Growing Seedlings Indoor with Grow Lights

Growing seedlings indoor is a good way to save the cost of equipment for heating and ventilation in a greenhouse. But it is also complicated because some plants require a large amount of light while others do not. Most growers place seedlings near the window to let them absorb natural lights. But it doesn’t work in a commercial production. Insufficient light during cold months and cloudy days forces seedlings to stretch themselves and grow lanky. Furthermore, lanky seedlings may be too weak to survive. In contrast, seedlings grown in adequate lighting environment are more likely to grow lush and robust plants. Therefore, more and more growers utilize artificial lights to supplement light for seedlings. Whether growers use artificial grow light or not, there are multiple questions about the indoor seedling cultivation. This post will focus on the common questions about the lighting on indoor seedlings.

Benefits of using grow lights for seedlings

In recent years, grow lights, especially LED grow lights are becoming more and more popular. The advanced technology enables less energy consumption and higher efficiency. LED grow lights are widely used as the supplemental or the sole light source for indoor seedlings. Compared to the outdoor cultivation, growing seedlings indoor with grow lights has various benefits.

• LED grow lights enable more efficient growing

As known, light is the important energy source of plants. They absorb light and convert it into energy to support their growth. Photosynthesis is one of the essential processes that influences plant growth. Certain light spectrum is utilized by plants and this portion of the light spectrum is beneficial for plant growth. That is what makes LED grow lights unique and differentiate from other light sources. LED grow lights can be tailored to the most effective spectrum for seedlings.

• LED grow lights can prevent the leggy seedlings

Have you found the seedlings are tall, thin, and leaning towards a window? When seedlings are located near a window, the main light source is the light coming through the window. Seedlings struggle to harness more light. So they stretch themselves and lean towards the window to approach the light. As a result, they grow tall and leggy. When using grow lights, seedlings are surrounded by adequate light. Thus, seedlings grow strong and stocky instead of leggy.

• LED grow lights contribute to stronger and healthier seedlings

Adequate lighting plays an important role in strong and healthy seedling growth. As mentioned before, light the critical energy source for plants. LED grow lights can supplement or provide sufficient light for seedlings. The powerful energy support gives a good start to seedlings and enhance their survival rate. Seedlings are more likely to withstand the negative environment. As a consequence, LED grow lights allow seedlings to be stronger and healthier.

Do you need a grow light for seedlings

If you plan to grow seedlings indoor, it is critical to figure out whether you really need a grow light. Otherwise, it will be the waste of money and energy. Although LED grow lights are beneficial for seedlings, decision of whether using grow lights or nor depends on the type of seedlings, location, and your budget.

Some plants need bright and a large amount of light while others do not. Most flowers and vegetable seedlings are light-loving plants, such tomatoes, pepper, and cannabis. These light-loving seedlings require the addition of grow lights during indoor growing. No matter the natural lighting condition is, these seedlings will benefit from the grow lights. Other seedlings including orchids and ferns, need lees and lower lights. If the lighting condition in indoor location can meet the requirements of low-light seedlings, and you do not mind the lanky seedlings, there is no need to purchase a grow lights. However, if there is limited space and insufficient light to grow seedlings, you have better utilize grow lights. Another factor associated with your choice is the budget. If you want to purchase a grow light, select the LED one. Although the initiate cost of LED grow lights may be more expensive than other lights sources, the average cost can be lower as they are energy-saving and low heat.

When to start lighting on seedlings

If you decide to utilize grow light for seedlings, time for starting light on seedlings is vital. Once the seeds sprout or germinate, place the seedling under grow lights and turn on the lights. Once seedlings emerge, they can reach the light immediately. Seedlings can grow strong and robust with sufficient light. Moreover, many seedlings can grow in a fast speed. Seedlings will struggle to reap more light and learn towards the light source if there is insufficient light. Therefore, provide adequate light for seedlings from the start to support their growth, and avoid them grow weak and leggy.

How long to give seedling light

The specific duration of lighting varies from seedling cultivars. In general, seedlings need at least 12 hours of light every day. Most vegetable seedlings grow better with 14 to 16 hours of light every day. Some type of seedlings, such as cannabis, grow the best with 16 to 18 hours of light per day. However, most houseplants have lower tolerance to light. About 6 to 12 hours of light per day is enough for those low-light plants. What should we keep in mind is that do not let grow lights on through the whole day (24 hours). Seedlings need the darkness for rest at night. Over lighting period will not help them grow fast but do harm on them.

Seedling light solution

We recommend Horti-Green for indoor seedling cultivation. Horti-Green is typically designed for plants in seedling stage, such as leafy greens and cloning cannabis. It is the ideal replacement of T5 fixtures or HPS/MH light. Since Horti-Green is slim and lightweight, it is easy and convenient to install. With linkable design, Horti-Green can be applied to places in various size.

Learn more about Horti-Green: