102-Cell Trapezoid PS Seedling Tray | For Geraniums & Liners
Our 102-cell trapezoid PS seedling tray is purpose-built for perennial liner production and ornamental crops like geraniums. The uniquely tapered cell walls naturally direct root growth downward, reducing root circling and producing a well-branched root system that transplants with minimal shock. A 6 × 17 arrangement delivers 102 cells in a footprint compatible with standard 1020 growing systems.
Why Trapezoid Cells Steer Roots Down
Perennial liners and geraniums spend a long time in the tray. In a straight-walled cell, roots spiral around the perimeter. That circling habit weakens the plant after transplant. Trapezoid cells fix the problem. Their angled walls steer root tips downward and outward. The result is a denser, more fibrous root system with a strong central leader.
The 102E is the trapezoid-cell member of our PS range. We built this 102 cell plug tray for ornamental growers who hold crops longer. When you pull the plug, the root ball holds together cleanly with almost no medium loss. That intact root ball also establishes faster in the field or container.
102 Trapezoid Cells, 6 x 17 Layout
Each tray holds 102 trapezoid cells in a 6 x 17 arrangement. The top opening measures 2.8 cm (1.1 inches) and narrows to a 2.1 cm (0.83 inch) base. Cell depth is a generous 4.5 cm (1.77 inches). That depth gives geraniums and perennial liners room to develop before sale or transplant. The angled wall also discourages the spiral root habit that weakens long-cycle ornamental plugs.
A single drainage hole in each cell keeps moisture even across the long nursery stay. We thermoform the 102E from a single sheet of premium polystyrene. The angled walls stay uniform across the whole tray. Every cell resists cracking under wet medium, and the profile stays flat for reliable handling.
Fits Your 1020 System on Day One
The 102E measures 53.5 x 27 cm (21.1 x 10.6 inches), the standard 1020 footprint. It nests inside 1020 watertight trays for bottom watering. It also sits flat on mesh benches and stacks neatly with other 1020 trays. You do not need to change benches, irrigation, or handling equipment.
Built for Automated Seeders
Drum seeders and needle seeders demand tight tolerances. We form the 102E with consistent cell pitch, opening size, and tray flatness. Every cell rim is clean and smooth, so needles and nozzles never snag. The rigid profile also resists flexing at high speed. That means fewer mis-picks, fewer jams, and more trays seeded per hour.
Light to Ship, Easy on Margins
Each 102 cell plug tray weighs just 155 grams. That low weight cuts freight cost directly. A pallet holds 3,200 trays, and a 40-foot high-cube container loads 70,400 units. For high-volume propagation, PS trays offer the lowest landed cost per cell. Ornamental growers get the special trapezoid geometry without a freight premium.
Best Crops for the 102E
- Geraniums and ornamental flowering plants
- Perennial liners held for extended nursery cycles
- Growers who want directed root growth instead of circling
- Propagation nurseries selling well-branched plugs
Material, Safety, and Reuse
We make every 102E from food-grade expanded polystyrene (PS #6). The trays are BPA-free with no intentionally added lead, cadmium, or heavy metals. Many municipal and commercial facilities recycle PS #6, so we recommend partnering with a local recycling program. These trays work best for single use or 1-3 careful cycles. If you need trays for repeated washing and multi-season use, take a look at our PP range instead.
| Weight | 0.155 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 53.5 × 27 × 4.5 cm |
| Model | 102E |
| Material | Expanded Polystyrene (PS #6), thermoformed |
| Number of Cells | 102 |
| Cell Arrangement | 6 × 17 |
| Cell Shape | Trapezoid |
| Top Cell Diameter | 2.8 cm |
| Bottom Cell Diameter | 2.1 cm |
| Cell Depth | 4.5 cm |
| Outer Dimensions | 53.5 × 27 cm |
| Tray Weight | 155 g |
| Trays per Pallet | 3,200 |
| Drainage Holes | Yes (1 per cell) |
| BPA-Free | Yes |
| Recyclable | Yes (PS #6) |
| 1020 Compatible | Yes (as drop-in insert) |
| Automated Seeder Compatible | Yes (drum / needle / vacuum) |
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This is a bulk B2B product shipped on pallets and in full containers. Contact us for a freight quote to your destination port.
| MOQ | 1 pallet (3,200 trays) — mixed models can be combined to fill a container. |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Stacked trays on standard export pallets, stretch-wrapped with corner protection. |
| Container loading | 3,200 trays per pallet · 70,400 per 40HQ (22 pallets) · 64,000 per 40GP (20 pallets) · 32,000 per 20GP (10 pallets). |
| Lead time | Samples 3–5 days · mass production 15–25 days after deposit, confirmed at order. |
| Trade terms | FOB Ningbo by default; CIF / DDP available on request. |
| Payment | T/T 30% deposit, 70% balance before shipment; L/C at sight for large orders. |
| Samples | Free samples available, freight collect. Request samples & a quote → |
What is the difference between PS and PP plug trays?
PS (polystyrene) trays are lightweight and precision thermoformed for the lowest landed cost — ideal for single use or 1–3 careful cycles. PP (polypropylene) trays are heavier, washable, and built for repeated multi-season use. Choose PS for cost and seeder compatibility; choose PP when you need trays that survive repeated washing across many seasons.
How many times can I reuse a PS tray?
PS trays work best for single use or 1–3 crop cycles with careful handling, gentle washing, and proper storage. Because PS is rigid, repeated flexing or aggressive washing can cause hairline cracks. For repeated washing and multi-season use, see our PP range.
Does this fit standard 1020 flats?
Yes. The 102E measures 53.5 × 27 cm (21.1 × 10.6 in), the standard 1020 footprint. It nests in 1020 watertight trays and works with standard 1020 benches and equipment.
Are these compatible with automated seeders?
Yes. The 102E is thermoformed to tight tolerances on cell pitch, opening size, and tray flatness, so it runs on common drum, needle, and vacuum seeders. Send us your seeder model and we will confirm fitment.
What crops work best in a 102-cell trapezoid tray?
The 102-cell trapezoid tray is ideal for geraniums, perennial liners, and ornamental flowering plants on 4–6 week cycles. The tapered 4.5 cm (1.77 in) cells steer roots down, prevent circling, and produce a compact, well-branched root ball.
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