You've done your research on the color spectrum for plant cultivation. You know that blue light is essential for growth and development, and red light promotes flowering. You also know that LED grow lights are the most efficient option. But now, as you look at your options, you're wondering: "Can I just use blue and red LED lights? Do I need all this extra research?"
The short answer is no, you can't just use any blue and red LED lights, and yes, you do need to do some research. While the color spectrum is essential for expert cultivation, it is not the only factor that can make or break your operation. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right blue and red lights and narrow down your possibilities.
Why Your Plants Need Blue and Red Light
Let's cover some light spectrum basics. In order for your plants to thrive, they need plenty of photons that fall within the PAR range. PAR refers to "photosynthetically active radiation" and represents the wavelengths of light that plants actually use for photosynthesis. The PAR range spans from 400 - 700nm, with blue light sitting at one end of the spectrum and far red at the other.
Blue light plays a crucial role in the vegetative phase by promoting root development and strong, stocky plant growth. When you expose young plants to blue light, you prepare them to sustain a ton of buds in the future. On the other hand, red light does its best work during the flowering phase, promoting a higher yield.
It follows, then, that you do need light sources that can provide both the red and blue light spectrum. But red and blue are only the beginning. There are a few more considerations that can help you choose the right lights.
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Why Intensity Matters
It isn't enough to give your plants light within the PAR range. They need to receive enough of that light to thrive. This is why you can't just screw in a blue incandescent light bulb and call it a grow room.
In nature, plants receive all their light from the sun, which provides high-intensity light. If you're planning to grow plants in a grow room or a grow tent, you have to provide them with the light spectrum they would get from the sun and deliver enough photons to support photosynthesis.
In indoor cultivation, what you're looking for is PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density). PPFD measures the amount of usable light (PAR) that actually reaches your crop when using a specific grow light. For flowering plants, you need around 300-600 umols during the vegetative phase and 800-1000 umols during flowering. This high PPFD narrows down your options for grow lights considerably, with the two likeliest options being blue and red HID lights or blue and red LED lights.
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Blue and Red HID Lights
HID (high-intensity discharge) lamps used to be the preferred option for indoor growing. The greatest benefit of these bulbs is right there in the name – high intensity. However, HID bulbs are not full-spectrum lights, so HID growers have to switch between two different bulbs. They use MH (metal halide) lights for vegetation, which emit light in the blue spectrum, and switch to HPS bulbs for the flowering phase, which favor red light.
For years, this method has been effective in promoting healthy plants and substantial yields. But now, the grow light technology landscape is changing, and blue and red LED lights are fast becoming the number one choice over MH and HPS bulbs.
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Blue and Red LED Lights
In recent years, LED grow light technology has advanced to the extent that LED lights provide the greatest benefits to both plants and gardeners. LED grow lights easily match the intensity of HID bulbs while consuming only half the energy. They also emit almost no heat, which protects plants and minimizes cooling costs.
Additionally, LED grow lights last 50,000+ hours with very little decline in light quality and require no ballasts or complicated installation processes. Most LED grow lights are designed to switch between the blue and red spectrum, so one fixture does it all.
Now, this all explains why LED grow lights are easier to use and more cost-effective in the long run. However, it's essential to consider how the highest quality LED grow lights set new standards for the ideal color spectrum. Choosing the least expensive blue and red LED lights may not be in your best interest.
The Benefits of Full-Spectrum LED Lights
While blue and red light are essential, they're not the only colors your plants use within the PAR range. Other colors, such as green light, also serve a purpose. Green light penetrates the canopy better than the rest of the color spectrum.
The best LED grow lights provide the exact spectrum your plants require and nothing more. This ensures your crop gets everything it needs and no light goes to waste. One example of a full-spectrum LED grow light is the SolarXtreme series by California Lightworks, which includes the exclusive Optigrow spectrum tailored specifically to the needs of your plants.
For serious growers, variable spectrum LED lights like the SolarSystem series offer even more control. With a variable spectrum LED, you can adjust color levels and make nuanced adjustments to your light recipes in real-time, depending on how your plant responds. This allows for a more natural ratio of red to blue LED light, promoting higher yields and a more flavorful harvest.
The Importance of Choosing the Right LED Grow Light Manufacturer
While it may be tempting to buy low-cost blue and red LED lights on platforms like Amazon or eBay, these lamps often come from unreliable manufacturers who do not understand the science of indoor grows. Cheap LEDs made in China produce vastly inferior light quality, break easily, and may not be safe.
Choosing a reputable LED brand may cost more initially, but it guarantees both the quality and customer service necessary to support a healthy crop.
Where to Find the Best Blue and Red LED Lights
Even after deciding to invest in full-spectrum LED lights, choosing the best LED grow light for your setup can be challenging. We recommend starting with either the SolarXtreme series or the SolarSystem series by California Lightworks. The SolarXtreme series provides high-powered and hobbyist-friendly full-spectrum lamps, while the SolarSystem series offers more sophisticated technology and variable spectrum control.
If you need help navigating these options, please let us know. We understand how daunting the light selection process can be and are here to support growers in any way we can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any blue and red LED lights to grow plants?
No, not all blue and red LED lights are suitable for plant growth. You need lights that provide the correct color spectrum and intensity to support photosynthesis.
What is the PAR range?
The PAR range refers to the wavelengths of light that plants use for photosynthesis. It spans from 400 - 700nm and includes blue and red light, among other colors.
Why do I need high intensity for my plants?
High-intensity light is necessary to provide your plants with the amount of usable light (PAR) they need to thrive. Low-intensity light will not be sufficient for proper photosynthesis.
What are PPFD and umols?
PPFD stands for photosynthetic photon flux density, which measures the amount of usable light (PAR) that reaches your plants. Umols (micromoles) quantify the number of photons.
Are LED grow lights better than HID lights?
LED grow lights are becoming the preferred choice for indoor growing because they match the intensity of HID bulbs while consuming less energy and emitting less heat. They also last longer and require less complicated installation.
Should I invest in full-spectrum LED lights?
Full-spectrum LED lights provide the exact color spectrum your plants need, ensuring they receive everything necessary for optimal growth and yield. They also prevent waste, as no light goes unused.
Why choose a reputable LED grow light manufacturer?
Reputable LED brands guarantee better quality and customer service. Cheap, low-quality LEDs may not provide the necessary light spectrum, break easily, or even pose safety risks.
What are some recommended LED grow lights?
The SolarXtreme series and the SolarSystem series by California Lightworks are highly recommended. The SolarXtreme series offers high-powered and hobbyist-friendly full-spectrum lamps, while the SolarSystem series provides more sophisticated technology and variable spectrum control.