Best Microgreen Grow Lights - (Expert Advice)

<a href='https://typesofmicrogreens.com/author/admin/'>Jon Smith</a>Jon Smith
January 22, 2022

Microgreens can be grown under almost any type of light; however, if you want to grow the healthiest, largest crop possible, you will want to use a grow light. A grow light provides your microgreens with the light that they need to flourish, but which light is best for you?

The answer to that depends on several factors, including:

  • Will you be growing microgreens for your personal use, or will you be selling them?
  • How many trays of microgreens will you be growing at one time?
  • Will you be growing year round?
  • How much money are you willing to invest?

When Should Microgreens Be Exposed to Grow Lights?

When you first plant your microgreen seeds, they must remain in darkness throughout the germination process. Once your plants have germinated, they are ready to be exposed to light. In general, once your microgreens are 2 to 3 centimeters tall, they are ready to be exposed to light.

How Many Hours per Day Should You Expose Your Microgreens to Light?

Plants require light as well as darkness for optimal growth and development. On average, we recommend leaving your grow lights on for around 12 hours; however, the exact time will depend on whether your microgreens are a cold weather crop or a warm weather crop.

Some examples of cold weather crops include spinach, broccoli, lettuce, and other green leafy microgreens. Examples of warm weather crops include corn, cucumber, and chives. Cold weather crops require sightly less light than warm weather crops. If your microgreens are a cold weather crop, your lights should remain on for 10 to 12 hours per day. Conversely, if your microgreens are a warm weather crop, your lights should be on for 12 to 14 hours.

Understanding Lighting Terms

When it comes to lights, there are several terms that must be understood. Some of these terms do not matter, while other terms are super important.

T5, T8, or T12 Lights

These terms refer to the diameter of the light tube itself. The most common diameter of both fluorescent and LED lights is T8. A T8 light bulb is available in different lengths. The length needed will be based on your lighting fixture.

Lumens

Lumens are a brightness measurement. It is used to measure how brightly the light will appear to a human eye. This brightness will not impact how your plants grow. The intensity or strength of the light can be measured by total wattage. The light will be more intense with a higher wattage bulb.

Kelvins or Color Temperature

Most LED lights will have a color temperature rating measured in Kelvins. For example, warm white (yellow white) is rated as 3000k, natural white (not too blue or too yellow) is rated as 4000k, and daylight (blue white) is rated as 5000k to 6500k. Because you want to simulate as much light as possible, you should choose a daylight 6500k color temperature light bulb.

Nm

Nm is an abbreviation for nanometers, which is a unit of measurement for length. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. This unit of measurement is used to measure wavelengths.

The visible light spectrum is the part of the spectrum that is visible to the human eye. The lower end of the light spectrum is 400 nm to 500 nm and appears blue. The middle range of the light spectrum is 500 nm to 600 nm and appears green. The high end of the light spectrum is 600 to 700 and appears red.

How Do Different Light Wavelengths Impact Your Microgreens?

Different wavelengths affect the growth and nutritional levels of your microgreens. Although it can be a bit overwhelming for new microgreen gardeners you can use different wavelengths to influence your microgreens.

Here is a chart to help you better understand the effects of light waves on your microgreens.

Light Wave ColorBenefit
Far Red Light WavesRed light waves improve the yield of fruiting and blooming plants.
Red and Blue Light WavesRed and blue light waves speed up the growth of microgreens.
Green Light WavesGreen light waves enhance your microgreens' chlorophyll production.
Yellow Light WavesYellow light waves reduce the growth rate of your microgreens.
Blue and Violet Light WavesBlue and violet light waves enhance the color, improve the aroma, and enhance the taste of your microgreens.
Ultraviolet Light WavesUltraviolet light waves slow the growth of your microgreens and may damage your plants
Light Wave Length Benefits

Types of Grow Lights

There are two different types of lights that can be used when growing microgreens indoors – fluorescent and LED. Artificial lights allow you to control the duration and strength of lights your plants receive.

Fluorescent lights are the most affordable; however, they emit some heat. Conversely, LED lights are cooler; however, they cost more than fluorescent lights.

Correct Placement of Your Grow Lights

Microgreen gardeners often ask the question of how far their light source should be from their microgreens. Although there are no set rules and the distance can vary between different types of microgreens, we recommend placing the lights between 8 and 12 inches from the grow tray.

If you place your lights too far from your microgreens, it can cause them to become leggy and cause them to become weak. On the other hand, if you place your lights too close to your microgreens, it can cause plants to sprawl out rather than remain upright; furthermore, if a light is too close it can damage your plants.

Finding the Perfect Light for Your Microgreens

There are many different options when it comes to light options for microgreens. Our top two recommendations for microgreen grow lights are Brillihood LED lights or hykolity LED lights.

Sale
Brillihood LED T8 Integrated Single Fixture, 4FT, 20W, 6500K (Bright White), 2200lm, Utility Shop Light, Ceiling and Under Cabinet Light, Cooler Door Lighting Fixture, 10-Pack
  • LINKABLE: This LED Under Cabinet Fixture Could connect up to 6 lights together by using the connectors included in package. Ideal for home, office, garage, ceiling, kitchen, under cabinet, super market, parking lot, school, hospital, basement and workshop.
  • ENERGY EFFICIENT: Benefit excellent 50-70% energy saving over traditional lamps by replacing 75W fluorescent light equivalent with this 20W LED tube light fixture
  • HIGH BRIGHTNESS: This 4 foot LED shop light produces 2,200 lumen 6,000K bright white with clear plastic cover helps to dissipate light and improve appearance
  • ADVANCED DESIGN: LED Integrated tube is an all-in-one product includes fixture frame, ballast and LED. High quality aluminium alloy body which acts as a heat sink to extend the life of LED'S with 50,000 hours
  • PLUG & PLAY: LED T8 tubes INCLUDE all installation accessories, just use the included snap joints to hang it up and insert the plug to light it on.
hykolity 6 Pack LED Shop Light 4FT, T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 22W, 2200lm, 6500K Super Bright White, Linkable Shop Light, Utility Shop Lights, Corded Electric W/ Built-in ON/Off Switc
  • ✔ Up to 65% Energy Saving - T5 LED shop lights features 2200 lumens brightness by using only 22W, 40W equivalent to a fluorescent tube, provides a 65% reduction in energy usage.
  • ✔ Linkable - Using 20" cords or seamless connectors to connect up to 6 pcs linkable shop lights together in your garage, cupboard, workshop, under cabinet and storage room.
  • ✔ Lightweight - The 4ft T5 shop light weighs only 0.8lb/pc, it can be easily fixed firmly by attached 2 screws and 2 clips.
  • ✔ Easy Installation- Plug & Play. Come with 59" power cord with on/off switch, and other small accessories in the INNER BOX, no external or internal wiring needed.
  • "✔ Our Warranty - All our's shop lights are confidently guaranteed for 5 years! We aim for quality followed up with quality customer service directly provided by manufacturer. "

When shopping for grow lights, look for ones that have 1700 to 2000 lumens and a color rating of 6500k. These grow lights and bulbs are relatively inexpensive but will provide you with the light needed to grow a bountiful crop of microgreens.

Final Thoughts

Growing microgreens provides you with nutrient dense fresh foods. Microgreens can be grown year round when you have the right supplies, including grow lights. Our recommendations on the best grow lights for microgreens are based on research and trial and error.

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About The Author
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.

Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Jon Smith

Founder/Writer
Copyright 2021 TypesOfMicrogreens.com All Rights Reserved!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.