Thoughts on light for seedlings

[Farmall]

ChefSheri Based on the science of light and not my experience, the color temperature of a 2700k contains more red than the 6500k which is more of the blue end of the spectrum. You remember any of the ROYGBIV acronym we learned for the colors of the rainbow? Since the better side of the light spectrum is the blue side for young plants, TECHNICALLY, the plant can maximize its foundation for growing into a big girl plant better by being exposed to the 6500k...or genuine sunshine. FYI Home Depot recently had a 4 pack of 23w 6500k (equivalent to 100w incandescent) for $9.90. I would try it and see how it works out. Of course, you’ve also got to try the other bulbs as well eventually to see how much of an advantage you get

[BR2K]

Hey gang, quick question -- I'd like to start 3-4 autos next week (seeds be here Mon.) and I kinda wanted to sprout them outside the tent this time. Problem is, I have a whole CASE of 23W 2700K CFL's (hubby evidently bought them on sale; they were in his workshop). Would these work for the short term? I've already spent a small fortune getting ready for spring grow, and was hoping I might save a few bucks! But if I just have to spend more money . . . heavy sigh . . . the things we do for love

I may just start germinating my 1st crop tomorrow, so I can't speak from experience. If your bulbs are the curly ones, I'd give it a go. Although I am going to try using my 315W LEC, I may have to fall back on a CFL or two I have hanging around. Good luck!

[quietlybinary]

Hi Dude, the amount of light your seedlings get will not make them flower unless the light cycle is 12/12 to start with. The amount of heat from the light is a bigger risk that would burn them if the lights are too close to the young plants. I think 12 watts sounds good to start with the light 6 inches away from the soil. they will outgrow the light quickly.

[Dude]

Farmall,

Thanks for the information, I'll follow your steps and see if I can get the same results. Going to start two Six Shooter Autos and I'll follow your lead. I was just worried about to much reaching to early making noodles.


Has anyone ever tried a multi spectrum low wattage for seedlings, in the range of 12w? If so I would really like to hear about it. Again thanks for the information Farmall and wish you a great evening.

[ChefSheri]

Hey gang, quick question -- I'd like to start 3-4 autos next week (seeds be here Mon.) and I kinda wanted to sprout them outside the tent this time. Problem is, I have a whole CASE of 23W 2700K CFL's (hubby evidently bought them on sale; they were in his workshop). Would these work for the short term? I've already spent a small fortune getting ready for spring grow, and was hoping I might save a few bucks! But if I just have to spend more money . . . heavy sigh . . . the things we do for love

[Farmall]

Hey Dude when I first started. . .set my new blurple led 30”over the new sprouts and within 2 days they were long and lanky and quite spindly. They looked like another 1” and they’d fall over. In fact one did and I had to lean it against a pencil to support the lanky growth. Then learned about the CFL’s ....the sprouts stayed low, got strong and bushy and upon the 2nd week, looked like any garden vegetable plant from a nursery, ready to transplant.... I let them stay another week in the solo cups to build root mass and they got stronger and developed enough root that the soil slid out of the solo cups in one piece, stayed together and the transplant was a piece o’ cake.

with such a notable change in seedling quality, I saw no reason not to start things in that manner. I’ve used those 5-6 23w 6500k bulbs stacked in a 7 way splitter every time. Daunting to see the leaves within 3” of the bulb but it works fine....really fine , so my suggestion is to check them daily to make sure their not growing into the bulb

[Dude]

Morning Farmall.......


Ragweed, not everyone is understanding, I've met some really nice people here that are willing to help a person as long as that person is willing to help him or herself. Sometimes we cross paths with those that only see your head as a stepping stone. Never look down on someone unless you're looking at their shoes. Please explain the coffee snort, that made me smile and chuckle. Laughter is the best medicine brother. I hope everyone is doing well and things are going well. The only thing I've read about lighting for seedlings was someone had good luck with CFL in 65k spectrum range. I'm going to try low power CFL for the seedlings myself to see how it grows. My only concern is distance, I don't want to stretch the seedling causing problems from the beginning. Hello Farmall, hope all is well with you and yours.

[Dude]

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing.

Edmund Burke.



✌️

[RagWeedDWC]

Farmall sums it up!

[Farmall]

You know “ if guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns “. Just like algebra A=B B=C Therefore A=C. So... weed is outlawed so only outlaws grow weed... friggin genius’. Don’t know where we’d be without outlaws

[RagWeedDWC]

Come from a long line of outlaws :-)

[JDU]

Ain't that the truth!!! God bless the outlaws. Without them we wouldn't have 'shine or smoke!!!

[SoOrbudgal]

We love outlaw/gorilla growers they are the ones who started this revolution.

[BR2K]

SoOrbudgal IIRC, he said he was an "outlaw" (in a thread about a month ago) because he was in a repressive state - as am I.

[SoOrbudgal]

Outlaw ? LOL