What Color Grow Light Do I Need?
-Plant grow light-
If you’ve noticed your yields are always below average, it might be the color of the lights you’ve been using. Different color lights have different effects on the plants they’re lighting. Depending on what you’re trying to accomplish or what stage your plants are currently in, you’ll need a specific color of grow light.
Blue plant grow Light
Blue lights with a Kelvin color temperature from 5000K to 6500K or wavelength in the 400–500 nanometer range are best for the vegetative stage of the grow cycle and for starting seeds indoors. This color range light is responsible for leaf growth and stimulates the production of secondary pigments in the leaves that can enhance the plant’s color and fragrance. Be careful when using blue light though because too much blue light may stunt the growth of certain species. These lights are particularly good for lettuce and other crops where a short, dense growth is desired. The chart below shows the results of a study done by Michigan State to show the effect of different combinations of light on a salvia splendens’Vista Red’ plant.
Green plant grow Light
Green lights are commonly used during a plant’s dark cycle because it doesn’t trigger photosynthesis or photoperiod hormones. This means it does not disrupt the plant’s “night” cycle while allowing you to navigate the grow room to water, check timers, and spray nutrients or bug repellant. These are particularly useful if your crop requires short periods of daylight with long nights.
Red plant grow Light
Red lights from 2000K to 3000K and 640–680 nanometers are most important in the flowering stage. This range of light promotes stem growth and overall plant height because red light signals that there are no other plants above it so it can grow unimpeded. They also encourage fruit and chlorophyll production, so they can be used to extend the light cycle of long-day plants and vice-versa for short-day plants.
Still not sure which grow light is the best choice for your indoor garden? We’re here to help. Give our experts a email: sales@grow-lighting.com for advice.
