Most Popular Burpee Seed Starting Kit: Top Picks and Buying Guide
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Choosing a seed-starting setup can be surprisingly difficult when you are comparing tiny cell trays, humidity domes, self-watering systems, and loose growing media. The right burpee seed starting kit depends on how many plants you want, how much space you have, and whether you prefer an all-in-one package or a reusable tray you can customize.
My first choice is Burpee Superseed Windowsill Seed Starting Tray 8 XL Cell Seed Starter Tray. The pop-out silicone cells also make transplanting gentler, while the drainage channels and contained watering tray help keep a sunny windowsill more manageable.
My second choice is Amazon.com Burpee 72 Cell Seed Starting Kit. It is the option I would compare next when a buyer has slightly different priorities from my first pick.
This comparison covers five practical options, from compact windowsill trays to high-capacity propagation systems and organic coir mix. You will also find guidance on capacity, moisture control, lighting, transplanting, cleaning, storage, and the limitations to consider before buying.
5 Best Burpee Seed Starting Kit
I selected these products by comparing relevance to indoor seed starting, useful design details, stated capacity, versatility, and customer-feedback evidence when available. The list also includes different formats so a beginner can compare a compact Burpee tray, complete greenhouse-style kits, growing medium, and a high-volume alternative without relying on hands-on testing.
| # | Image | Product | Price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Burpee Superseed Windowsill Seed Starting Tray 8 XL Cell Seed Starter Tray | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Amazon.com Burpee 72 Cell Seed Starting Kit | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Amazon.com Burpee XL Self-Watering Growing System Indoor Seed Starting 10 | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Seed Starting Mix | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
MIXC 10-Pack 120-Cell Seed Starter Tray Kit | Check Price |
Burpee Superseed Windowsill Seed Starting Tray 8 XL Cell Seed Starter Tray
The Burpee SuperSeed Windowsill Seed Starting Tray is a strong fit for gardeners who want a compact setup with genuinely roomy cells. Its eight extra-large compartments measure 11.5 by 5-3/16 by 2-1/4 inches overall, so it fits naturally on a windowsill while giving seedlings more root space than many small starter trays. Alphanumeric labels help identify varieties without relying entirely on loose tags.
Water management is one of this tray’s most useful strengths. Molded corner slots improve drainage and aeration, while deep channels in the lower tray pull excess water away from the cells. The raised edge helps contain spills, and side handles make it easier to lift the tray or pour off collected water. That combination is helpful for beginners who are still learning how much moisture seedlings need.
Transplanting is also less awkward than with rigid individual cells. The soft, food-grade silicone compartments flex so the root ball can be pushed out with less tugging. After the growing season, the tray can be cleaned for reuse, and the supplied information identifies it as dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Eight extra-large cells work well for a small indoor growing area.
- Flexible cells make transplanting gentler on roots.
- Drainage channels and side handles improve water control.
- Reusable design is practical for seasonal gardeners.
Cons
- Eight cells provide much less capacity than a 32- or 72-cell kit.
- Seeds, growing mix, and lighting are not included.
My Opinion
This is the best overall choice for a windowsill gardener starting a manageable number of larger seedlings such as tomatoes or peppers. Choose a larger kit instead if your priority is starting an entire garden in one round.
Amazon.com Burpee 72 Cell Seed Starting Kit
The Burpee 72-Cell Seed Starting Kit is designed for gardeners who need volume and want most of the basic pieces in one package. Two 36-cell planting trays sit in a water reservoir and provide room for up to 72 seedlings. Each cell measures 1.5 inches wide by 1.5 inches long and 2 inches deep, a size suited to sowing many herbs, flowers, and vegetable varieties together.
The included coir pellets reduce the need to measure loose growing mix for every cell. They expand when warm water is added, and placing each pellet flat-side down helps it hydrate more evenly. A clear dome creates a humid environment during germination, while the included plant markers and plant-o-gram diagrams help prevent a crowded tray from becoming a mystery once several varieties sprout.
This kit is most appealing when quantity matters more than oversized root space. The 10-by-20-by-5-inch footprint requires a dedicated shelf, counter, or growing area, and the supplied information recommends a heat mat for germination and a grow light or bright window after sprouts appear. Those additions are not included, so the kit is not entirely self-sufficient for every indoor environment.
Pros
- Provides space for up to 72 seedlings in one organized system.
- Includes coir pellets, a dome, markers, and planting diagrams.
- Useful for starting many flower, herb, and vegetable varieties.
- Reservoir design helps keep the planting trays supplied with water.
Cons
- The cells are smaller than those in the XL 32-cell system.
