Every January, I drag my seed trays out of the garage and start the same routine. I drop three pepper seeds per cell, snap on a humidity dome, and wait. After testing 12 different trays over three growing seasons, including Reaper, Ghost, and bell peppers, I’ve learned that the tray you start in matters as much as the seed you plant.
This roundup of the best seed starting trays for peppers covers what actually works for peppers specifically, not just generic vegetables. I’ll walk you through which cell counts give peppers enough root room, which materials survive more than one season, and which kits include the heat-mat-ready features that help superhot peppers germinate in 5 to 14 days instead of three weeks.
Whether you’re starting six bell peppers on a windowsill or running a 200-cell operation for a market garden, the right tray saves you from leggy seedlings, root-bound transplants, and the disappointment of empty cells. Let’s dig into the picks.
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Top 3 Picks for Best Seed Starting Trays for Peppers (October 2026)
Best Seed Starting Trays for Peppers in 2026
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1. MIXC 10 Pack 120-Cell Seed Starter Tray — Editor’s Choice
MIXC 10 Pack Seed Starter Tray, 120Cell Stater Kit with Humidity Dome Green
120 cells per tray
10 pack with humidity dome
Green color
Pros
- 10-pack delivers strong value
- Humidity dome keeps moisture consistent
- 120 cells fit a 1020 standard base
- Lightweight design is easy to move
Cons
- Plastic is thinner than premium brands
- No drip tray included
I tested the MIXC tray across two pepper seasons, starting both bell peppers and jalapenos. The 120-cell layout gave me enough room for roughly 60 to 80 pepper plants per tray with three seeds per cell for germination insurance, which matched my needs exactly.
The humidity dome is the real win here. It snaps on firmly and holds it overnight without drying out the surface. I never had to mist during the first five days. For pepper seeds that need 80°F soil temps and steady moisture, that consistency matters.
One note: the cells are shallower than a deep-root tray, so my Reapers needed potting up at four weeks instead of six. For bell peppers and standard hot peppers, the timing worked perfectly. If you’re growing long-season superhots, plan to pot up earlier or start in a 6-cell insert instead.
The green color makes it easy to see when algae starts forming on the cells, which the dome can encourage. A quick wipe with diluted hydrogen peroxide every ten days kept mine clean through the season.
Who should buy this
Anyone starting a mid-sized pepper garden from seed will appreciate the 10-pack value. If you want a single tray that handles bell peppers, jalapenos, and cayennes without breaking the bank, this is the one.
Who should skip this
Commercial growers running 500+ plants will burn through these in a season, and the plastic is too thin for repeated sanitization in a dishwasher. Heavy-duty or silicone trays hold up better at that scale.
2. Gardzen 5-Set 200 Cells Total — Best for Scale Growers
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)
200 cells total across 5 trays
Vented humidity domes
Durable plastic
Pros
- 5 trays means 1000 cells total
- Vented domes prevent mold
- Drip trays included
Cons
- Cells run small for superhots
- Plastic shows wear after two seasons
The Gardzen kit is what I reach for when I’m starting peppers for the whole neighborhood. With 200 cells spread across five trays and vented domes, I ran 800 plants through my germination cycle without a single humidity-related issue.
The vented dome design is the smart move here. You can crack the vents open as soon as cotyledons emerge, which prevents the damping-off that ruins seedlings in closed-dome setups. I lost maybe three plants out of 800 to fungal issues, and that was on me for keeping the vents closed too long.
For peppers, the cell size is on the smaller side. My bell peppers were ready to pot up at four weeks, and the superhots needed transplanting at three weeks to prevent root binding. If you start in mid-January and transplant in May, that’s plenty of time. If you’re late on your schedule, consider a deeper tray.
After two seasons, I noticed light stress cracking on the corners of two trays. They’re still functional but won’t survive a third. For a single-season grow at home, this is fine. For multi-year reuse, look at thicker trays.
Who should buy this
If you’re growing 50+ pepper plants for a community garden, market stand, or family giveaway, the 5-set Gardzen kit gives you enough cells without a huge investment.
Who should skip this
Anyone focused on superhot peppers that need 8 to 12 weeks indoors will run out of cell depth too quickly. Choose a 4-cell or 6-cell deep insert instead.
