Best Plug Trays For Plants for Seed Starting and Propagation

#1 · Best Overall

1. RooTrimmer 54 Cell Plug Tray

• Dimensions D x W x H: 14.6"D x 11.14"W x 2.8"H
• Material Type: Plastic
• Size: 54 Cells Plug Tray-5P

Best for: Deep-cell multi-variety starts.

Why it ranks #1: Its dedicated 54-cell plug format has 2.8-inch-deep cells, comes in a five-pack, and is described as suitable for 1015 trays.

At 2.8 inches deep, RooTrimmer’s 54-cell plug trays give longer roots more vertical room than shallow starting formats. The five-pack supports repeated batches, while each tray’s 14.6-by-11.14-inch footprint fits 1015 trays, offering a practical route for growers who want multiple varieties organized in a nursery setup.

The 54 cells let growers separate seedlings by variety, and the listing says a tray can hold up to 15 different plants, making mixed sowing easier to track. A 2.8-inch cell height supports plants with longer roots, extending their growing space before transplanting. Because the trays are specified as suitable for 1015 trays, they can integrate into that nursery-tray format; five trays allow several batches or staggered starts without relying on one tray.

Skip it if you use standard 1020 trays; Grower's Solution 38 Deep Cell Nursery Plug Tray fits that format.

A fit for growers raising several small-plant varieties or succulents who need deeper cells and multiple trays. Choose it when your nursery workflow uses 1015 trays; its stated compatibility does not cover standard 1020 trays.

Listed on Amazon as: RooTrimmer 54 Cell Seed Starter Trays, 2.8" Deep Plug Tray Seedling for TD377 Nursery Tray, Super Thick Reusable Trays for Easy Transplantation (11.14inch ×14.6 inch, 5-Pack)

#2 · Deepest Cells

2. Grower's Solution 38 Cell Tray

• Dimensions D x W x H: 20"D x 10"W x 5"H
• Material Type: Polycast
• Size: 10 in W x 20 in L x 5 in H

Best for: Deep plugs for 1020 trays.

Why it ranks #2: Five-inch-deep cells give roots extra room, and the reusable 38-cell trays are described as fitting a standard 1020 carry tray.

Five-inch-deep cells give Grower’s Solution’s 38-cell tray room for substantial root growth before transplanting. The two-inch-square cells and bottom drainage holes suit tomatoes, peppers, and other starts, while compatibility with a standard 1020 carry tray lets growers handle the deep plugs within a familiar nursery footprint.

Each cell is two inches square and five inches deep, providing more vertical and lateral space than compact starter cells as plants develop. A drain hole at the bottom supports water escape during watering, while the reusable polycast construction can be kept for later starting seasons. Each pack contains five trays, and the stated fit with a standard 1020 carry tray helps growers move or organize these deep plugs using that tray format.

Skip it if you want dense sowing in one tray; IUMÉ’s 72-cell Seed Starter Kit provides more cells per tray.

Choose this for growers starting tomatoes, peppers, or other plants that benefit from deep plugs and who already use standard 1020 carry trays. The 38-cell layout favors roomier starts over maximizing seed count.

Listed on Amazon as: Grower's Solution 38 Deep Cell Nursery Plug Tray-Tree Tube-Propagation/Seed Starting Tray – 5 Pack

#3 · Highest Capacity

3. Kapok Candle Co 105 Cell Tray

• Dimensions D x W x H: 21.26"D x 11.02"W x 1.69"H
• Material Type: Plastic
• Size: 105 Cell

Best for: High-count 1020 propagation.

Why it ranks #3: Each 1.69-inch-deep cell holds 28cc of soil; the ten-pack provides a high-capacity option that fits standard 1020 trays.

With 105 cells in each tray and ten trays in the pack, Kapok Candle Co’s set supports large, organized propagation batches. The trays fit standard 10-by-20-inch trays, and each 1.69-inch-deep cell holds 28cc of soil, enabling compact starts across a familiar grow-system footprint.

