There's more to growing plants than simply shoving a seed into some soil. It has to be the right climate and temperature for the seeds to germinate, growing into what you expect. We can't wait for Mother Nature, though; it's time to break out the seedling heat mats.

Whether you're growing some tea leaves or herbs to garnish meals with, plants generally need a warm temperature. Having a seedling heating mat properly placed underneath (or wrapped around a jar, but we'll get to that later) artificially creates optimal conditions. They're a godsend if you happen to live in colder regions!

Without further ado, here are the best seedling heat mats that'll help you get the most out of your plants.

Premium pick

1. Hydrofarm MTMDU Heat Mat

9.20 / 10
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When you need to go above and beyond for your microgreens and herbs, the Hydrofarm MTMDU Heat Mat is a powerhouse in durability, performance, and size. On top of that, it allows for future expansion when you inevitably introduce more seedlings and cuttings.

Starting with the size of the mat itself, the Hydrofarm MTMDU Heat Mat is quite large, measuring 60 x 21 inches. Even though it has such a large surface area, the mat still manages to evenly heat your plants 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit over ambient temperatures. Your seedlings will love the consistent heating it provides!

There’s no doubt you’ll diversify your plants, right? Every green thumb does. Thanks to the Hydrofarm MTMDU Heat Mat’s daisy-chaining feature, you can create a network of up to five heating mats all working together. What’s even better is that the connectors are waterproof, too!

Key Features
  • Sizes ranges between 3 x 20 inches to 60 x 21 inches
  • Waterproof connectors
  • Safety warnings and instructions are right on the mat
Specifications
  • Brand: Hydrofarm
  • Material: Plastic
  • Weight: 4.5 pounds
  • Dimensions: 22.1 x 4.5 inches
  • Power Supply: Corded Electric
Pros
  • Consistent, even heating
  • Designed to create a network of heating mats
  • Long, 6-foot power cable
Cons
  • A thermostat is sold separately
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Hydrofarm MTMDU Heat Mat
Editors choice

2. Vivosun Seedling Combo Set

9.00 / 10
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Whether you’re new to caring for precious little plants or you’re a seasoned gardener, the Vivosun Seedling Combo Set provides all the essential tools to get started right away, along with superb performance to boot.

Thanks to the included thermostat and probe, the Vivosun Seedling Combo Set gives a great deal of control over the temperature of the heating mat. Being able to make fine adjustments ensures you never overheat plants, especially ones that are particularly sensitive to certain temperatures.

The Vivosun Seedling Combo Set is noticeably thicker than other heating mats, along with an extra layer of insulation along the edges, but still flexible enough to be rolled up and stored. More importantly, its IP67 waterproof rating means it has no qualms about being placed in a greenhouse or indoor garden.

Key Features
  • Sizes range between 3 x 20 inches to 48 x 20.75 inches
  • Waterproof surface
  • Extra layer of insulation prevents overheating
Specifications
  • Brand: Vivosun
  • Material: PVC
  • Weight: 3.69 pounds
  • Dimensions: 22.05 x 4.72 x 4.72 inches
  • Power Supply: Corded electric
  • Sensors: Thermostat probe
  • Package Includes: Heat mat, thermostat probe, thermostat, carrying bag
Pros
  • Fits well inside an indoor garden or greenhouse
  • Dependable thermostat and probe
  • Helpful planting tips printed on the mat
Cons
  • Improper care can cause malfunctions
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Vivosun Seedling Combo Set

If you’re looking for more bang for your buck, the AC Infinity SUNCORE A3X2 Dual Seedling Mats are an excellent value. You’re getting two mats right off the bat, giving you an opportunity to diversify the kinds of plants you’re growing. Why stop at seedlings when you could work on cuttings, too?

For starters, the AC Infinity SUNCORE A3X2 are particularly good at heating up. The magic comes from its far-infrared film that ramps up the heat quickly and evenly. In fact, the mat features a built-in heat dial that allows you to adjust the temperature on-the-fly.

On top of providing uniform warmth, the AC Infinity SUNCORE A3X2 can take quite the beating. It doesn’t feature two or three layers of protection, but four layers of durable PVC with IP67 waterproofing for longevity and easy cleanup.

Key Features
  • IP67 waterproof
  • Meets UL and MET electric safety certifications
  • Quad-layer PVC
Specifications
  • Brand: Ac Infinity
  • Material: PVC
  • Weight: 1.88 pounds
  • Dimensions: 20.75 x 3 x 0.09 inches
  • Power Supply: Corded electric
Pros
  • Warms up very quickly
  • Adjustable heat dial
  • You get two seedling mats!
Cons
  • Heat dial doesn't have a display, nor specifies temperature
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AC Infinity SUNCORE A3X2

Learning a new skill can be a lot of fun, but equally frustrating without a sense of direction. Thankfully, the Super Sprouter Premium Heated Propagation Kit completely removes the agonizing experience of growing your own seeds.

Setting up the Super Sprouter Premium Heated Propagation Kit is a breeze, thanks to everything that’s included in the box. You lay out the heating mat, bury the seeds in soil, and close it with the included clear plastic dome. Thanks to the grow light featured on the dome, you don’t even need adequate lighting—the grow light does that for you!

That’s all well and good, but what’s arguably the best aspect of the Super Sprouter Premium Heated Propagation Kit is the booklet. It’s an excellent source of knowledge and expert advice you can digest as you wait for your seeds to sprout.

