Comparison: Best Sungro Black Gold (Updated | Nov 11th)
When it comes to giving your garden the ultimate boost, few products get as much buzz as Sungro Black Gold. But with so many versions on the shelf, how do you know which one’s truly the best? We’ve dug into the dirt—literally—testing and comparing the top Sungro Black Gold mixes to see which delivers lush growth, rich texture, and real results. Let’s find your garden’s new favorite soil.
- Best for all‑organic mix: SUNGRO HORTICULTURE Black Gold 1302040 16-Quart All Organic Potting Soil
- Best for houseplant power: SunGro Black Gold All Purpose Potting Soil Fertilizer Mix for House Plants
- Best for seedling starter: Black Gold Seedling Mix
- Best for cutting germination: Sun Gro Black Gold Seeds or Cutting Seedling Germination Mix
- Best for peat moss plus: Black Gold 3 Lb. 8 Qt. Sphagnum Peat Moss Plus – 1 Each
- Best for african violet blend: Sun Gro Horticulture Black Gold African Violet Mix
- Best for indoor violet soil: SunGro Black Gold Indoor Natural and Organic African Violet Potting Soil Fertilizer Mix for House Plants
Product Comparison: Best Sungro Black Gold
SUNGRO HORTICULTURE Black Gold 1302040 16-Quart All Organic Potting Soil
- Ideal for all container-grown flowers, herbs and vegetables
- Enriched with earthworm castings, perlite, pumice and organic fertilizer
- OMRI listed organic
- 16 quart bag
- Packaging may vary
- Listed by the organic materials review institute for the production of organic food and fiber
- Rich, loamy mix is one of the best for all gardening applications
- Perlite and pumice are added to ensure optimum pore and air space for sturdy growth
- Use in hanging baskets, patio containers, herb gardens, vegetable plantings, and anywhere you would like to use an organic soil
- Regionally formulated, western region only , Packaging may vary
SunGro Black Gold All Purpose Potting Soil Fertilizer Mix for House Plants, Vegetables, Herbs and More, 16 Quart Bag (4 Pack)
Black Gold Seedling Mix, 8 quart
- Black Gold Seedling Mix 8qt Listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for the production of organic food and fiber
- This mix combines double screened Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss and other fine ingredients to give seedlings the aeration and moisture retention they need for strong development
- This product is made in United States
- Listed by the organic materials review institute for the production of organic food and fiber
- Combines double screened Canadian sphagnum peat moss and other fine ingredients to give seedlings the aeration and moisture retention they need for strong development
- Contains Canadian sphagnum peat moss, perlite, dolomite lime, and an organic wetting agent
- Use for germinating seeds in flats, pots, and plug trays
- 8-Quart
Sun Gro Black Gold Seeds or Cutting Seedling Germination Mix,16 Quart (4 Pack)
Black Gold 3 Lb. 8 Qt. Sphagnum Peat Moss Plus – 1 Each
Sun Gro Horticulture Black Gold African Violet Mix
- The blend consists of Sphagnum Peat Moss, perlite, volcanic pumice and earthworm castings with dolomite lime added as a soil pH adjuster
- This product is made in United States
- Package Weight: 1.724 kilograms
- Package Dimensions: 8.89 L x 37.592 H x 24.13 W (centimeters)
SunGro Black Gold Indoor Natural and Organic African Violet Potting Soil Fertilizer Mix for House Plants, 8 Quart Bag (4 Pack)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the key differences between the 16‑quart All‑Organic Potting Soil and the All‑Purpose Potting Soil mix?
The 16‑quart All‑Organic Potting Soil is OMRI‑listed and contains earthworm castings, perlite, pumice, and an organic fertilizer blend, making it ideal for organic gardening. The All‑Purpose mix is formulated for a broader range of houseplants and may include synthetic nutrients, offering a more versatile but less strictly organic option.
Which SunGro Black Gold product is best for seedling starts versus mature houseplants?
For seedlings, the 8‑quart Black Gold Seedling Mix provides a fine, double‑screened peat base that balances aeration and moisture retention, promoting strong early growth. Mature houseplants benefit from the 16‑quart All‑Organic Potting Soil, which supplies extra nutrients and structure for ongoing development.
How does the African Violet mix differ from the general potting mixes in composition and pH?
The African Violet mix includes sphagnum peat moss, perlite, volcanic pumice, earthworm castings, and dolomite lime, which adjusts the soil pH to the slightly acidic range that violets prefer. General mixes focus more on overall drainage and nutrient content and may not contain the pH‑adjusting lime.
Is the 8‑quart Seedling Mix truly organic and what benefits does double‑screened peat provide?
Yes, the Seedling Mix is OMRI‑listed for organic production, ensuring it meets strict organic standards. Double‑screened peat removes larger particles, giving seedlings a finer medium that improves root aeration while retaining enough moisture for healthy development.
What should I consider when choosing between a single 16‑quart bag and a 4‑pack of 16‑quart seedling mix?
A single 16‑quart bag is convenient for one‑off projects and may be cheaper per bag, while the 4‑pack offers bulk savings and ensures you have enough soil for multiple seedling trays or larger indoor gardens. Check storage space, as the larger quantity requires a dry, cool area to keep the mix from compacting.
How do added nutrients like earthworm castings and dolomite lime affect plant health and growth?
Earthworm castings supply a slow‑release source of micro‑ and macro‑nutrients, improving soil fertility and microbial activity. Dolomite lime stabilizes pH and adds calcium and magnesium, which are essential for strong cell walls and overall plant vigor.
Are there any cost‑benefit advantages to buying larger quantities versus smaller bags of Black Gold soil?
Purchasing larger bags or multi‑packs typically reduces the price per quart and minimizes packaging waste, offering better value for extensive gardening projects. However, smaller bags allow you to test a product before committing to bulk, which can be a smarter choice for beginners or those with limited storage.