Instead, a balanced light schedule mimicking natural daylight hours is ideal for microgreens in controlled environments like greenhouses or vertical farms.
How Much Light Do Microgreens Really Need?
Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD)
Microgreens typically thrive under 12 to 18 hours of light per day. This duration provides ample time for photosynthesis while giving the plants enough rest during dark periods.
Using high-efficiency LED grow lights for microgreens allows growers to fine-tune this balance. These lights deliver the intensity and spectrum needed for healthy, compact growth without unnecessary energy waste.
Key factors to consider:
- Light Duration: Aim for 14-16 hours of light and 8-10 hours of darkness per day.
- Light Distance: Keep lights 6-12 inches above the trays to avoid burning or stretching.
- Light Spectrum: Choose lights that mimic natural daylight to encourage vibrant leaf color and strong stems.
Also Read-
How Do Grow Lights Support the Growth of Organic Microgreens?
LED Lighting for Red and Green Microgreens: Does Color Matter?
How Light Duration Affects the Growth Rate of Microgreens
Debunking Myths About Lighting for Microgreens
Many growers fall for assumptions that may limit plant health or inflate operational costs. Here’s what you should know:
- Myth 1: More light equals faster growth.
Truth: Excessive light can cause stress and reduce overall quality. - Myth 2: Any grow light works for microgreens.
Truth: Low-quality lights often lack the right spectrum and consistency needed for microgreens. - Myth 3: Darkness is unnecessary.
Truth: Rest periods are vital for plant metabolism and pigment formation.
By relying on facts instead of assumptions, growers can achieve consistent and high-quality results.
Choosing the Best Lighting System for Microgreens
Not all lighting systems are created equal. For optimal results, growers should look for technology that provides precision and consistency.
GROW3’s advanced lighting systems are purpose-built for controlled environment agriculture. Our digital color ratio technology allows growers to adjust the light spectrum throughout the plant’s growth cycle. This adaptability ensures peak photosynthetic performance, making our solutions the best grow lights for microgreens.
Growers benefit from:
- Enhanced photosynthetic efficiency with high PPFD
- Reduced energy consumption with targeted lighting
- Superior yield and uniform crop appearance
- Trusted performance, used by military and governmental institutions
What Every Grower Should Know
Microgreens do not require 24-hour lighting. Instead, they thrive with consistent, high-quality light paired with a proper dark cycle. Investing in scientifically designed grow lights helps ensure healthier crops, lower energy use, and better returns for your growing operation.
Whether you’re managing a greenhouse or operating a vertical farm, reliable microgreen lights can transform your results.
Choose GROW3 to elevate your growing game with precision-engineered lighting solutions built for professionals.