Understanding lighting for microgreens is crucial in optimizing their growth. Light is an essential factor that significantly influences the proper growth and development of these small, nutrient-dense greens. Selecting the best lighting for microgreens can seem daunting, considering the myriad of factors such as color, intensity, duration, and even the type of light. This article investigates different light sources, common lighting terms, and guidelines for the most effective lighting techniques for growing microgreens.
1. Types of Light Sources
Light Emitting Diodes (LED), Fluorescent Lights, and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights are three of the most commonly used lighting systems for cultivating microgreens.
1.1. LED Lights
LEDs are an efficient and modern source, popular for their energy savings, longevity, and low heat emission. They work best at close range, therefore, are ideal for small-scale growers and indoor microgreens cultivation. LED lights also allow customization, offering full spectrum light or targeted wavelengths that cater to the specific needs of microgreens. “Full-spectrum” LED lights can deliver all wavelengths necessary for the growth of microgreens, from germination to harvesting.
1.2. Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent lights are an economical choice and suitable for many growers, especially beginners. These are available in different color temperatures and sizes. T5 fluorescent lights are one of the best options for microgreens due to their high output and low energy consumption.
1.3. HID Lights
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights are more efficient than fluorescent lights and have a longer lifespan. However, these lights generate a lot of heat that may not suit microgreens’ growth. A too-high temperature may cause molecular damage, affecting the normal growth of microgreens.
2. Basic Lighting Terms
Understanding certain lighting terms help to set the lighting system rightfully.
2.1. Light Spectrum
Plants utilize different colors of light for photosynthesis, with blue and red being the most important. Red light aids stem elongation and flowering, while blue light supports photosynthesis and inhibits excessive growth.
2.2. Light Intensity
Light intensity refers to the brightness of light. It’s usually measured in foot-candles or lumens. For growing microgreens, an intensity of 200-400 foot-candles or 400-800 lumens is recommended.
2.3. Light Duration
Also known as the photoperiod, it refers to the length of time that the plant is exposed to light. Microgreens typically require a minimum of 12-16 hours of light exposure per day for optimal growth.
3. Setting Up Lighting for Microgreens
The aforementioned lighting terms put into practice can create a suitable environment for microgreens growth.
3.1. Align Light with Life Stage
During the germination phase, microgreens need little to no light. Once the seeds germinate and the green shoots appear, consistent light exposure is vital. Different species might require different light intensities, a reason behind experimenting and adjusting as per the need.
3.2. Positioning the Light Source
The light source should be positioned near the microgreens but carefully, ensuring it’s not so close to cause damage. Ideally, LED and fluorescent lights can be kept 6-12 inches above the microgreens, while HID lights need to be positioned further away due to heat emission.
3.3. Lighting Duration
Generally, microgreens need around 12-16 hours of light per day. However, a specific species might need adjustment to this general rule of thumb, making it important to continuously observe and modify duration if necessary.
4. Best Lighting Systems for Microgreens
Recognizing the unique attributes and advantages of each lighting system helps select which suits the most for microgreens growth.
4.1. Barrina LED Grow Light
This full-spectrum LED light mimics natural sunlight, assisting in photosynthesis and promoting healthy plant growth. The light is available in strings, making them easy to install and use.
4.2. Hydrofarm Agrobrite FLT24 T5 Fluorescent
This light system is equipped with a high-output T5 fluorescent tube that provides an intense and uniform light for microgreens. It is also energy efficient, operates coolly, and can hang in three ways – overhead, vertical, or horizontal.
4.3. iPower 600 Watt HPS MH Digital Dimmable Grow Light System
This HID light system is ideal for large-scale growers. It has a digital ballast that ensures stable voltage and boosts the lifecycle of the bulb. The system comes with dimmable options for proper light intensity control, aligned with the growth phase.
5. Takeaway
Choosing the right light source involves understanding the unique needs of the microgreens you want to grow, the specific lighting requirements, and the constraints of your growing space. Whether you select an LED, fluorescent, or HID light source, remember to monitor the growth of your microgreens and make necessary adjustments to light intensity, duration, and proximity. Observing and learning from the growth response of microgreens to different light conditions can steer towards successful growth and assisted cultivation strategy. With the right lighting, growing microgreens can flourish into a verdant and rewarding endeavor.
