Why two sizes in the first place?
Not every gardener—or garden bed—needs the same starting point. At QPS we grow mini‐cell (“mini‑sell”) seedlings and standard cell seedlings so you can match the plant to your space, budget and timetable.
| Feature | Mini‑cell Seedling | Standard Seedling |
|---|---|---|
| Cell size | 25–30 mm diameter | 40–50 mm diameter |
| Age at dispatch | 3–4 weeks from germination | 4–6 weeks from germination |
| Root volume | Compact plug that holds together when tapped | Larger plug with a deeper tap‑root |
| Ideal for | Mass plantings, high‑turnover crops, Foodcube inserts, schools & community gardens | First‑time growers, windy or exposed sites, longer‑season veg |
| Typical QPS lines | Strawberries, Creeping Thyme | Tomatoes, capsicums, cucurbits, perennials, ornamentals |
| Price point | Lower per‑plant, sold in trays of 20–25 | Higher per‑plant, sold in trays of 10–15 |
| Shipping footprint | Lighter & cheaper to freight | Heavier, higher freight but fewer losses in transit |
The science behind the sizes
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Root‑to‑shoot ratio
Minis are selected young, so their cotyledons and first true leaves are still proportionate to a smaller plug. This helps them establish quickly once transplanted because they’re not yet root‑bound. -
Stress tolerance
Standard seedlings stay in the nursery a little longer, thickening stems and storing more carbohydrate reserves. That extra buffer lets them shrug off an occasional missed watering or a hot northerly bluster. -
Transplant shock
Because minis have less developed root systems, they rely on swift transplanting and consistent moisture in the first week. Standards forgive a bit more fumbling and can wait a few extra days if the weather suddenly turns foul.
When to choose mini‑cell seedlings
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Large projects on a budget – Lining a market garden bed or a school plot? Minis offer the best bang for your buck.
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Tight planting grids – Square‑foot or Foodcube growers can slot smaller plugs between pre‑existing plants without disturbing neighbors.
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Succession sowing – Stagger harvests by popping in minis every fortnight.
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Short‑season crops – Quick greens mature before root volume becomes a limiting factor.
Top tip: Water the hole first, then slide the mini plug in. Firm lightly and create a shallow basin so irrigation hits the target.
When to stick with standard seedlings
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Challenging climates – Windy coastal blocks or hot inland gardens favor sturdier transplants.
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Woody herbs & perennials – Rosemary, thyme and lavender appreciate a deeper root run from day one.
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Busy schedules – If you can’t be there twice‑daily with the hose for that critical first week, give yourself the wiggle room of a bigger root ball.
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Later‑season plantings – Starting summer veg in early spring? A head‑start in the nursery means an earlier first pick.
Top tip: Trim any circling roots at the base of a standard plug to encourage outward growth.
Frequently asked questions
Do minis catch up to standards in the garden?
Often, yes—especially leafy greens. For fruiting crops (tomatoes, chilies) the larger transplant usually flowers a week or two earlier.
Will minis survive postage?
We ship them in snug biodegradable sleeves that stop plugs from bouncing. Our live‐arrival guarantee applies to both sizes.
Can I pot minis up into larger tubes first?
Absolutely. Give them a fortnight in a 75 mm pot if you need to delay bed prep.
The QPS verdict
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Go mini when you need quantity, flexibility and cost savings.
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Go standard when you crave resilience, speed and low‑maintenance establishment.
Whatever size you choose, every tray is grown by Aussies with over 40 years of propagation know‑how—ready to thrive from nursery bench to your backyard patch.
Ready to plant?
Browse today’s availability under “Seedlings – Mini” and “Seedlings – Standard” on the QPS store. Got questions? Flick us a message Jye, Dee and the crew are always keen for a garden chat.
Happy planting from the Quality Plants & Seedlings team!
