LED Lights Boost Foliage Color in Ornamental Cabbage and Kale

Ornamental cabbage and kale are popular bedding plants. The deep purples and vibrant reds of ornamental cabbage and kale add intense color to your grow room. But did you know that LED grow lights can help enhance these mesmerizing hues even further?

Scientists found that exposing ornamental cabbage and kale to specific wavelengths of LED lights during growth significantly increased the intensity of the plants’ foliar pigments. The end result was more eye-catching purple and red coloration in the leaves. The findings open up new possibilities for growers looking to produce ornamental cabbage and kale with bolder, more appealing controls.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind using LEDs to amplify ornamental cabbage and kale colors. We’ll also look at the potential benefits of this research for producers and retailers and practical tips for using them. Get ready to illuminate the beauty of ornamental cabbage and kale.

How LED lights boost the color of ornament cabbage and kale

LED grow lights emit various wavelengths of light, which can have different effects on plant growth and the production of pigments such as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are the pigments responsible for the purple, red, and pink colors in ornamental cabbage and kale, and their synthesis is influenced by several factors, including light quality and intensity, temperature, nutrient stress, and pathogens.

Plants synthesize anthocyanins in response to blue and red light, which respectively stimulate the expression of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis and enhance the activity of enzymes that convert colorless precursors into anthocyanins.

By providing blue and red lights to ornamental cabbage and kale in a cooler environment, growers can create an optimal condition for anthocyanin production. The cooler temperature reduces chlorophyll production, which can mask the color of anthocyanins, while the LED lights provide the ideal light quality and intensity for pigment synthesis.

This can result in rapid and enhanced coloration of the foliage, improving the quality and appeal of the plants for the market. Additionally, the LED lights can prolong the shelf life of plants by reducing water loss and respiration.

With the right ratio of blue and red light, growers can produce ornamental cabbage and kale with stunning foliage colors that can attract customers and enhance their profits.

Benefits of using LED lights for ornamental cabbage and kale

Intensifying ornamental cabbage and kale colors with LEDs offers clear advantages for growers and retailers. Vibrant purple and red hues are highly valued in these ornamental edibles, which are increasingly popular for fall displays. Here are some key benefits of using LED lights for ornamental cabbage and kale:

Chemical-free

One of the major benefits is the ability to manipulate cabbage and kale colors without chemicals. Traditionally, growers use fertilizers high in nitrogen to deepen reds and purples artificially. But these can leach into runoff, raising environmental concerns. LEDs provide a sustainable alternative to enhance ornamental qualities naturally.

Precise color enhancement

LEDs also allow color enhancement in a precisely targeted way. The narrow-bandwidth light can be timed to stimulate pigments during developmental stages, when plants are most responsive. And the adjustable wavelengths allow growers to customize treatments to maximize anthocyanins in specific varieties.

More profits

From a retail perspective, more deeply colored ornamental cabbage and kale command higher prices and sell faster. Stores can charge premium prices for LED-treated plants. And the vibrant hues tend to attract consumers eyes, translating to quicker sales. The color-enhanced plants maintain marketability from store shelves to front porches.

Tips for using LED lights to boost color in ornamental cabbage and kale

Research shows certain LED wavelengths can amplify the naturally occurring red and purple pigments in ornamental cabbage and kale leaves. By following key tips, growers can harness LEDs’ color-enhancing potential.

• Start LED treatments early: Seedling stage is ideal for maximum anthocyanin stimulation. Begin LED exposure when cotyledons are fully expanded. Continue treatments for 3-14 days.
• Choose the right LED lights: LED grow lights with a combination of blue and red in a ratio of 50:50 are optimal. An LED light can be adjusted in intensity, allowing for monitoring and adjusting the intensity as needed. If your plants are getting too much light, they may develop heat stress or leaf burn, so dial back the intensity if necessary.
• Position the lights correctly: Be sure to position your LED lights at the right distance from your plants, as well as at the right height. This will ensure that your plants receive the optimal amount of light and that the light is evenly distributed across all parts of plants.
• Limit phosphorus fertilization: While phosphorus is essential for plant growth, it can hinder anthocyanin synthesis by interfering with the expression of genes and enzymes involved in pigment biosynthesis. Limit phosphorus fertilization for half of the production period, whether outdoors or in a greenhouse.
• Control duration: Use a timer to control the amount of time your LED lights are on each day. Most ornamental cabbage and kale plants require 12-16 hours of light per day, so set your timer accordingly.
• Monitor temperature and humidity: LED grow lights do not produce as much heat as traditional lighting options, but it’s still important to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your growing area. Keep the temperature between 40 °F and 50 °F and the humidity between 50% and 60% for optimal growth and color.

Using LED lights to boost foliage color in ornamental cabbage and kale is an effective method that can significantly enhance the beauty and value of these plants. By providing blue and red LED lights in cooler conditions, you can create an optimal environment for anthocyanin production, resulting in vibrant and attractive foliage.

Whether you're a small grower looking to intensify foliage color for local markets or a large producer aiming to meet retailer demand for high-impact plants, LEDs can be a game-changer. Let us guide you in selecting the right LED lighting system, calculating costs and returns, and integrating the technology into your production timeline.

Our goal is your success. So if you're ready to capitalize on the power of LEDs to take your ornamental cabbage and kale to the next level, contact us today. Our horticulture specialists are eager to collaborate with you on leveraging LED grow lights for showstopping, profit-boosting ornamental crops.