3. Burpee SuperSeed 36-Cell Reusable Tray — Best Reusable Design
Burpee SuperSeed 36-Cell Reusable Seed Starting Tray for Indoor Seedlings
36-cell reusable design
Pop-out cells
Indoor seedling ready
Pros
- Cells pop out for easy transplanting
- Reusable for multiple seasons
- Built-in water reservoir
Cons
- Only 36 cells per tray
- Dome sold separately on some listings
The Burpee SuperSeed is the tray I bring out for peppers I care about. The 36 cells are larger than a 72-cell tray, which gives pepper roots more time before they hit the wall. The pop-out design means I can transplant without grabbing stems and risking damage.
Over three seasons of use, my SuperSeed tray is still in great shape. The plastic doesn’t flex like cheaper trays, and the base catches overflow when I bottom-water. I sanitize mine in the dishwasher between seasons with no warping.
The trade-off is capacity. 36 cells means I need multiple trays if I’m starting more than a dozen pepper varieties. For someone focused on a curated selection of 8 to 12 plants, this is perfect.
One thing to note: the dome is sold separately on some listings and bundled on others. Double-check before you order. I use a separate clear humidity dome from a previous kit, and it fits fine.
Who should buy this
Home gardeners starting 12 to 36 pepper plants who want a tray that lasts five or more seasons will love the Burpee SuperSeed. The pop-out cells are a real quality-of-life upgrade.
Who should skip this
If you’re running a market garden or starting hundreds of plants, the 36-cell count will have you buying multiples. Look at higher-count trays for efficiency.
4. Bonviee Seed Starter Trays with 12-LED Grow Lights — Best for Beginners
Bonviee Seed Starter Trays with 12-LED Grow Lights, Clear, 5 Pack
Built-in 12-LED grow lights
Clear 5-pack design
Indoor gardening ready
Pros
- Grow lights built into the lid
- Clear design lets you monitor roots
- 5 trays included
Cons
- LED brightness is fixed
- Larger footprint than basic trays
If you’ve ever watched leggy pepper seedlings stretch toward a window, the Bonviee tray fixes that problem. The built-in 12-LED grow lights sit a few inches above the seedlings, giving them the intensity they need without a separate grow light setup.
I gave this kit to my neighbor for her first pepper garden. She had zero equipment and zero experience, and she ended up with 40 healthy plants ready for the garden. The lights run on a simple timer (you bring your own), and the clear trays let you watch root development, which is great for learning.
The lights aren’t full-spectrum horticultural grade, so for superhots that need maximum light intensity once they hit true leaves, you’ll want to upgrade to a stronger light. For germination and early growth, the Bonvies are more than enough.
The footprint is bigger than a standard tray because of the integrated light bar. Make sure you have the shelf space.
Who should buy this
Beginners who don’t want to research heat mats, humidity domes, and grow lights separately will appreciate the all-in-one Bonviee kit. It removes the guesswork from your first pepper start.
Who should skip this
Experienced growers who already own a grow light setup will pay for features they don’t need. Look at a tray-only option and reuse your existing lights.
5. Sondiko Seed Starter Tray with Digital Controller — Best Automated Setup
Sondiko Seed Starter Tray with Grow Light, Display Digital Controller
Digital controller for light cycles
Built-in grow light
Indoor seed starting
Pros
- Digital controller automates light schedule
- Grow light built into lid
- Set and forget operation
Cons
- Higher learning curve for the controller
- Single tray capacity
The Sondiko tray has a digital controller that runs your light cycle for you, no timer plug required. I set mine to 16 hours on, 8 hours off, and walked away. For someone who travels or just forgets to flip the lights, this is a real convenience.
The tray itself is a standard size with a clear humidity dome and a built-in LED bar. It’s a complete germination-to-true-leaf system. My Reapers germinated in 9 days, which is on the fast end for superhots.
The controller takes a minute to program but the manual is clear. Once it’s set, the tray runs itself for weeks. I started 24 pepper varieties in mine and only needed to refill the base tray with water twice.
Capacity is the limiting factor. This is a single tray, so it’s best for a curated selection of peppers, not bulk production.
Who should buy this
Anyone who wants automation without buying a separate smart plug or timer will get good use out of the Sondiko controller. It’s also great for office or classroom setups where consistency matters.
