The Best Potting Mix - Setting a New Standard
Feed less : Water less : Grow the best
The new formula has been refined through extensive testing and proven in real-world Australian conditions. In side-by-side trials against leading potting mixes from Bunnings, as well as nursery-grade mixes from garden centres, it consistently outperformed across key measures of plant performance:
- Plant height
- Lushness and leaf density
- Quantity and quality of flowers and fruit
- Root development
What makes it different?
Scotts Osmocote The Best Potting Mix combines an improved structure with premium, nursery-quality ingredients and a complete fertiliser system. It delivers an initial boost for early growth, followed by controlled-release feeding for up to 12 months — helping provide consistent nutrition and stronger long-term plant health.
Built on real testing — not just theory — and developed specifically for Australian home gardens, it delivers reliable results gardeners can trust in real conditions.
Learn about the Scotts technical team and research station here.
Endorsed by the Australian Institute of Horticulture
Scotts Osmocote The Best Potting Mix has been independently validated by the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH), working alongside TAFEs and universities. Through extensive laboratory testing and real-world growing trials, its performance has been rigorously assessed to deliver reliable, premium results gardeners can trust.
“Across every location and
under every set of trial conditions,
Scotts Osmocote The Best Potting Mix consistently delivered outstanding results. Performance exceeded expectations in terms of plant establishment, growth and overall health across an extensive range of species.”
— Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH)
Designed for Australian conditions, it delivers:
- Consistent plant growth outcomes
- Reliable nutrient delivery over time
- Strong performance in both indoor and outdoor environments
- An improved, more intuitive experience for gardeners of all skill levels
- Confidence built on real testing — not just theory
Learn more about the Australian Institute of Horticulture and our testing →
The Best Potting Mix trial
Basic potting mix trial
Our development trials, with The Best Potting Mix on the far right vs competitor potting mixes from Bunnings and garden centres
What can I grow in it?
The Best suits nearly everything you'd grow in a pot.
- Vegetables and fruit
- Flowering plants, annuals and perennials
- Foliage plants
- Trees and shrubs
Not the one for…
Natives and other plants that don't like phosphorus, such as grevilleas and banksias. Use Osmocote Native Potting Mix.
Seeds and cuttings. Osmocote Seed & Cutting Potting Mix is made for raising seeds and striking cuttings, with added phosphorus for better rooting.
Which Osmocote potting mix is right for me?
Every plant has its happy place. Here's how our range lines up.
Every plant has its happy place. Here's how our range lines up.
| Mix | Best for | Feeds for up to | What makes it different | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Our top pick |
Anything in pots where you want top results | 12 months | Water crystals, wetting agent and nursery-grade compost. Endorsed by the AIH. | 10L, 25L, 50L |
| Premium | Everyday potting, all plant types | 6 months | Wetting agent, growth stimulants and trace elements | 25L, 50L |
| Seed & Cutting | Seeds, seedlings and cuttings | 6 months | Added phosphorus for better rooting, plus water crystals | 10L, 25L |
| Tomato, Vegetable & Herb | Veggies, tomatoes and herbs | 9 months | Calcium for healthier tomatoes, potassium for bigger harvests | 10L, 25L |
| Native | Natives and other phosphorus-sensitive plants | 9 months | Lower phosphorus, plus iron for healthier leaves | 25L |
| Cacti & Succulent | Cacti and succulents | 9 months | Coarse, fast-draining mix to help stop root rot | 10L, 25L |
| Rose, Gardenia, Azalea & Camellia | Roses and acid-loving plants | 9 months | Lower pH, plus magnesium and potassium | 10L, 25L |
| Indoor Plants | Houseplants | 6 months | No compost or pine bark, which can shelter fungus gnats | 10L |
A new name, a refined formula
While the name has changed, the goal remains the same — delivering premium performance and helping Australian gardeners grow stronger, healthier plants with confidence.
Scotts Osmocote The Best Potting Mix has been refined and improved through extensive testing to deliver even better performance in real-world growing conditions.
The updated formulation has been carefully refined to improve:
- Soil structure for stronger root development
- Moisture management for more consistent hydration
- Nutrient availability for sustained plant health
- Overall plant performance in real-world garden environments
It’s everything gardeners trusted about the previous formula — now improved to help deliver even better results.
Which size do I need?
Available in three sizes to suit your project
Not sure? Our Potting Mix Calculator works it out from your pot size.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best potting mix in Australia?
Look for three things: the Australian Standard premium mark (AS 3743), long feeding, and a wetting agent. Scotts Osmocote The Best Potting Mix has all three, feeds for up to 12 months and is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Horticulture.
How long does The Best Potting Mix feed plants for?
Up to 12 months. It gives an initial boost, then releases food slowly. After a year, top up with Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser All Purpose.
What's the difference between The Best and Osmocote Premium Potting Mix?
The Best feeds for up to 12 months, not 6. It also adds water crystals and nursery-grade compost, and it's endorsed by the AIH. Premium is a great everyday mix; The Best is our top performer.
Is The Best the same as Osmocote Premium Plus Superior?
The Best replaces Premium Plus Superior with a new name and an improved formula that now feeds for up to 12 months.
Can I use it for vegetables?
Yes. It's great for veggies and herbs in pots. For tomatoes, Osmocote Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Potting Mix adds calcium to help stop blossom end rot.
Can I use it for indoor plants?
Yes, it works indoors and outdoors. If fungus gnats bug you, Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Indoor Plants has no compost or bark for them to live in.
Is it good for natives?
No. Many natives are sensitive to phosphorus. Use Osmocote Native Potting Mix instead.
Can I use potting mix in garden beds?
Potting mix is made for pots, where it drains and breathes better than garden soil. For veggie beds, try Osmocote Planting Mix Tomato, Vegetable & Herb.
How often should I repot?
Every 2–3 years with The Best, or sooner if roots are circling the pot or water runs straight through.
Where can I buy it?
At Bunnings, in store and online, in 10L, 25L and 50L bags.