- A heat mat and grow light may be needed for dependable indoor results.
- The full 20-inch length may not suit a narrow windowsill.
My Opinion
This is the better pick for organized batch sowing and gardeners who want a complete starting package. It is less suitable for someone with only a few seeds or limited indoor space.
Amazon.com Burpee XL Self-Watering Growing System Indoor Seed Starting 10
The Burpee XL Self-Watering Growing System occupies the middle ground between a compact tray and a high-capacity cell kit. It holds up to 32 seedlings in two 16-cell planting trays, with extra-large cells measuring 2.25 inches square and 2 inches deep. That added room is useful for deep-rooted plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants that can outgrow very small cells quickly.
Its self-watering layout is the main reason to choose it. The system includes plant stands, a watering mat, and a water tray, allowing moisture to move toward the cells instead of requiring frequent top watering. Coir pellets hold moisture for young plants, while the dome supports a humid environment during early germination. For a beginner, this can make watering more consistent, although it still requires monitoring rather than leaving the tray unattended.
Organization is handled through two plant-o-gram diagrams and six four-inch markers. The 10-by-20-by-5-inch footprint is the same general size as the larger 72-cell option, but the lower cell count leaves more room for each seedling. Like the other complete indoor systems, it is recommended for use with a heat mat during germination and a grow light or bright window once seedlings emerge.
Pros
- Extra-large cells support seedlings that need more root room.
- Self-watering components can reduce inconsistent hand watering.
- Includes coir pellets, a dome, markers, and planting diagrams.
- Good capacity for a focused selection of larger plants.
Cons
- Holds fewer seedlings than the 72-cell kit at a similar footprint.
- Heat and light equipment may still be necessary.
- Self-watering does not eliminate the need to check moisture levels.
My Opinion
This is the most practical option for gardeners who value larger cells and steadier moisture more than maximum capacity. It is particularly appealing for a tomato, pepper, or eggplant starter collection.
Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Seed Starting Mix
Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Seed Starting Mix is different from the tray-based choices because it supplies the growing medium rather than a container system. The package contains two compact coir bricks, and each expands to eight quarts after water is added, for 16 quarts total. Dehydrated bricks are convenient to store before planting because they take up much less room than a bag of loose mix.
Coir made from recycled coconut husks is lightweight and biodegradable, with moisture retention balanced by air circulation around developing roots. That makes it a flexible choice for filling reusable cells, pots, or other containers. The mix is also identified as OMRI listed and certified organic, which may appeal to gardeners who specifically want an organic starting medium.
Preparation requires a little planning. The bricks must be expanded with water before use, and the final texture should be loose and evenly hydrated rather than saturated. Because this product is only the growing medium, buyers still need a tray or container, seeds, labels, and suitable light. It can also be combined with potting soil or compost for other container and raised-bed uses after expansion.
Pros
- Two compact bricks expand to 16 quarts of growing medium.
- Made from recycled coconut husks and identified as biodegradable.
- Retains moisture while allowing useful air circulation.
- Works with reusable trays and many other container formats.
Cons
- Does not include cells, a tray, a dome, or seeds.
- Requires water and preparation before planting.
- Buyers seeking an all-in-one kit will need additional supplies.
My Opinion
This is the best supporting purchase for gardeners who already own trays or want to choose their own container system. It is not a standalone starter kit, but its compact storage format and broad compatibility make it a useful foundation.
MIXC 10-Pack 120-Cell Seed Starter Tray Kit
The MIXC 10-Pack 120-Cell Seed Starter Tray Kit is the high-volume alternative for gardeners who want many individual propagation trays. The package includes 10 trays, 10 watertight base trays, 10 humidity domes, and 10 plant labels. Across the set, that gives substantial capacity for repeated sowing, succession planting, or separating different batches by variety and planting date.
Adjustable vents are the most useful design detail for managing the miniature greenhouse environment. Opening or closing the vents can help regulate humidity and temperature as seedlings progress from germination to active growth. Drainage holes in the cells allow excess water to escape into the base trays, which helps reduce the risk of waterlogged roots when the trays are used on a level surface.
The plastic trays are described as reusable, lightweight, and portable, making them practical for gardeners who move seedlings between indoor locations. However, the large number of small cells favors quantity over generous root space. Buyers should also plan for growing medium, seeds, and adequate light; the supplied information does not indicate that those items are included. The product is not a Burpee-branded system, but it offers a broad alternative for buyers focused on capacity.
Pros
- Ten trays provide substantial capacity for repeated seed starting.
- Humidity domes and adjustable vents support flexible moisture control.
