Top Rated 72 Cell Seed Starter Tray: Top Picks and Buying Guide
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
This comparison covers five options, then explains how to choose cell trays by size, drainage, watering method, durability, and intended plants. You will also find setup guidance, cleaning and storage advice, common mistakes, and answers to focused seed-starting questions. When comparing 72 cell seed starter tray, I look at how each option fits a real buying need, where it performs well, and which trade-offs matter.
My first choice is RooTrimmer 10-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Tray. The reusable construction, broad compatibility, and generous 10-set quantity make it especially practical for gardeners starting many plants at once.
My second choice is LARNORJE 20-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Tray Set. Choosing the right 72 cell seed starter tray can be harder than it looks. Cell depth, drainage, bottom-watering support, tray strength, and included accessories all affect whether seedlings stay evenly moist and transplant cleanly.
In the rest of this guide, I compare the selected 72 cell seed starter tray options, explain the buying factors that matter, and cover practical setup, use, compatibility, maintenance, longevity, safety, troubleshooting, storage, and common mistakes when those topics are relevant.
5 Best 72 Cell Seed Starter Tray
I selected these products by comparing their relevance to seed starting, included components, cell dimensions, drainage and watering features, reuse potential, and available customer-feedback evidence. I also considered brand variety where a different design or accessory set offered a useful alternative, rather than treating quantity alone as the deciding factor.
| # | Image | Product | Price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
RooTrimmer 10-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Tray | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
LARNORJE 20-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Tray Set | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Oscorna 20-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Trays | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
IUM Seed Starter Kit 10 Pack-72 Cell Seedling Trays Gardening | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
AIFUSI 10-Pack 72-Cell Seedling Tray Kit | Check Price |
RooTrimmer 10-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Tray
RooTrimmer earns the top position by pairing 10 individual 72-cell inserts with 10 matching 1020 trays. That combination is more versatile than a cell insert by itself: the cells organize seedlings, while the no-hole trays provide a stable base for carrying, watering, or placing the setup on a heat mat. The package is particularly appealing for gardeners who start several varieties at the same time.
The trays are described as thick, heavy-duty plastic intended to resist cracking and bending during repeated use. That matters when a tray is full of damp growing medium and young plants, since flimsy plastic can flex during transport. The product is also positioned for indoor and outdoor gardening, greenhouses, patios, microgreens, hydroponics, and propagation.
Each insert measures about 21.25 by 11 inches and is designed to fit the included 1020-style tray. The listing also identifies compatibility with seed domes, heat mats, nursery pots, and peat pots, although buyers should still compare the dimensions of any accessory they already own. The main limitation is that the package’s value depends on needing both the inserts and outer trays; someone who already owns suitable flats may prefer a simpler tray-only option.
Pros
- Includes 10 cell inserts and 10 matching no-hole trays.
- Heavy-duty reusable construction is suited to repeated growing seasons.
- Works across seed starting, microgreens, propagation, and related uses.
- Designed around common 1020-style tray dimensions.
Cons
- The larger package may be more than a small gardener needs.
- No-hole trays require thoughtful watering to avoid excess moisture.
- Accessory fit should be checked against the listed dimensions.
My Opinion
This is the strongest all-around choice for gardeners who want a coordinated system rather than loose inserts. Its combination of quantity, outer-tray support, and stated reuse potential gives it the broadest practical appeal in this group.
LARNORJE 20-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Tray Set
LARNORJE stands out as a convenient starter bundle. The package includes 10 seedling trays, 10 base trays, one soil dibber, and 20 plant labels, so a new gardener can begin organizing different crops without immediately buying separate planting tools. The labels are useful when several varieties look similar during the early stages, while the base trays help contain runoff after watering.
The 72 cells are designed as separate growing spaces, which helps keep seedlings from competing in one shared block of soil. The listing describes inclined inner walls and water-guide gutters intended to distribute moisture toward the plants, along with drainage holes at the bottom of each cell. Those details support more controlled watering, but they do not remove the need to monitor moisture manually.
The included dibber is the unusual feature. Its 72 turned pegs are arranged on a 2-by-2-inch grid and are intended to create evenly spaced planting holes quickly. That can save time when filling several trays, especially for someone who wants consistent sowing depth. The cells are listed at approximately 1.6 inches in diameter and are suitable for many small plants, herbs, flowers, vegetables, and succulents.