The 105-cell layout lets growers sow many individual starts in a single tray, useful when propagating a broad batch of flowers or vegetables. Each cell opens to 1.26 inches and holds 28cc of soil, giving seeds a defined growing space while keeping the layout compact. Specified compatibility with standard 1020 trays simplifies integration into existing setups, and the 1.0mm plastic is stated to resist bending and cracking for reuse across growing seasons.

Skip it if you need five-inch-deep plugs; Grower's Solution 38 Deep Cell Nursery Plug Tray offers 5-inch cells.

A sensible match for growers sowing large batches in a standard 1020 setup and seeking reusable, high-density trays. Its 1.69-inch cell depth is the key boundary for plants that need longer root space.

Listed on Amazon as: 105 Cell Seedling Plastic Nursery Trays, 10 Pack, Thick Durable Germination Plug Trays, 1050 Cells Reusable Plant Propagation

#4 · Deep Square Cells

4. RooTrimmer 20 Cell Plug Tray

• Dimensions D x W x H: 15"D x 11"W x 3.2"H
• Material Type: Plastic
• Size: 20 Cell Plug Trays + Flat Trays-10P

Best for: Longer-term plug growing.

Why it ranks #4: The 20-cell trays use 2.5-inch-square, 3.5-inch-deep pots and include flat nursery trays for collection and handling.

Three-and-a-half-inch-deep, 2.5-inch-square pots let RooTrimmer’s 20-cell trays hold seedlings for a longer germination period. Large bottom openings make whole-plant removal easier at transplant time, and the set pairs ten plug trays with ten flat trays for a coordinated growing and water-collection arrangement.

The 20 cells use pot-sized openings and are 3.5 inches deep, giving starts more room before transplanting than shallow plug formats. The 0.9-inch bottom openings are intended to make it easier to transfer a seedling with its root ball intact. Ten flat nursery trays accompany the ten plug trays, and their depth is specified as useful for bottom watering from the side, supporting a watering workflow without removing the plugs.

Skip it if you need 105 cells in each tray; Kapok Candle Co’s 105 Cell Seedling Plastic Nursery Trays suit denser batches.

Choose this set for growers who want deep, removable pot-style plugs and matching flat trays for bottom watering. Its 20-cell capacity favors longer-term individual starts over densely packed seedling batches.

Listed on Amazon as: RooTrimmer 10 Pack 2.5 inch Square Pots 3.5 inch Deep 20 Cell Seedling Plug Trays with Water Collection Nursery Trays (15"x11"x3") for Seeds Starting and Transplanting

#5

5. CHAR COIR 1.5 Inch Insert Tray

• Dimensions D x W x H: 22"D x 10"W x 2"H
• Material Type: Plastic
• Size: 1.5 Inch Plug – 50 Pack

Best for: Precision 1.5-inch plug inserts.

Why it ranks #5: Its 50 precision-molded cells are designed for compatible 1.5-inch plugs, with a raised base intended to improve airflow and drainage.

Raised support rails elevate the CHAR COIR insert tray above standing water, promoting airflow and controlled drainage around its cells. Precision-molded, evenly spaced openings are made for 1.5-inch coco coins, peat plugs, and compatible seedling plugs, making this a focused base for consistent propagation rather than a general-purpose pot tray.

Uniformly spaced cells help keep plug positions consistent across a propagation batch, while the raised base and integrated support rails lift inserts above standing water. That arrangement supports airflow and drainage during watering cycles, a practical benefit for managing wet plugs. The tray is specified for 1.5-inch CHAR COIR Coco Coins, peat plugs, and compatible seedling plugs, so growers can use it as an organized insert system when they have matching plugs.

Skip it if you want a complete tray-and-dome kit; Gardzen 5-Set Seed Starter Tray Kits include bases and humidity domes.

A focused choice for growers already using 1.5-inch coco coins, peat plugs, or compatible inserts who want uniform spacing and raised drainage. It is an insert tray, so matching plugs are part of the setup.

Listed on Amazon as: Insert Tray for 1.5 Inch Plugs – Precision-Molded Seed Starting Tray with Raised Base for Improved Drainage & Airflow – Compatible Coco Coins & Seedling Plugs

#6 · Reusable Silicone

6. Burpee SuperSeed Tray

• Dimensions D x W x H: 10"D x 3"W x 11.5"H
• Material Type: Silicone
• Size: 36 Cells

Best for: Reusable indoor seed starter.

Why it ranks #6: The 36 flexible silicone cells pop out to ease transplanting, and labeled rows support seedling identification.

Flexible food-grade silicone cells pop out to release seedlings for transplanting, helping reduce disturbance as starts move into garden beds or patio pots. Burpee’s 36-cell format also labels rows alphanumerically and includes a Plant-o-Gram diagram, giving growers a way to track varieties while raising a modest batch indoors.

The soft silicone cells cradle seedlings, then flex for removal, which can make transplanting less awkward than pushing plugs from rigid cells. Molded corner slots provide drainage, supporting water movement through the cells as seedlings grow. Alphanumeric row labels paired with the included Plant-o-Gram help identify different varieties in one tray, useful when mixing vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Its 36-cell capacity suits a focused selection, while the reusable construction supports repeated indoor starting seasons.

Skip it if you need a high-volume batch in one tray; Kapok Candle Co’s 105-cell trays hold more cells per tray.

Choose this for indoor growers who value easier plug release and organized variety tracking across a small mixed planting. Its 36 cells suit a focused seed list, rather than a large single-tray propagation run.

Listed on Amazon as: Burpee SuperSeed 36-Cell Reusable Seed Starting Tray for Indoor Seedlings

#7

7. Hydroponic City 216 Cell Trays

• Dimensions D x W x H: 5.25"D x 6.25"W x 3.5"H
• Material Type: Plastic
• Size: 36 Trays (216 Cells)

Best for: Modular small-batch sowing.

Why it ranks #7: Thirty-six six-cell trays provide 216 cells overall; each cell measures 1.5 inches square by 2.25 inches deep.

Thirty-six separate six-cell trays create 216 planting positions while keeping each small batch divided into manageable units. The Hydroponic City’s 1.5-inch-square, 2.25-inch-deep cells provide defined space for flowers, herbs, succulents, or vegetables, and included plant stakes offer a way to label starts as they grow.

The individual six-cell format lets growers separate sowings into small groups instead of managing all 216 cells as one large tray. Each cell measures 1.5 inches square and 2.25 inches deep, giving seedlings room for early root growth within a compact unit. Drainage holes support water flow through the plastic cells, while the included plant stakes help identify varieties. Reusable construction suits repeated planting cycles across the 36 trays.

Skip it if you prefer one large tray instead of small modules; IUMÉ’s 72-cell Seed Starter Kit groups more cells in each tray.

Choose this modular set for growers who want to separate varieties or sowing dates into small units while still having 216 cells available. It suits organized batches, but handling all 36 trays takes more coordination.

Listed on Amazon as: Seed Starter Trays, 216-Cell Seedling Starter Trays (36 Trays – 6 Cells Each) + Plant Stakes

#8

8. IUMÉ 72 Cell Tray

• Dimensions D x W x H: 11.02"D x 21.3"W x 1.8"H
• Material Type: Plastic
• Size: 72 cell

Best for: 72-cell flower and vegetable starts.

Why it ranks #8: The ten-pack format offers 72 cells per tray, with listed cell dimensions of 1.5 by 1.5 inches at the top and 2.2 inches deep.

IUMÉ’s 72-cell format groups a sizeable batch of flower, herb, and vegetable starts into a single tray. The listing identifies cells around 1.5 inches across at the top and 2.2 inches high, with drainage holes and a lightweight plastic build that support organized indoor germination and handling.