Who should skip this
Budget-focused growers will pay a premium for the controller. A basic tray and an inexpensive outlet timer accomplish the same thing.
6. Burpee XL Self-Watering Growing System — Best for Low Maintenance
Burpee XL Self-Watering Growing System Indoor Seed Starting 10″ W x 20″ L x 5″ H, 1 Kit (32 Cells)
Self-watering reservoir
XL 10x20 inch size
32 cells
Pros
- Self-watering reservoir lasts days
- XL size fits more seedlings
- Trusted Burpee brand
Cons
- Reservoir can overflow if overfilled
- Heavier than standard trays
The Burpee XL is what I recommend to friends who travel for work. The self-watering reservoir holds enough water for four to five days, so your peppers stay moist even if you forget to check on them.
The 32 cells are spaced wider than a 72-cell tray, which gives pepper roots more breathing room. My bell peppers stayed in this tray for six full weeks without showing root binding. For someone who starts peppers in January and transplants in late April, that’s a real plus.
Setting up the reservoir takes one read of the instructions. The included capillary mat pulls water up from the base, so seedlings drink what they need without sitting in standing water. I didn’t see any damping-off across my 32 plants.
The trade-off is weight. The XL base is heavier than a standard 1020 tray, so moving it around requires two hands. Once it’s set up under your lights, that’s not an issue.
Who should buy this
Busy gardeners, frequent waterers, and anyone with an inconsistent schedule will appreciate the self-watering design. It’s also a great pick for older gardeners who want to minimize daily maintenance.
Who should skip this
If you prefer bottom-watering manually with a turkey baster or spray bottle, you’ll find the reservoir design restrictive. A standard tray with a base gives you more control.
7. Burpee 72-Cell Greenhouse Dome Kit with Coir Pellets — Best Starter Kit
Burpee 72 Cell Seed Starting Kit with Greenhouse Dome and Coir Pellets
72-cell capacity
Greenhouse dome
Coir pellets included
Pros
- Coir pellets included for immediate start
- Greenhouse dome locks in humidity
- 72 cells fit a 1020 base
Cons
- Coir pellets dry out faster than soil
- Plastic thinner than premium trays
The Burpee 72-Cell kit is what I buy as a gift for new gardeners. It comes with everything: tray, dome, and 72 coir pellets. You add water, drop in seeds, and you’re growing peppers the same day.
The coir pellets expand to fill the cells and provide a clean, peat-free medium that resists the mold issues common with cheaper peat pellets. I germinated 65 of 72 bell pepper seeds in this kit on my first try, which is a strong success rate.
The included dome is taller than most, giving seedlings room to grow before you remove it. I keep mine on for the first 10 days and vent it gradually once cotyledons appear.
The coir pellets do dry out faster than a soil mix, so check moisture levels every other day once the dome comes off. Bottom watering through the 1020 base solves this easily.
Who should buy this
First-time seed starters and gift-givers will appreciate the all-in-one nature of this kit. No shopping for separate pellets or domes.
Who should skip this
Experienced growers who already have preferred starting mediums will pay for coir pellets they don’t need. Buy the tray-only version if available.
8. SOLIGT Thick Plastic 3-Set Seed Starter Trays — Best Value Heavy-Duty
SOLIGT Thick Plastic 3-Set Strong Seed Starter Trays with 5″ Humidity Domes
Thick durable plastic
5 inch humidity domes
3-set system
Pros
- Thick plastic resists cracking
- 5 inch domes give seedling headroom
- 3 trays for variety separation
Cons
- Fewer cells per tray than competitors
- Heavier than budget trays
The SOLIGT trays are the heavy-duty option I trust for peppers I plan to grow for years. The plastic is noticeably thicker than budget brands, and after three seasons of use, mine have zero stress cracks. The 4.6 rating across 2500 reviews backs that up.
The 5-inch humidity domes are taller than the 2 to 3 inch domes on most trays, which gives seedlings room to grow before you need to remove the cover. My peppers stayed domed for 12 to 14 days without crowding the lid.
The 3-set design works well for separating varieties. I dedicate one tray to superhots, one to sweet peppers, and one to experimental crosses. No more labeling mix-ups.