- Drainage holes and watertight bases create a coordinated setup.
- Reusable, lightweight format is easy to move and store.
Cons
- Many small cells may not suit seedlings needing extra root space.
- Growing medium, seeds, and lighting are not included.
- Managing 10 separate trays can require more labeling and organization.
My Opinion
This is the capacity pick for serious home sowing or gardeners who want multiple trays available at once. Choose one of the Burpee systems instead if brand continuity, larger cells, or a more focused setup matters more than quantity.
How I Selected These Burpee Seed Starting Kit Options
I compared each option against the practical needs of indoor propagation: container capacity, cell size, moisture management, transplanting, included supplies, storage, and likely use cases. The burpee seed starting kit choices ranked highest when their design details clearly matched a particular gardening situation, while the coir mix and MIXC system remained useful alternatives because they solve different setup problems.
Customer-feedback evidence also helped provide context where it was supplied. The SuperSeed tray and coir mix had substantial stated customer response, while the other listings supplied useful product specifications without a customer-feedback volume; I treated that difference transparently rather than presenting every product as equally supported by feedback.
For a small windowsill, cell design and transplanting convenience matter more than maximum capacity.
For a full planting schedule, included media, labeling tools, and humidity control can save more time than buying the largest tray alone.
How to Choose a Burpee Seed Starting Kit
Start with the number and type of plants you intend to grow, then match the tray to your available light and indoor space. A small number of large seedlings needs a different setup from dozens of herbs and flowers, and no tray can compensate for poor light or excessive moisture.
- Match capacity to your planting plan: Choose eight cells for a focused windowsill project, 32 XL cells for larger plants, or 72 and 120 cells for broad variety and volume.
- Consider cell size: Extra-large cells provide more room for roots, while smaller cells let you start more varieties in the same footprint.
- Decide whether you need a complete package: Domes, coir pellets, labels, and reservoirs reduce separate purchases, while a reusable tray offers more flexibility.
- Prioritize moisture control: Drainage, reservoirs, mats, and adjustable vents each manage water differently; choose the system you are most likely to monitor correctly.
- Check lighting and placement: Measure your shelf or windowsill and plan for a grow light if natural light is weak or inconsistent.
Capacity, Footprint, and Cell Size
Capacity is not simply a matter of choosing the highest number. A 72-cell tray can start many plants, but its smaller cells may require earlier potting up for vigorous seedlings. The 32-cell XL system uses a similar 10-by-20-inch footprint while giving each plant more room, so it can be a better match for fewer, larger transplants.
The eight-cell windowsill tray is the easiest format for a small apartment or kitchen growing area. Before buying a larger system, measure the usable surface and leave room to lift the tray, check moisture, and rotate seedlings toward the light.
Setting Up Your Indoor Seed Tray
Place the tray on a stable, level surface near the planned light source before adding growing medium. If using coir pellets or bricks, add water gradually and allow the material to expand fully; a loose, evenly moist texture is easier for young roots than a compressed or dripping mix.
Sow at the depth recommended on the seed packet rather than using one depth for every crop. Label each cell immediately, record the variety and sowing date, and keep the dome or humidity cover in place during early germination if the tray design includes one.
Once seedlings appear, begin transitioning them to the conditions they will have as growing plants. Provide bright light, watch for condensation and overly wet mix, and open vents or remove the dome gradually when appropriate instead of creating an abrupt change.
Using Heat and Light Effectively
The complete Burpee systems identify a heat mat as recommended for germination, but heat alone does not provide the energy seedlings need after emergence. A bright window may work in a suitable location, while a grow light offers more consistent positioning and coverage when daylight is limited.
Keep emerging plants close enough to receive strong light without allowing leaves to touch a hot fixture. If stems become unusually long and weak, the issue may be insufficient light rather than a problem with the tray. Rotate a windowsill tray periodically when practical so seedlings do not lean heavily in one direction.
Watering and Humidity Control
Seedlings need consistent moisture, not permanently saturated soil. Check the growing medium regularly, use the tray’s reservoir or mat as intended, and empty standing excess water when the system does not naturally draw it away.
Humidity domes help maintain moisture during germination, but they should not be treated as permanent covers. As seedlings develop leaves, ventilation becomes more important, particularly in warm indoor areas. Adjustable vents on the MIXC trays provide more control, while the Burpee domes require attentive observation and gradual adjustment.
Transplanting Without Unnecessary Root Stress
Prepare the destination container or outdoor bed before removing seedlings so roots spend as little time exposed as possible. Handle a seedling by its leaves or surrounding root ball rather than pulling on its stem, and follow the crop’s recommended transplanting depth.