The plastic is described as 1 mm thick and reusable for at least a couple of seasons. Buyers wanting the thickest, most heavy-duty tray system may prefer RooTrimmer, but LARNORJE is a better fit for beginners who value included tools and clear organization.
Pros
- Complete set with base trays, labels, and a 72-hole dibber.
- Separate cells support organized propagation of multiple varieties.
- Drainage holes and water-guide design support controlled watering.
- Useful quantity for home gardens or small-scale growing.
Cons
- The cells may be limiting for plants needing more root space.
- Durability is stated for a couple of seasons, not indefinite use.
- The dibber’s spacing may not suit every seed or planting layout.
My Opinion
LARNORJE is the best alternative for a beginner who wants an all-in-one planting kit. The dibber and labels add genuine convenience, while the base trays make the set more manageable for indoor growing areas.
Oscorna 20-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Trays
Oscorna offers a balanced germination kit with 10 seedling trays, 10 base trays, one handled dibber, and 20 plant labels. Its strongest point is the attention to repeatable planting: the dibber is designed to make evenly spaced holes and keep seed placement more consistent from cell to cell. For a gardener sowing several trays of lettuce, flowers, peppers, or other small crops, that can make preparation faster and tidier.
The trays measure about 11 by 20 9 inches and each cell is listed at approximately 1 6 inches square and 1 7 inches deep That depth gives young roots more vertical room than a very shallow plug tray while the drainage opening in each cell allows excess water to escape The included base tray is designed to support bottom watering allowing growing medium to draw moisture upward instead of relying entirely on.
Bottom watering can be helpful when delicate seeds or loose soil are easily disturbed by a watering stream. It still requires attention, because leaving cells standing in water for too long can keep the growing medium overly wet. The handled dibber should also be used with a gentle, even pressure so the tray walls are not stressed unnecessarily.
Oscorna is a strong choice for indoor and outdoor use, particularly for gardeners who value deeper cells and a complete accessory package. The available data does not provide a customer-customer-feedback volume, so its placement relies more heavily on the stated dimensions, included components, and practical design.
Pros
- Includes base trays, labels, and a handled 72-hole dibber.
- 1.7-inch cell depth supports a range of small seedlings.
- Base trays make bottom watering easier to organize.
- Reusable construction is intended for multiple growing seasons.
Cons
- The complete kit may be unnecessary for gardeners with existing flats.
- Bottom watering still requires monitoring to prevent saturation.
- No customer-customer-feedback volume is supplied for comparison.
My Opinion
Oscorna is a sensible middle-ground pick for gardeners who want deeper cells and a structured watering setup. It may appeal more than LARNORJE to buyers who specifically prefer a handled dibber and a clearly stated 1.7-inch cell depth.
IUM Seed Starter Kit 10 Pack-72 Cell Seedling Trays Gardening
The IUMÉ seed starter kit keeps the package straightforward: 10 plastic trays with 72 cells each. Its listed cell diameter is about 1.8 inches, making the trays suitable for flowers, herbs, succulents, and vegetable starts such as tomatoes and cucumbers. This format is useful when the main need is a large supply of individual plug cells rather than a bundle filled with tools and labels.
The tray design is intended to become part of the root ball and promote aeration during transplanting. In practical terms, individual cells can make it easier to separate seedlings than a shared container, provided the growing medium is not allowed to dry into a hard block. The product is aimed at plantlets and starters, so buyers should avoid assuming that young plants can remain in these cells indefinitely.
One important limitation is that a flat watering tray is not included. The supplied guidance specifically recommends placing the trays in a flat for bottom watering, especially when growing vegetables that may dry out quickly. That missing base is not necessarily a drawback for gardeners who already own compatible flats, but it adds an extra purchase for someone building a setup from scratch.
IUMÉ may suit a grower who wants a simple 10-pack and already has a watering system, greenhouse bench, or standard flat. It ranks below the bundled options because it provides fewer accessories, yet its uncomplicated design can be an advantage when the buyer wants only planting trays.
Pros
- Ten trays provide space for a large number of seedlings.