A 72-cell layout gives growers space to start many individual seedlings together, including flowers, herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers named in the listing. Cells measure 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches at the top, taper to 0.8 inches by 0.8 inches at the bottom, and are 2.2 inches high, defining a compact plug shape for early starts. Drainage holes support water movement, and lightweight plastic makes the tray easier to handle as a unit.

Skip it if you need wider, five-inch-deep cells; Grower's Solution 38 Deep Cell Nursery Plug Tray has two-inch-square, 5-inch-deep cells.

A fit for indoor growers starting a broad mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables in a single high-count tray. Its tapered cells suit compact early plugs, while the 0.8-inch bottom width is a consideration for root space.

Listed on Amazon as: Seed Starter Kit 10 Pack-72 Cell Seedling Trays Gardening Germination

#9

9. Gardzen 6-Cell Tray

• Dimensions D x W x H: 5.4"D x 3.7"W x 2.2"H
• Material Type: Plastic
• Size: 30 Pcs

Best for: Cutting propagation modules.

Why it ranks #9: Thirty small trays offer six cells each and drainage holes; the product information also describes use for sowing seeds or raising cuttings.

Gardzen’s six-cell trays are promoted for both seed sowing and raising plants from cuttings, with bottom drain holes helping prevent overwatering. The 30-pack provides many small modules for separating propagation batches, while the 5.4-by-3.7-inch footprint makes each tray a compact unit to arrange around a growing area.

A drain hole at the bottom allows excess water to escape, helping growers avoid overwatering while tending seedlings or cuttings. The product information also says the trays help maintain humidity around cuttings and reduce water loss, a useful consideration during stem propagation. Each 5.4-by-3.7-inch tray contains six cells, and the 30-pack lets growers divide starts among many small groups rather than combining every variety in one container.

Skip it if you want 54 cells in each tray; RooTrimmer 54 Cell Seed Starter Trays consolidate more starts per unit.

A good option for propagators who want compact groups of seedlings or cuttings, particularly when managing humidity and water loss. Its six-cell modules suit divided batches, not growers seeking a single high-capacity tray.

Listed on Amazon as: Gardzen 30 Pack 6-Cell Seed Starting Tray for Seedlings, Plant Starter Trays with Drainage Holes for Seed Germination, 5.4×3.7 inches, Black

#10

10. Gardzen Vented Dome Kit

• Dimensions D x W x H: 9"D x 14.5"W x 1.85"H
• Material Type: Plastic
• Size: 40-Cell Black 5-Pack

Best for: Vented dome germination kits.

Why it ranks #10: This kit includes bases and vented humidity domes, but its 40-cell trays are a broader starter-kit format rather than a dedicated plug tray.

Two adjustable air vents in each humidity dome let growers change airflow as seedlings develop, with openings also helping prevent overheating. Gardzen’s five-set kit totals 200 cells and includes trays, bases, and domes, giving indoor growers a coordinated covered setup for sowing and early germination.

Each set has 40 cells with 1.4-inch spacing, and five sets provide 200 planting positions for larger seed-starting plans. Humidity domes include two adjustable vents, letting growers tune airflow as conditions change and open vents for a gentle breeze to help prevent overheating. Included bases and domes make this a bundled germination setup, while drainage holes support water movement through the trays during routine watering.

Skip it if you need 105 cells per tray; Kapok Candle Co’s 105 Cell Seedling Plastic Nursery Trays group more starts in each unit.

Choose this kit for indoor gardeners who want covered germination with adjustable airflow and bases included. Its five 40-cell sets suit distributed batches; growers seeking one large, high-density tray may prefer another layout.

Listed on Amazon as: Gardzen 5-Set Seed Starter Tray Kits, Durable Plant Germination Trays with Humidity Vented Domes and Bases, Ideal for Seed Starting, Indoor Gardening, and Greenhouse (Total 200 Cells)