Microgreens are young greens made from the seeds of vegetables, grains, or herbs, and are increasingly popular in gourmet restaurants and home kitchens alike. They make an attractive garnish and offer more nutrients than their mature counterparts. But to grow them indoors, especially in the colder months, good lighting is crucial. Indoor grow lights can provide the necessary light spectrum for photosynthesis, thereby boosting the growth and yield of your microgreens. Throughout this article, we will explore some of the best indoor grow lights for microgreens.
1. King Plus 1000w LED Grow Light
The King Plus 1000w LED Grow Light boasts a full spectrum light, encompassing both UV and IR light, making it an all-round performer for growing microgreens. It has a high light output equivalent to 1000 watts from traditional bulbs but consumes only 185w, thus making it power-efficient. Its 10w double LED chips produce brighter light, promoting better growth. Additionally, its modern cooling system aids in more extended durability.
2. VIPARSPECTRA UL Certified 1200W LED Grow Light
For indoor gardeners needing a high output light, the VIPARSPECTRA UL Certified 1200W LED Grow Light is a wise choice. While its coverage is excellent for larger growth areas, the power it consumes is only 520 watts. It possesses a sophisticated balance of PAR/Lumen output and coverage. The aluminum cooling heat sinks and high-speed quiet fans are built-in to keep the light cool. Plus, it has an impressive lifespan of 100,000 hours.
3. Roleadro 75w LED Grow Light
A budget-friendly choice, the Roleadro 75w LED Grow Light provides the basic blue and red spectrum necessary for microgreens’ growth. It has a simple, slim design that is easy to install. The light is flicker-free and UV-free, ensuring your plants get healthy light and you keep your eyes safe.
4. MARS HYDRO TSL 2000w LED Grow Light
MARS HYDRO TSL 2000w LED Grow Light delivers high output without using a lot of energy. It covers a 3 x 5 feet grow area and uses only 300 watts of power. The light output is full-spectrum, with a high PAR/Lumen output. It comes with a reflective aluminum hood for better light spreading, and it’s equipped with a modern cooling system for an extended lifespan.
5. Sun System Grow Lights – HPS 150W
The Sun System Grow Lights – HPS 150W provides an out-of-the-box solution for microgreen growers. It comes with a high-pressure sodium bulb which emits warm spectrum light, suitable for the flourish of microgreens. The reflector is made from highly reflective aluminum material. Though consuming more power compared to LED lights, it provides high intensity light output.
6. Spider Farmer SF-2000 LED Grow Light
Spider Farmer SF-2000 LED Grow Light with a Samsung LM301B Diode offers an energy-efficient option and high output for serious growers. With power consumption of only 202 watts, it delivers light for a 2 x 4 feet area. It offers a full spectrum of light, and the light intensity is dimmable to cater to different growth stages. The aluminum heat sink allows excellent heat dissipation, hence a longer lifespan.
7. Phlizon 1200W LED Plant Grow Light
The Phlizon 1200W LED Plant Grow Light stands out with its dual switch feature for veg and bloom stage of microgreens. The full light spectrum, inclusive of red, blue and white lights, plus IR and UV, enhances growth at all stages. Despite the high output, the light is energy efficient, consuming only 240 watts of power.
8. Sun Blaze T5 Fluorescent – 4 ft Fixture | 1 Lamp | 120V
For those considering fluorescent lights, the Sun Blaze T5 is an excellent choice. Unlike LED grow lights, fluorescent lights need replacement bulbs over time, but they are economical and adequate for microgreen farming. Sun Blaze fixtures are lightweight and easy to install with a daisy chain feature allowing multiple fixtures to be plugged in together.
Choosing the right lighting system is vital for indoor microgreen farming. Factors like power efficiency, coverage area, light spectrum, lifecycle, and heat dissipation capabilities play key roles in deciding which grow light is best for you. The aforementioned lights are some of the best and will undoubtedly help increase your microgreen yield and quality. Always remember that the need for lighting can change during different growth stages, thus requiring an adjustable lighting system. Choose wisely and happy farming!