- Approximately 1.8-inch cells suit many common starts.
- Individual cells can simplify separation at transplant time.
- Useful for flowers, herbs, vegetables, microgreens, and succulents.
Cons
- Flat watering tray is not included.
- Small cells may dry quickly in warm or dry conditions.
- Less convenient for buyers who need labels or a dibber.
My Opinion
IUMÉ is the practical choice for someone who already has flats and wants a no-frills supply of cell trays. Its value is strongest when the buyer understands the watering requirement and plans to transplant seedlings before they outgrow the cells.
AIFUSI 10-Pack 72-Cell Seedling Tray Kit
AIFUSI provides 10 trays, each with 72 cells, for gardeners who want a basic reusable propagation setup. The cells are listed at about 1.8 inches in diameter and are intended for flowers, herbs, succulents, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other small starts. That makes the kit appropriate for starting a seasonal garden indoors or maintaining a modest collection of young plants.
The product is described as using thick plastic that is less likely to deform than degradable seedling trays. The supplier also notes that indoor use can extend the service life compared with leaving the trays exposed outdoors. This is a useful ownership detail: even reusable plastic benefits from protection from harsh weather, repeated freezing, and unnecessary ultraviolet exposure.
Like IUMÉ, AIFUSI does not include a flat watering tray. The guidance recommends bottom watering to help prevent the cells from drying too quickly, especially when raising vegetables. Buyers should therefore plan for a compatible flat or another stable catch basin, and they should lift the cell tray after watering if excess water remains below it.
AIFUSI ranks fifth because the available customer rating is lower than the higher-ranked options, and the package lacks the base trays and planting accessories found in the top two choices. Still, it may be a reasonable budget-minded starting point for a gardener who already owns supporting equipment and wants reusable trays instead of disposable ones.
Pros
- Ten reusable trays provide 720 total cells.
- Approximately 1.8-inch cells fit many common starter plants.
- Indoor storage may help the plastic last for several years.
- Simple format works for beginners with existing watering flats.
Cons
- Bottom-watering flat is not included.
- The cells may dry quickly without consistent moisture management.
- Fewer accessories are included than with the bundled kits.
My Opinion
AIFUSI is best for buyers who prioritize quantity and reuse while keeping the initial setup simple. It is less convenient as a complete kit, but it can work well when a gardener already has a flat, labels, and a preferred planting tool.
How I Selected These 72 Cell Seed Starter Tray Options
For a 72 cell seed starter tray, the most useful comparison is not simply the number of cells in the package. I looked at how each option handles drainage, watering, root separation, tray support, included tools, dimensions, expected reuse, and the types of plants named by the supplier.
Rankings also reflect the information available for each product. RooTrimmer and LARNORJE provide strong practical detail about tray combinations and accessories, while Oscorna supplies useful cell-depth and bottom-watering information. IUMÉ and AIFUSI remain relevant for buyers seeking simple multi-packs, but their need for a separate watering flat affects convenience.
Choose a complete system when you are starting from scratch; choose tray-only packs when you already own compatible flats and labels.
What mattered most in the comparison
- Water management: Drainage holes and base trays can make moisture control easier, but neither replaces regular checking.
- Cell size: Around 1.6 to 1.8 inches is suited to many small seedlings, not every crop or long-term growing stage.
- Durability: Thick or heavy-duty plastic is more useful when trays will be cleaned and reused.
- Workflow: Dibbers, labels, and matching bases save time for gardeners starting multiple varieties.
- Evidence: Customer ratings and supplied product specifications were considered where available, without treating either as proof of hands-on performance.
How to Choose a 72 Cell Seed Starter Tray
Start with the plants you intend to grow, then match the tray to your watering habits and available space. A tray that looks efficient on a shelf can become frustrating if it dries too quickly, lacks a stable base, or gives roots too little room before transplanting.
- Pick a complete set with base trays if you need bottom watering immediately.
- Confirm the outside dimensions before pairing a tray with a 1020 flat, dome, or heat mat.
- Choose deeper cells for seedlings that will stay in the tray longer.
- Look for reusable plastic if you plan to clean and store the trays between seasons.
- Buy a tray-only pack when you already have labels, flats, and planting tools.