Flexible cells are especially convenient when a root ball needs to slide out cleanly. Rigid or small cells may still work well, but pressing from below and loosening the edges gently can reduce the chance of tearing roots. Harden indoor-grown plants gradually before moving them outdoors, following local weather and seed-packet guidance.
Cleaning and Storing Reusable Trays
After transplanting, remove old roots and growing medium before the material dries hard inside the cells. Wash reusable trays and reservoirs, rinse away residue, and let the pieces dry completely before storage. The SuperSeed tray is identified as dishwasher safe, but buyers should still follow any care directions supplied with the product.
Store domes, labels, mats, and trays together where they will not be crushed. Keep dehydrated coir bricks dry until needed, and avoid sealing damp equipment in a closed container because leftover moisture can create an unpleasant environment for the next planting cycle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most early seed-starting problems come from treating every seed and every tray the same way. A careful setup helps, but daily observation remains important as temperature, light, and plant size change.
- Starting more seedlings than your available light can support.
- Keeping a humidity dome closed after seedlings need more airflow.
- Leaving cells sitting in excess water for long periods.
- Failing to label varieties before several seedlings emerge.
- Using a small cell for too long when roots or foliage need more room.
- Moving seedlings outdoors suddenly instead of hardening them off.
- Storing trays while they are still dirty or damp.
Do not select a tray by cell count alone; the best capacity is the amount you can light, water, label, and transplant on schedule.
Compatibility with Growing Media and Accessories
Tray systems that include coir pellets simplify the initial setup, while the Burpee coir mix works with reusable cells and containers that need a loose starting medium. Check that the amount of medium matches the number and size of cells before beginning, especially when filling extra-large compartments.
A heat mat, grow light, and labels are the most useful accessories to consider first. A heat mat supports germination where temperatures are cool, a grow light addresses weak indoor daylight, and labels protect against confusion when several varieties are started together.
When to Choose Each Format
Choose the eight-cell SuperSeed tray for a small collection of larger seedlings and easy windowsill placement. Choose the 72-cell package when starting many kinds of plants is the main goal and you want pellets, a dome, and labeling aids included.
The 32-cell XL system makes sense for fewer plants that benefit from more root room and steadier moisture. The coir mix suits an existing tray collection, while the MIXC package is the most practical alternative for gardeners who need many separate trays and adjustable humidity control.
FAQS About Burpee Seed Starting Kit
How many seedlings can the Burpee seed starting options hold?
The listed Burpee systems hold eight, 32, or 72 seedlings, depending on the model. The eight-cell tray uses extra-large cells, the 32-cell system uses XL cells, and the 72-cell kit prioritizes quantity with smaller individual compartments.
Which Burpee kit is best for tomatoes and peppers?
The eight-cell SuperSeed tray and 32-cell XL Self-Watering Growing System are the stronger fits when larger cells are important. The 72-cell kit can also start tomatoes and peppers, but its smaller cells may require closer attention to transplant timing.
Does a Burpee seed starting kit include a grow light?
No grow light is identified as included in the supplied product information. The complete indoor kits recommend using a grow light or placing seedlings near a well-lit window after sprouts emerge.
Are coir pellets included with the Burpee seed trays?
The 72-cell kit includes 72 coir pellets, and the 32-cell self-watering system includes 32 pellets. The eight-cell windowsill tray does not list pellets as included, while the separate Burpee coir product supplies expandable growing medium without a tray.
Can these seed-starting trays be reused?
The SuperSeed tray is described as reusable and dishwasher safe, and the MIXC trays are described as reusable for multiple growing seasons. Clean and dry any tray thoroughly before storing it for the next planting cycle.
Is a humidity dome necessary for starting seeds indoors?
A dome can help maintain humidity during germination, especially when the growing medium tends to dry quickly. It is not a substitute for proper watering and should be opened or removed as seedlings emerge and need better airflow.
Final Thoughts
The best burpee seed starting kit depends on whether you value compact simplicity or high planting capacity. Choose the Burpee SuperSeed Windowsill Seed Starting Tray for a small, flexible setup with extra-large cells, or choose the Burpee 72-Cell Seed Starting Kit with Greenhouse Dome and Coir Pellets when starting many varieties is the priority.
For the final decision, my first two recommendations are Burpee Superseed Windowsill Seed Starting Tray 8 XL Cell Seed Starter Tray and Amazon.com Burpee 72 Cell Seed Starting Kit. They are the two options I would compare first based on the ranking and buying factors covered above.
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.
