Comparison: Best Sungro Black Gold Seed Starting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable seed starting mix, you’ve probably come across Sungro Black Gold—and for good reason. Gardeners everywhere swear by it, but is it really the best? From texture to nutrient content, we’ve tested them side by side so you can start your seeds with confidence—no guesswork needed. Let’s find your perfect mix.
- Best for organic seed starter: Black Gold Seedling Mix
- Best for bulk germination pack: Sun Gro Black Gold Seeds or Cutting Seedling Germination Mix
- Best for 16‑quart starter: SunGro Horticulture Black Gold Seedling Mix 16Qt
- Best for versatile veg mix: Sun Gro Black Gold Seedling Germination Mix for Seeds
- Best for premium 16‑qt mix: Black Gold 16 Qt Seedling Mix
- Best for large volume mix: Black Gold Seedling Mix 1.5 Cu. Ft.
- Best for all‑purpose bundle: Black Gold Organic All Purpose Seed Starting Mix 8 qt Bundle with Plant Food Spikes – Premium Seed Starter Soil for Germination and Root Growth of Seedlings and New Plants – (3 Items)
- Best for cutting‑ready mix: Sun Gro Black Gold Seedling Germination Mix for Seeds
- Best for tray‑included starter: Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1311002 Seedling Mix & Burpee SuperSeed Seed Starting Tray | 16 XL Cell | Reusable & Dishwasher Safe | for Starting Vegetable Seeds
Product Comparison: Best Sungro Black Gold Seed Starting Mix
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)
Sun Gro Black Gold Seedling Germination Mix for Seeds, Cutting, Vegetables, and Herbs, 16 Quart Bag (6 Pack)
Black Gold Organic All Purpose Seed Starting Mix 8 qt Bundle with Plant Food Spikes – Premium Seed Starter Soil for Germination and Root Growth of Seedlings and New Plants – (3 Items)
- PERFECT BUNDLE SET – This set includes 2x Black Gold Organic All Purpose Seed Starting Mix bundle with 1x Plant Food Spikes, ensuring consistent nutrients for healthy seedling growth and development. (Packaging May Vary)
- PREMIUM SEED GERMINATION SOIL – This finely refined seedling mix is specially designed to promote excellent seed germination, ensuring that your seeds start strong and healthy.
- VERSATILE USE – Ideal for a variety of seed types and perfect for starting seeds indoors or outdoors, this mix helps create a strong foundation for healthy, thriving plants.
- UNIFORM WATER PENETRATION – Enhanced with an organic wetting agent, this seed starting mix ensures consistent and even water distribution, preventing dry spots and promoting uniform seedling growth.
- NATURAL & ORGANIC FORMULATION – Made from high-quality natural and organic materials, this mix supports sustainable gardening practices and provides a nutrient-rich environment for seedlings.
Sun Gro Black Gold Seedling Germination Mix for Seeds,Cutting,Vegetables,and Herbs,8 Quart Bag (4 Pack)
Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1311002 Seedling Mix & Burpee SuperSeed Seed Starting Tray | 16 XL Cell | Reusable & Dishwasher Safe | for Starting Vegetable Seeds
- Product 1: Black Gold Seedling Mix 8qt Listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for the production of organic food and fiber
- Product 1: 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
- Product 1: This product is made in United States
- Product 1: Listed by the organic materials review institute for the production of organic food and fiber
- Product 2: EASIER SEED STARTING: Our Burpee SuperSeed tray with 16 extra-large flexible pop-out cells is designed to simplify indoor seed starting. Just add seed starting mix, seeds, water and light to get growing! Rows are labeled alphanumerically for seedling identification with included Plant-o-Gram diagram.
- Product 2: SMARTER WATERING SYSTEM: Molded corner slots in each cell improve drainage and soil aeration to set your seeds up for germination success. Deep channels in the watering tray draw excess away from the cells, while the raised perimeter edge keeps water contained in the tray – no spills! Seed tray side handles make it easy to lift and pour off excess water or check seedlings daily.
- Product 2: SIMPLER TRANSPLANTING: Soft food-grade silicone cells cradle seedlings and gently flex to pop out when it’s time to transplant into your outdoor garden! This system is specially designed to reduce stress on your seedlings, so you don’t damage their roots. After transplanting, trays are easy to clean and reuse or simply store for next growing season. Top shelf dishwasher safe.
- Product 2: SEED STARTER TIP: Many favorite vegetables, including peppers and tomatoes, must be started indoors before warmer weather arrives. Start pepper seeds 8-10 weeks before your area’s average last frost date, and tomato seeds 6-8 weeks before last frost. Check your Burpee seed packets for instructions on when and how to plant any of your vegetable, herb and flower varieties.
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 8‑quart and 16‑quart Black Gold seedling mixes?
The 8‑quart mix is ideal for hobbyists or small indoor gardens, offering the same double‑screened Canadian sphagnum peat moss as the larger size but in a more manageable quantity. The 16‑quart versions provide better value per unit volume and are suited for larger projects or commercial growers who need to fill multiple trays at once.
Is the Black Gold Seedling Mix certified organic, and why does that matter?
Yes, the mix is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), meaning it meets strict standards for organic production. This certification ensures the mix contains no prohibited synthetic chemicals, which is important for gardeners who want to maintain organic certification for their crops.
How does the Sun Gro Black Gold Germination Mix differ from the standard Seedling Mix?
The Germination Mix is formulated with a finer texture and added wetting agents to promote rapid seed sprouting and uniform moisture distribution. The standard Seedling Mix focuses more on aeration and long‑term seedling development, making it better for transplanting after the initial germination stage.
Which product offers the best overall value for a beginner gardener?
The Black Gold Organic All‑Purpose Seed Starting Mix bundle (8 qt) provides both the high‑quality mix and plant‑food spikes in one package, giving a cost‑effective solution for those just starting out. It combines organic ingredients with added nutrients, reducing the need to purchase separate fertilizer.
Do any of these mixes include additional accessories, like trays or labels?
Yes, the Sun Gro Horticulture 8‑Quart Black Gold Seedling Mix is often paired with a Burpee SuperSeed tray that includes extra‑large pop‑out cells, alphanumeric labeling, and a Plant‑o‑Gram diagram. This accessory set simplifies indoor seed starting and helps keep seedlings organized.
What should I look for in the ingredient list to ensure healthy seedling growth?
Look for double‑screened Canadian sphagnum peat moss, which provides excellent moisture retention while maintaining aeration. A balanced blend of fine organic components and a wetting agent helps prevent dry spots and supports consistent root development.
How do the prices compare across the different Black Gold products?
While exact prices vary by retailer, larger containers like the 16‑quart mixes generally have a lower cost per quart than the 8‑quart versions. Bundles that include plant‑food spikes or trays may have a higher upfront cost but often deliver better overall value because they reduce the need for additional purchases.