Cell depth and plant timing
Cell diameter and depth affect how long a seedling can remain in its starter container. Small cells are efficient for germination and early growth, but they eventually fill with roots or dry out faster. Leafy greens, herbs, flowers, and many young vegetable plants can begin comfortably in this format, while larger or fast-growing plants may need an earlier move to a larger pot.
Drainage versus water retention
Drainage holes protect against standing water, but they also allow moisture to leave the cell. Fine seed-starting mix can dry at the surface while remaining wet lower down, so check more than just the top layer. A base tray can help with bottom watering, but remove or drain excess water when the medium has absorbed enough.
Understanding 1020 Tray Compatibility
Many seed-starting systems use the familiar 1020 footprint, but “1020” does not guarantee that every insert, flat, dome, or heat mat will fit perfectly. RooTrimmer lists dimensions for both its cell insert and no-hole tray, while other products list dimensions near the same general format. Compare actual length, width, and height before ordering accessories.
For a 72 cell seed starter tray, compatibility matters most when using a humidity dome or heat mat. A dome that is too narrow can press against seedlings, and a heat mat that does not support the full base can create an unstable setup. Check whether the accessory is designed for the tray’s outside dimensions rather than only its cell count.
What to measure before buying
- Outside length and width of the cell tray.
- Height of the tray, including any base beneath it.
- Interior clearance under a humidity dome.
- Usable surface area of a heat mat or shelf.
- Space needed to lift the tray without disturbing seedlings.
How to Set Up a Seed Tray for the First Time
Wash new trays if they contain visible dust or packaging residue, then place each insert on a stable, level surface. If using a base tray, test the fit before adding growing medium so you know the insert can be lifted without catching on the sides.
- Fill each cell with a lightly moistened seed-starting medium.
- Avoid compressing the mix too firmly; roots need air as well as moisture.
- Use a dibber or pencil to make planting holes suited to the seed instructions.
- Place seeds at the recommended depth and cover gently.
- Label each tray or row immediately, before varieties become difficult to distinguish.
- Water carefully from above at first, or use the base tray for bottom watering when appropriate.
Do not fill cells to the rim. Leaving a little space reduces spillover during watering and gives roots a more stable planting area. If a humidity dome is used, allow some ventilation as seedlings emerge rather than keeping the environment sealed indefinitely.
Bottom Watering Without Overwatering
Bottom watering works by placing water in the base tray and allowing the growing medium to draw it upward through the drainage holes. It can reduce surface disturbance around newly planted seeds and is especially useful for delicate seedlings.
Use enough water to moisten the cells, then check the top of the medium and the tray weight. Once the growing medium is evenly damp, pour off remaining water rather than leaving the tray submerged. Repeatedly soaking a tray can create poor root conditions even when the cells have drainage openings.
When top watering is better
Top watering may be more practical immediately after sowing very small seeds, when the medium is dry, or when the tray has no matching base. Use a gentle stream or fine spray so the seeds are not displaced. As roots develop, alternating careful top watering with bottom watering can help you learn how quickly the specific medium dries.
Using a Dibber and Plant Labels Efficiently
A dibber is most useful when many cells need holes at a similar depth. The LARNORJE and Oscorna sets include tools designed around 72-hole layouts, which can speed up preparation. Even spacing is helpful for organization, but planting depth should still match the seed rather than blindly following the tool’s full penetration.
Labels prevent one of the most common seed-starting problems: losing track of varieties after several trays are planted. Write the crop name and planting date on the label, then place it where it will remain visible during watering and transplanting. If labels are not included, waterproof markers and simple plastic tags are suitable substitutes.
Cleaning, Storage, and Reuse
Reusable trays last longer when old roots and dried medium are removed soon after transplanting. Empty each cell, rinse away loose debris, and use a soft brush for corners. Let the plastic dry completely before stacking so trapped moisture does not leave an unpleasant odor or make the trays harder to separate.
For routine seasonal cleaning, follow the instructions for any disinfectant you choose and rinse thoroughly afterward. The supplied product information supports cleaning and reuse, but it does not specify a particular sanitizer, concentration, or disease-control protocol. When disease has affected seedlings, consider whether replacing a badly contaminated tray is safer than repeatedly reusing it.
