variance is due to temperature, and they are very reactive to their environment. So much so, that they require warm temperatures during the day (100 F), and very cool temperatures at night (50 F) to survive. They originally hail from South America, and interestingly enough have a close relation to potatoes, eggplants, and even tobacco.

The “galaxy flower”, or Night Sky Petunia, was introduced to Europe in the 19th century, and was most often used to decorate balconies and add a touch of color to gardens.

Petunias come in a wide array of colors, which span from yellow, red, pink, white, purple and include a mixture of different patterns (nearly 35 to count.)

These beautiful flowers can be sown easily from seed, and can be planted indoors, in a planter.

Want to grow a little personal galaxy in the comfort of your very own home? Then head on over to Amazon and pick up a pack of Night Sky Petunia seeds.

Also read: Plant your own magical moon garden