However, it is precisely the light at the blue and red ends of the spectrum that a plant needs to thrive! What types of plant grow lamps are there? As a result, this method of measuring light largely ignores the light produced at the blue and red ends of the spectrum. This method of measuring light output favours light at the yellow end of the spectrum, as this is light that the human eye is most sensitive to. Historically the output of HID lighting has been measured in lumens. So can I tell by looking at it whether the plant grow light is suitable?īasically, no.

Redder colour mix, ideal for the fruiting and flowering stages as well as supplementary greenhouse lighting. This coated lamp is used for general plant lighting and for more rapid growth than 4000 Kelvin produces.Ģ100 - 2700 Kelvin: High Pressure Sodium Lamps Used in general plant lighting.ģ700 Kelvin: Softer Metal Halide (coated) Ideal for propagation.īest single light source for plant growth, producing shorter, bushier growth than 3700 Kelvin and colour rendition. Greatly enhances all round plant growth when used with super high output, high pressure sodium or 3K warm metal halide lamps.Ĥ000 - 4200 Kelvin: Cool White FluorescentsĬan be used to supplement blue lighting. Ideal for the rapid growth phase of plants. High intensity discharge (HID) lamps and fluorescent light sources all have CCT ratings and this indicates how warm or cool the light source is, for instance a lamp with a CCT of 2700 Kelvin is considered warm, 4200 Kelvin is considered neutral and 6000 Kelvin is considered cool. The temperature of light is expressed in degrees Kelvin and is known as the correlated colour temperature or CCT, and relates to actual thermal temperature. The first factor is to choose the colour of light required, whether you need a warm or cool light source. Plant grow lights, what do I need to know? The ballast box, containing the components necessary to power the lamp and to regulate the current when the lamp is running.A reflector, which protects the lamp and directs the light to where you want it, as well as providing up to 30% extra light for nothing since there is no light lost but is bounced back on to the plants.Indoor plant grow lights commonly consist of three individual items: With an indoor grow light to grow your own, it is possible to gain control over your plants and grow effectively all year round! Of course, sunlight is undoubtedly the cheapest source of light for growing plants but it is not always available. Lighting for growing my plants… Hmm, where do I start? What do I need? What should I consider? What is light really? So many questions, a little basic knowledge starts to make things a lot easier.

Best light for vegetable seedlings