Storage tips
- Keep trays indoors or in a protected area when possible.
- Do not stack heavy objects on thin cell walls.
- Store inserts and bases together so compatible parts are not separated.
- Replace trays that crack, split, or no longer hold growing medium securely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most problems come from treating every seedling and every tray the same way. Cell trays provide structure, but they do not automatically regulate moisture, light, temperature, or transplant timing.
- Leaving cells in standing water: Bottom watering should moisten the medium, not create a permanent bath.
- Using cells for too long: Move vigorous plants before roots become tightly crowded or the medium dries unusually fast.
- Skipping labels: Similar-looking seedlings are easy to confuse once several varieties emerge.
- Overfilling the cells: Loose overflow can block drainage or wash seeds away.
- Assuming every 1020 accessory fits: Measure the actual tray before buying domes, flats, or mats.
- Storing dirty trays: Old medium and roots make next-season setup harder and may carry unwanted residue.
Drainage holes help excess water escape; they do not compensate for watering too often or using a container with no way to drain.
Choosing Plants That Fit These Cells
These trays are most useful for starting small plants that will later move into a garden bed, nursery pot, or larger container. Herbs, flowers, lettuce, microgreens, succulents, and many early vegetable seedlings are natural candidates based on the supplied product descriptions.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, and similar crops can begin in cells of this general size, but their growth rate and transplant timing should guide the schedule. If roots fill the cell quickly or the plant becomes tall and top-heavy, move it to a larger container rather than trying to extend its stay in the starter tray.
Large plants, deep-rooted crops, and seedlings intended to remain indoors for an extended period may need more soil volume. A 72-cell format maximizes the number of starts in a limited footprint, but that efficiency comes with smaller individual growing spaces.
When to Transplant Seedlings
Transplant when the seedlings are established enough to handle but before the cells become severely crowded. Signs can include roots reaching the drainage openings, roots holding the medium together, or plants drying out unusually quickly after watering.
Water the tray lightly before transplanting so the root ball holds together without becoming muddy. Lift seedlings by the leaves or by supporting the root plug, not by pulling the stem. The individual-cell design of these products is intended to make separation easier, but gentle handling remains important.
FAQS About 72 Cell Seed Starter Tray
How many plants can one tray start?
Each tray contains 72 individual cells, so one tray can start up to 72 plants if every cell is planted and germinates successfully. Actual results depend on seed viability, spacing needs, and whether some cells are reserved for repeated sowings.
Do these trays need a bottom tray?
Some do not require one for basic use, but bottom trays make watering and runoff control easier. IUMÉ and AIFUSI specifically note that a separate flat is not included and recommend bottom watering with a suitable tray.
Are 72-cell trays reusable?
Several options are described as reusable plastic trays. Clean them after each growing cycle, inspect for cracks, and store them indoors or in a protected location to help extend their useful life.
Are 72-cell trays suitable for vegetables?
They are suitable for starting many vegetables, including examples such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and peppers. Fast-growing or larger plants may need transplanting into larger containers before they become root-bound.
Can a humidity dome fit these trays?
RooTrimmer states compatibility with seed domes, but fit is not universal across all products. Check the outside dimensions and tray height before pairing another brand’s dome with a cell insert.
What is the advantage of a 72-hole dibber?
A dibber can create many planting holes quickly and help keep spacing more consistent. It is most useful when sowing several full trays, although planting depth should still be adjusted for the specific seed.
Final Thoughts
For most gardeners, the RooTrimmer 10-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Tray with 1020 No-Hole Trays is the best overall choice because it combines inserts, support trays, quantity, and broad compatibility. Choose the LARNORJE 20-Pack 72-Cell Seed Starter Tray Set with Dibber if included labels, base trays, and a planting tool matter more than maximum tray ruggedness. Either option gives beginners a practical starting point for organized seed propagation.
I’m Maya L. Greenwood, a lifelong plant lover who believes anyone can grow something beautiful with the right guidance. After years of testing soil mixes, pruning methods, irrigation tricks, and pest-safe solutions, I started EasyGardenTips.com to turn hard-won lessons into step-by-step advice. From seed starting and container gardens to composting and seasonal checklists, my goal is to make gardening simple, sustainable, and fun.