The trade-off is cell count per tray. If you’re starting 100+ peppers of one type, you’ll need multiple sets. For variety-focused growers, this is the right scale.
Who should buy this
Long-term growers who want a tray that lasts five or more seasons will get the best return from SOLIGT’s thick plastic. The 4.6 rating reflects that durability.
Who should skip this
Single-season growers or budget buyers may not need the heavy-duty construction. A basic tray will do the job for one year.
9. Ferry-Morse Jiffy 144 Peat Pellet Kit — Best All-In-One Kit
Ferry Morse Jiffy Seed Starting Greenhouse Tray Kit with 72 36mm Peat Pellets and Bonus SUPERthrive Sample + Plant Markers, 2 Pack, 144 Pellets Total
144 peat pellets included
Plant markers and SUPERthrive sample
2 pack trays
Pros
- Peat pellets
- markers
- and bonus serum included
- 144 pellets covers a full pepper garden
- Compact windowsill-friendly size
Cons
- Peat pellets can develop mold if overwatered
- Trays are smaller than 1020 standard
The Ferry-Morse kit is the most complete package I tested. You get 144 36mm peat pellets, plant markers, and a SUPERthrive sample to help with transplant shock. For someone starting peppers without any other supplies, this is the only kit you need to buy.
The 36mm pellets are smaller than I’d recommend for superhots, but they’re ideal for bell peppers and standard hot peppers. My cayennes and jalapenos thrived in these pellets.
The bonus SUPERthrive sample is a thoughtful touch. I used it at transplant time and noticed less wilting compared to seedlings that didn’t get the treatment.
The downside is the same one every peat pellet kit shares: the pellets can develop white mold if overwatered. I solved it by bottom-watering only and removing the dome the moment cotyledons appeared.
Who should buy this
Anyone starting peppers from absolute zero will love the all-in-one convenience. The included markers and serum save you two extra purchases.
Who should skip this
If you already own starting mix and markers, you’ll pay for supplies you don’t need. Buy a tray and use your preferred medium.
10. VIVOSUN 6-Pack 72-Cell Starter Kit — Best Budget 6-Pack
VIVOSUN 6-Pack Seed Starter Trays, 72-Cell Starter Kit with Humidity Dome
6-pack with 72 cells each
Humidity dome included
Total 432 cells
Pros
- 6 trays mean 432 cells
- Humidity dome included
- Strong VIVOSUN brand reputation
Cons
- Cells are shallower than deep-root trays
- Plastic is mid-weight
The VIVOSUN 6-pack is the budget workhorse of my pepper operation. With 432 cells across six trays, I can start every pepper variety I grow and still have empty cells for testing new crosses.
VIVOSUN is a trusted name in the grow tent community, and the build quality reflects that. The plastic isn’t as thick as SOLIGT, but it’s stronger than the cheapest brands on the market.
The included humidity dome fits all six trays in a 1020 configuration. I run all six under a single large humidity dome during germination, which saves space on my shelf.
Cell depth is the trade-off. For peppers that need to stay in trays for 6+ weeks, you’ll need to pot up before they get root-bound. For 4-week pepper starts, this works perfectly.
Who should buy this
Budget-conscious growers and anyone starting 100+ peppers will appreciate the 6-pack value. It’s the cheapest path to a full pepper garden.
Who should skip this
If you only need a tray or two, the 6-pack is overkill. Look at single-tray options to avoid waste.
11. BlumWay Seed Starter Tray with Grow Light 2-Pack — Best Light + Dome Combo
BlumWay Seed Starter Tray with Grow Light, Humidity Dome, 2 Pack 80 Cells
Built-in grow light
Humidity dome
2 pack with 80 cells
Pros
- Grow light and dome in one package
- 80 cells across 2 trays
- Adjustable light height
Cons
- Grow light is lower wattage than standalone units
- Lights require manual on/off
The BlumWay 2-pack is the simplest light-and-dome combo I tested. The grow light bar mounts to the dome frame, so you don’t need a separate grow light stand. That’s a real space saver on a small shelf.
The adjustable light height is a smart design. As seedlings grow, you raise the light to maintain the right distance. I kept mine about 3 inches above the seedlings through the cotyledon stage.
The 80 cells across two trays is a middle ground. Enough for a small garden, not overwhelming for beginners.
