72 Cell Seed Starting Tray vs. 60 Cell Seed Starting Tray: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to starting seeds indoors, choosing the right seed starting tray can significantly impact your gardening success. Two popular options, the 72-cell seed starting tray and the 60-cell seed starting tray, offer distinct advantages depending on your needs, space, and the types of plants you’re growing. In this article, we’ll compare these two tray sizes based on cell count, cell size, space efficiency, plant suitability, and practical considerations to help you decide which is best for your gardening goals.

1. Cell Count and Space Efficiency

The most obvious difference between the 72-cell and 60-cell seed starting trays is the number of cells. A 72-cell tray accommodates 72 individual seedlings, while a 60-cell tray holds 60. Both trays typically fit within a standard 1020 tray (10" x 20"), meaning they occupy the same footprint. However, the 72-cell tray allows you to grow 12 more seedlings in the same space, making it 20% more efficient in terms of seedling capacity.

• 72-Cell Tray: Ideal for maximizing the number of plants in a limited space. If you’re working with a small grow area or need to start a large number of seeds—such as for lettuce, herbs, or flowers—this tray offers a higher yield per square inch.
• 60-Cell Tray: Slightly less dense, offering fewer seedlings per tray but providing a bit more room per cell. This can be advantageous if you prefer a balance between quantity and individual plant health.

Winner: The 72-cell tray wins for space efficiency, making it a top choice for market gardeners or anyone aiming to scale up production without adding more trays.

2. Cell Size and Root Development

Cell size is a critical factor in seed starting, as it determines how much soil and root space each seedling has before transplanting. The 72-cell tray has smaller cells, typically around 1.5" square by 2.25" deep, while the 60-cell tray offers slightly larger cells, often closer to 1.75" square by 2" deep (exact dimensions vary by manufacturer).

• 72-Cell Tray: Smaller cells mean less soil volume per seedling, which can limit root growth over time. This makes it better suited for plants with shorter indoor growing periods (2-4 weeks) or those that don’t mind tighter spaces, like lettuce, kale, or small flowers. However, seedlings may become root-bound faster if not transplanted promptly.
• 60-Cell Tray: Larger cells provide more soil and space for roots, offering a bit more flexibility before transplanting is necessary. This can benefit plants that need a few extra days indoors due to weather delays or those with slightly more robust root systems, such as brassicas or herbs.

Winner: The 60-cell tray takes the edge here for supporting healthier root development over a slightly longer period, reducing the risk of root-bound seedlings.

3. Plant Suitability

The type of plants you’re growing plays a big role in choosing between these trays. Each tray size caters to different crops based on their germination and growth needs.

• 72-Cell Tray: Perfect for small-seeded, fast-germinating crops that don’t require extensive root space early on. Recommended plants include lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, mustard greens, small herbs (e.g., basil, parsley), and delicate flowers. It’s also a favorite among market gardeners for high-density production of baby greens or row crops.
• 60-Cell Tray: Better suited for crops that benefit from a bit more space or a longer indoor growing phase. This includes brassicas (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, collards), cucumbers, slow-growing herbs, and flowers with moderate root systems. The extra room can also support canopy development before transplanting.

Winner: Depends on your plants. The 72-cell tray excels for high-volume, small-seeded crops, while the 60-cell tray is more versatile for a broader range of seedlings.

4. Transplanting and Timing

Timing is key in seed starting, and the tray you choose affects how long seedlings can stay before needing to be moved.

• 72-Cell Tray: With smaller cells, seedlings need to be transplanted sooner—typically within 2-4 weeks, depending on the plant. This is fine for fast growers but requires careful monitoring to avoid stunting due to limited space. Vine plants like cucumbers or squash, for example, may need earlier transplanting to prevent root binding.
• 60-Cell Tray: The larger cells give you a bit more leeway, often allowing seedlings to stay an extra week or so before transplanting. This can be a lifesaver if unpredictable spring weather delays your outdoor planting schedule.

Winner: The 60-cell tray offers more flexibility for transplant timing, making it easier to manage unexpected delays.

5. Practical Considerations

Beyond plant needs, practical factors like cost, durability, and ease of use also matter.

• Cost: Both trays are similarly priced within the same brand, though the 72-cell tray often provides better value per seedling due to its higher capacity. For example, a durable 72-cell tray from a reputable supplier might cost slightly more upfront but saves money long-term by fitting more plants.
• Durability: High-quality options (e.g., Bootstrap Farmer’s extra-strength trays) exist for both sizes, with no significant difference in construction. Look for BPA-free, heavy-duty plastic for longevity in either case.
• Ease of Use: The 72-cell tray’s smaller cells can be trickier to fill and extract seedlings from, especially without tools like a dibber or popsicle stick. The 60-cell tray’s larger cells are generally easier to work with, particularly for beginners.

Winner: Tie—cost-effectiveness favors the 72-cell tray, but the 60-cell tray is more user-friendly for handling.

Conclusion: Which Tray Should You Choose?

• Choose the 72-Cell Seed Starting Tray if you’re a high-volume grower, have limited space, or focus on fast-growing, small-seeded crops like lettuce, herbs, or baby greens. It’s the go-to for maximizing output and is a staple for market gardeners who prioritize efficiency.
• Choose the 60-Cell Seed Starting Tray if you want more flexibility, are growing a variety of plants with moderate root needs, or need a buffer against transplant delays. It’s ideal for hobbyists or gardeners who value seedling health over sheer quantity.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your gardening goals, space constraints, and the crops you’re cultivating. For many, a combination of both trays offers the best of both worlds—use the 72-cell tray for high-density starters and the 60-cell tray for plants needing a little more room to thrive. Whichever you pick, pair it with a sturdy 1020 tray and a humidity dome for optimal germination, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful growing season!