HORTICULTURAL VERMICULITE
Healthy Soil, Thriving Plants, Higher Yields
Boost soil, grow strong roots, and maximize yield.
Our horticultural vermiculite locks in water, nutrients, and plant potential.
Ultra Tech Vermiculite, a cornerstone of the Ultra Tech product line, has been a trusted leader in the processing and delivery of premium vermiculite products for more than four decades.
Derived from a naturally occurring hydrated aluminum silicate mineral, our vermiculite is carefully processed to minimize impurities and dust, with attention to quality and generally uniform grade sizes. By improving aeration, enhancing water retention, and optimizing nutrient exchange, Ultra Tech Vermiculite helps build stronger root systems, healthier plants, and higher yields—whether you’re managing a commercial greenhouse or growing at home.
We also offer private labeling and custom blends, allowing growers, retailers, and distributors to get vermiculite products tailored to their specific needs.
TESTED.
PROVEN.
RECOMMENDED.
MudCure works great with all taping compounds including hot muds. It also eliminates pinholes on new and existing dry wall, concrete dry walls that get finished with taping compound. Also works on woods and metal panels. It reduces shrinkage and dry time with less material application per coats.
- Jose Oropeza
Drywall Professional
PREMIUM HORTICULTURAL VERMICULITE GRADES
SUPER FINE
Best for seed starting, propagation, and delicate roots. Its small, uniform particles retain moisture evenly, making it ideal for germination mixes, plug trays, microgreens, and rooting cuttings.
Super Fine can also be applied as a light top dressing over trays during transplanting to hold moisture and protect delicate seedlings.
FINE
A versatile grade often used in potting mixes and greenhouse production.
Fine vermiculite balances moisture retention and aeration,
making it excellent for seedlings, transplants, and smaller container plants. It also works well as a light topdressing for trays to reduce surface drying.
SIGNATURE BLEND
Developed through microgreen trials, our proprietary blend offers the best balance of aeration and water-holding capacity.
It is versatile enough to use directly in growing mixes and/or as a tray topping, giving growers a reliable, high-performing option for both germination and transplant production.
MEDIUM/COARSE
The “all-purpose” grade for general horticulture. Medium vermiculite improves aeration and water-holding capacity in soil and soilless blends, supporting strong root development in vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, and cannabis. In our experience,
Medium is the most forgiving grade - it provides excellent balance and makes it harder to overwater, giving growers greater consistency and peace of mind.
Medium can also be used as a 1/8" tray topping during transplanting for added moisture management.
LARGE
Provides excellent drainage and aeration, reducing the risk of root rot in heavier soils.
Large vermiculite is often used in vineyard propagation, and large container planting.
It’s also ideal for succulent mixes - just add about 5% to improve structure and airflow while keeping the mix lightweight.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
The grade of vermiculite and the crop type may influence specific application methods.
The following are general guidelines for using Ultra Tech Premium Horticultural Vermiculite. Vermiculite can be seamlessly mixed with soil, peat moss, organic compost, or bark to improve soil structure and water retention. For best results, blend equal parts of vermiculite with your chosen medium.
For containers or raised beds: A balanced blend of one part vermiculite, one part compost, and one part peat moss proves optimal.
For propagation purposes: integrate vermiculite into the soil blend and apply as a thin (1/8") top dressing.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Provides nutrient retention and
distribution.
Promotes stronger roots for a more
vigorous plant.
Increased germination rate.
Clean, odorless, nontoxic, and
completely sterile.
Helps maintain the proper moisture
content.
Prevents compaction.
Provides aeration and drainage.
A natural soil conditioner.
GRADES AND PACKAGING OPTIONS
All grades of Ultra Tech Premium Horticultural Vermiculite are
manufactured in a range of particle sizes.
Standard packaging is available in 4 cu ft bags and 62 cu ft super sacks.
The 12 qt package size is offered exclusively in Fine and Medium grades.
FAQs
What is Premium Horticultural Vermiculite and why should I use it?
Premium Horticultural Vermiculite is a naturally derived, thermally exfoliated mineral that improves soil aeration, enhances water retention, and supports stronger root systems.
Ultra Tech Vermiculite is carefully processed for consistency and dust control, making it an ideal choice for seed starting, container gardening, greenhouses, and large-scale agriculture.
How does vermiculite improve water retention in soil?
Vermiculite acts like a sponge—it holds moisture and slowly releases it back to plant roots as needed.
This helps prevent under- or over-watering, reduces plant stress, and ensures consistent hydration. Ultra Tech Vermiculite keeps soil evenly moist without becoming waterlogged.
Does vermiculite help with nutrient uptake?
Yes. Vermiculite has excellent cation exchange capacity (CEC), meaning it attracts and holds essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Plants can then absorb these nutrients as needed, improving growth and yield. This makes Ultra Tech’s Premium Horticultural Vermiculite especially effective in mixes where balanced nutrient delivery is critical.
How much vermiculite should I add to my soil or mix?
For raised bed or square-foot gardening, many growers use around 1/3 vermiculite as part of the mix. In commercial lettuce trials, 40% Medium Vermiculite produced the best results.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend incorporating at least 25% vermiculite into potting or garden mixes for optimal aeration, moisture balance, and nutrient exchange.
Can vermiculite help prevent mold or root rot?
Yes. In Ultra Tech’s microgreen trials, Premium Horticultural Vermiculite reduced the spread of mold and root rot when blended into the mix and used as a tray topping.
By keeping moisture distributed evenly and improving airflow around roots, vermiculite creates a healthier growing environment.
Is vermiculite safe and asbestos-free?
Absolutely. Ultra Tech Vermiculite is vigorously tested, and no asbestos is detected.
We follow strict processing standards to ensure our Premium Horticultural Vermiculite is clean, safe, and OMRI Listed for organic use.
Which grade of vermiculite should I use for seedlings and tray topping?
Fine and Medium Vermiculite are the most effective for seedlings and as tray toppings.
They provide even moisture retention, protect delicate roots, and reduce surface drying—making germination and transplanting more successful.
Can vermiculite be used in organic farming?
Yes. Ultra Tech Vermiculite is OMRI Listed and CDFA Registered, making it fully approved for use in certified organic production.
It’s widely used by organic growers in seed starting, soil mixes, and microgreen production.
How does vermiculite compare to perlite?
Vermiculite improves aeration while also holding water and nutrients, releasing them to plants as needed through its strong cation exchange capacity.
This steady nutrient availability supports healthy growth across a wide range of crops. Perlite, by contrast, primarily enhances drainage and aeration.
Many growers combine both — Premium Horticultural Vermiculite for nutrient and moisture management, and perlite for drainage — to achieve the best-balanced growing mix. Ask us about our Perlite!
Can Ultra Tech provide custom vermiculite blends?
Yes. In addition to our standard Super Fine, Fine, Medium, Large, and Signature Blend, we offer private labeling and custom blends tailored to growers, distributors, and retailers.
Our Premium Horticultural Vermiculite can be packaged and blended to meet your specific crop or business needs.