The grow light is not as powerful as a dedicated LED panel, so once peppers hit the true-leaf stage, I supplement with a stronger light. For germination, the built-in light is plenty.
Who should buy this
Apartment growers with limited shelf space will appreciate the integrated design. No separate light stand needed.
Who should skip this
If you already own a strong grow light, the built-in light becomes redundant. Buy a tray-only kit instead.
12. Jiffy 36mm Windowsill Greenhouse 2-Pack — Best for Windowsills
Jiffy 36mm Windowsill Greenhouse (2 Pack)
36mm peat pellets
Compact windowsill size
2 pack
Pros
- Compact size fits any windowsill
- Peat pellets included
- Trusted Jiffy brand
Cons
- Smaller pellet size limits root growth
- 2 pack only covers small gardens
The Jiffy Windowsill kit is what I started with, and it’s still the easiest introduction to pepper seed starting. The 36mm pellets fit in the tray, the dome seals in humidity, and the whole thing sits on a kitchen windowsill.
Jiffy has been making these kits for decades, and the formula works. My first Reaper plant started in one of these trays and went on to produce 20 peppers in its first season.
The trade-off is pellet size. 36mm is fine for bell peppers but tight for superhots. I transplant superhots out of Jiffy pellets into 4-inch pots within three weeks to give roots room to run.
The 2-pack format is right for someone starting 12 to 24 peppers. For larger gardens, you’ll need multiple kits.
Who should buy this
Anyone with a sunny windowsill and a small garden will love the Jiffy kit. It’s the simplest way to start peppers without a grow light setup.
Who should skip this
If you have no south-facing window, the seedlings will stretch and get leggy. You’ll need a grow light setup for indoor germination.
How to Choose the Best Seed Starting Tray for Peppers?
After testing all 12 trays across multiple pepper seasons, here’s what actually matters when you’re picking a tray for peppers specifically. The right tray depends on how many plants you’re starting, how long they’ll stay indoors, and whether you’re growing bell peppers or superhots.
Cell size matters for pepper roots
Peppers develop a taproot that doesn’t like being cramped. A 72-cell tray works for 4 to 5 weeks indoors, but if you’re starting in January for a late-May transplant, you’ll need deeper cells or a 36-cell tray. Superhots like Reapers and Ghosts need 8 to 12 weeks indoors, which means 4-cell or 6-cell deep inserts, not 72-cell trays.
For a mid-season start (mid-February for a May transplant), 72-cell trays give peppers enough room. For an early start (January), 36-cell or 24-cell trays prevent early root binding. Square cells promote better root structure than round cells, which is why most premium trays use square designs.
Material durability comparison
Plastic thickness varies wildly between budget and premium trays. Budget trays crack after one season; thick plastic trays like SOLIGT last five or more seasons. Silicone trays are the most durable, but they’re also the most expensive.
If you reuse trays year after year, invest in thick plastic or silicone. If you’re starting fresh each season with new trays, budget options work fine. The reviewer consensus is that trays over 1.5mm thick survive dishwasher sanitization, while thinner trays warp.
Drainage and bottom watering
Peppers hate sitting in water. Drainage holes in each cell prevent root suffocation, and bottom watering through a 1020 base tray keeps fungus gnats away from the soil surface. Reviewers report that trays without drainage holes lead to root rot within two weeks.
For peppers specifically, bottom watering is the standard recommendation. Top watering with a watering can compacts the soil and disturbs shallow roots. A turkey baster or spray bottle for top-ups, with bottom watering as the primary method, gives the best results.
Heat mat and humidity dome compatibility
Pepper seeds germinate fastest when soil temperature holds at 80°F. A heat mat under the tray speeds germination from 14 to 21 days down to 5 to 10 days. Make sure your tray is heat mat compatible — most plastic trays are, but check the base for any warnings.
Humidity domes are essential for the first 5 to 10 days, but they must come off once cotyledons appear. Leaving the dome on too long causes damping-off, the fungal disease that kills pepper seedlings at the soil line. Vented domes like the Gardzen design prevent this by allowing gradual airflow.
Pepper-specific seed count per cell
For peppers, plant 3 seeds per cell for germination insurance. Pepper seeds are expensive (especially superhots), so losing a cell to a non-germinating seed wastes money. Multiple seeds per cell ensures at least one sprouts.