Key Features
  • Features a tray, dome, fluorescent light, and heating mat
  • Maintains a temperature between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Includes a helpful booklet with expert advise
Specifications
  • Brand: Super Sprouter
  • Material: Plastic
  • Weight: 4.14 pounds
  • Dimensions: 22.4 x 11.6 x 20 inches
  • Power Supply: Corded eletric
  • Package Includes: Dome, heating mat, fluorescent light, booklet, temperature control
Pros
  • Great choice for beginners
  • Mat never overheats your plants
  • Dome helps maintain humidity
Cons
  • Lack of temperature controls
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Super Sprouter Premium Heated Propagation Kit

Who doesn’t love a warm glass of tea? If you’re looking to ferment your own kombucha alongside your herb garden, the Propagate Pro Kombucha Heating Strip is a unique and versatile option.

When you get right down to it, the Propagate Pro Kombucha Heating Strip’s dimensions are its greatest strength. It’s perfectly suited for windowsill gardens, in addition to being long enough to wrap around large 1 gallon mason jars. With two heating strips in a single package, you can ferment kombucha with one strip and grow some lemon bergamot with the other. The possibilities are endless!

The most surprising characteristic of the Propagate Pro Kombucha Heating Strip is its efficiency. With just 7 watts of power, it has no problem consistently radiating 5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit over ambient temperatures. It even uses old school tricks to save on more energy with the use of a thermometer strip.

Key Features
  • Maintains 5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit over ambient temperatures
  • Water resistant
  • 6-foot power cord
Specifications
  • Brand: Propagate Pro
  • Weight: 5.3 ounces
  • Capacity: 1 gallon mason jar
  • Dimensions: 20 x 3 x 0.25 inches
  • Power Supply: Corded electric
Pros
  • Equally useful for kombucha brewing and indoor gardens
  • Can wrap around large, 1 gallon mason jars
  • Comes with two heating strips
Cons
  • Held in place by a rubber band
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Propagate Pro Kombucha Heating Strip

At some point, you went from a beginner to a confident gardener. Good job! However, it’s time to upgrade your setup with budget in mind. No heating mat fits the bill better than the Root Radiance Seedling Heat Mat Pad.

With how evenly the Root Radiance Seedling Heat Mat Pad distributes heat, you’ll quickly notice the process of germination and propagation happening at a far more consistent rate. It’s especially good at creating an optimal environment for seeds and cuttings by warming the root area 10 to 20 degrees over ambient temperatures.

Measuring 20.75 x 10 inches in size, the Root Radiance Seedling Heat Mat Pad is immediately compatible with your standard 1020 plant trays. With the mat being lightweight and portable, it’s a wonderful option if you frequently hop between plant nurseries, indoor gardens, and small greenhouses.

Key Features
  • Warms root area 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit over ambient temperature
  • Long, 6-foot power cable
  • Compatible with 1020 plant trays
Specifications
  • Brand: Root Radiance
  • Weight: 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 10 x 2.5 x 5 inches
  • Power Supply: Corded electric
Pros
  • Efficient and durable
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Affordable option if you're upgrading from a starter kit
Cons
  • Lack of temperature control
  • Thermostat sold separately
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Root Radiance Seedling Heat Mat Pad

If you juggle multiple plant trays at a time, you can make your job significantly easier with the iPower Seedling Heat Mat while simultaneously reducing the amount of energy you use. Being 48 x 20.75 inches in size, it’s a massive mat perfectly suited for massive indoor gardens.

Diversity is the spice of life and the iPower Seedling Heat Mat’s design encourages you to indulge. Given how large it is, you can easily grow vegetables, herbs, plants, flowers, even ferment kombucha all at the same time. In fact, if you use an iPower thermostat, it’s equally useful for warming terrariums.

In addition to being versatile, the iPower Seedling Heat Mat is quite durable for such a massive mat. It features an IP67 waterproof rating, making it safe to wipe down after prolonged use. More importantly, iPower’s carbon heating film is sandwiched between a strong, durable layer of PVC plastic.

Key Features
  • Warms root area 10 to 20 degrees over ambient temperature
  • Strictly for indoor use
  • IP67 waterproof rating
Specifications
  • Brand: iPower
  • Material: Polyvinyl Chloride
  • Weight: 2.86 pounds
  • Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.54 x 20.35 inches
  • Power Supply: Corded electric
Pros
  • Designed for a wide variety of uses, not just for plants
  • Carbon film helps spread heat evenly
  • Sturdy and flexible, especially along the edges
Cons
  • Lacks temperature controls
  • Thermostat sold separately
Buy This Product
iPower Seeding Heat Mat

FAQ

Q: Are Seedling Heat Mats Worth Using?

Yes, seedling heat mats are definitely worth using. Are they necessary? No, but you should have one, anyway.

Normally, crops have no problem sprouting when they're in season; the environment is already providing the ideal temperature to start germinating. This presents a question: What if you want a fruit or vegetable that isn't in season? That's where a heating mat comes in handy. It's a constant source of warmth for seeds, allowing for germination to occur regardless of the seasons.

Q: What Should I Look for in a Seedling Heat Mat?

Finding the perfect seedling heat mat comes down to three features: maintaining the ideal temperature for germination, a high water-resistant rating, and durability.

The sweet spot for temperature is between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit over ambient. Water-resistant is self-explanatory as you'll want a heating mat that withstands humidity and watering. There's some leeway with durability, but generally you want a thicker mat the closer you move outdoors and into greenhouses.

Q: What Size Should My Seedling Heat Mat Be?

It largely depends on what you're growing and where.

Three of the most common sizes are 3 x 20, 10 x 20, and 20 x 48, all of which are measured in inches. If you're looking to grow a few tiny plants, a 3 x 20 seedling heat will fit nicely on a windowsill. Once you start dealing with 1020 plant trays, you're better off going with 10 x 20 or 20 x 48-inch heating mats.