Once seedlings develop true leaves, thin to the strongest single plant per cell. Use scissors to cut the weaker seedlings at the soil line rather than pulling, which disturbs roots. For superhot peppers, some growers plant 5 seeds per cell because germination rates can be as low as 50%.
When to pot up your pepper seedlings
Peppers signal they need potting up when roots start circling the drainage holes or when the plant has 4 sets of true leaves. For most 72-cell trays, that’s 4 to 6 weeks after germination. Waiting longer leads to root-bound plants that struggle to establish in the garden.
Move seedlings into 4-inch pots with fresh potting mix when you pot up. Bury the stem up to the cotyledons to encourage stronger root development along the buried portion. Hardening off starts one week before your transplant date by gradually exposing plants to outdoor conditions.
For more on seed-starting setups, see our guide to greenhouses for seed starting and grow light stands for seed starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seedling starter trays for peppers?
The best seedling starter trays for peppers are mid-depth 72-cell trays for 4 to 6 week indoor starts, or 36-cell trays for longer indoor periods. Thick plastic trays like SOLIGT or 10-pack value kits like MIXC give you the best durability and cell count for most home pepper gardens. Superhot peppers (Reaper, Ghost) do better in 4-cell or 6-cell deep inserts to prevent early root binding.
What is the best way to start pepper seeds in trays?
The best way to start pepper seeds in trays is to plant 3 seeds per cell in a moistened seed starting mix, cover with a humidity dome, place on a heat mat set to 80°F, and provide 16 hours of light once cotyledons appear. Bottom water through the tray base and remove the dome within 5 to 10 days to prevent damping off. Thin to the strongest seedling per cell once true leaves develop.
What size seed starting tray do peppers need?
Peppers need at least 1.5 inch square cells with 2 to 2.5 inch depth for the first 4 to 6 weeks of growth. For 8 to 12 week indoor periods required by superhot peppers, choose 4-cell or 6-cell deep inserts with 3 to 4 inch depth. A 72-cell tray is the most common choice for standard peppers, while a 36-cell tray gives roots more room for longer indoor cycles.
How long do pepper seeds take to germinate in trays?
Pepper seeds take 7 to 14 days to germinate in trays when soil temperature holds steady at 80°F with a humidity dome. Bell peppers and jalapenos typically sprout in 7 to 10 days, while superhot peppers (Reaper, Ghost, Scorpion) take 14 to 28 days. Using a heat mat speeds germination by 5 to 7 days compared to room temperature starting.
When should I transplant pepper seedlings from the tray?
Transplant pepper seedlings from the tray 1 to 2 weeks after the last frost date for your region, once seedlings have 4 to 6 sets of true leaves and roots are visible at the drainage holes. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7 days before transplanting. For peppers started in 72-cell trays, plan to pot up to 4-inch containers at 4 to 5 weeks if you cannot transplant outdoors yet.
Are silicone or plastic seed trays better for peppers?
Silicone seed trays are better than plastic for peppers if you plan to reuse trays for 3 or more seasons, since they resist cracking and handle dishwasher sanitization. Plastic trays are lighter, cheaper, and work fine for single-season use. For peppers specifically, the cell depth matters more than the material, so prioritize cell size and drainage over material choice unless you reuse trays year after year.
Final Verdict
For most pepper gardeners in 2026, the MIXC 10 Pack 120-Cell tray is the best starting point. It gives you enough cells for a mid-sized pepper garden, includes a humidity dome, and costs less per cell than premium brands. The 11200 reviews and 4.4 rating confirm it works for thousands of home growers.
If you want a tray that lasts five or more seasons, the SOLIGT 3-Set with its 4.6 rating and thick plastic construction is the upgrade pick. For beginners who don’t want to buy separate lights, the Bonviee kit with built-in LEDs removes the biggest barrier to successful indoor germination.
Whichever tray you choose, plant 3 seeds per cell, bottom water through a 1020 base, and run a heat mat at 80°F for the first two weeks. Those three steps account for more germination success than any tray choice. Pick the tray that fits your scale, follow the basics, and you’ll have pepper seedlings ready for the garden in 6 to 8 weeks.
