Have you ever walked into a flower shop and asked what is the best light for plant growth. If so, then you have made a wise choice. Plants respond to light. Just about all plants will do better in the daylight or, at the very least, better than when planted in the dark.
Light has a great effect on photosynthesis. It can speed up or slow down the rate at which plants convert carbohydrates to sugar. Different types of light are best for different parts of the plant, though they may all be equally important.
So, what is the best light for plant growth? It depends largely on the part of the plant to be planted. The best light for each part of a plant is determined by two factors: what season it grows best; and what the light would be if the plant was in full sunlight. Certain parts of a plant may not do well in full sunlight; or, it may do well in partial sunlight but be poorly suited for the other part of the plant. Knowing the seasonal variation of the light source can help a gardener choose what is the best light for plant growth.
Spring, the season of spring, is considered the best season for many kinds of plants. Most of them will do well in full sunlight. Some, like the marigold, are shade tolerant; while others, such as the fuchsias, need full sun to thrive. It is best to choose plants that do well in full sunlight during spring.
Summer, the warm summer months, are not the best time of year to try planting most perennials. They do best in the winter season. The leaves on many perennials turn color as they dry out in the fall. They will return to their full colors and foliage as the plant starts to grow out of the soil. In some cases, such as the clematis, the foliage never fully grows back.
Autumn, the cold, dark months, are not the best time of year to try to grow plants. Many such as the peony, can only be found in the wild. It is best to take notice of what kind of light conditions your favorite plants need to grow, and to plant those that can thrive even in those conditions.
In the winter, full sunlight is needed for plants to recover from cold stress. A good spot to place flowering perennials is in a south facing part of your house. This will maximize the amount of light they get. Knowing the requirements of each plant and the best light for plant growth will help you decide which plants are best for your needs.
As a side note, it is also important to choose the best light for plants that are newly transplanted. These are still growing in their pots. Do not let them get too hot or too cold. Most often, it is best to expose them to the same light as they are in their containers. Over exposure to direct sunlight can damage most plants. It is best to move them around a little bit during the day.
There are many different types of bulbs for you to choose from. Each has its own requirements for light, such as duration, intensity, and type of plant growth that it requires. Some bulbs will do well for perennials and some for annuals. Knowing which ones will work best for your specific plant growth will help you determine what is the best light for plant growth. For example, some bulbs will do fine in direct sunlight while other plants need indirect lighting at night.
The type of light you provide for your plants can greatly affect the color of your flowers. If you want your flower garden to look more vibrant and colorful, use a full sun light. On the flip side, if you want your garden to look more bland and boring, start off your planting with a few bulbs of a low wattage bulb that are getting a lot of indirect lighting. Carefully watch what gets left behind in the direct light as the plant begins to grow. As your flower begins to grow, it will throw off any leftover light that was being shaded by the plant. It may be necessary to add extra high intensity lights in order to get the desired results.
Knowing what is the best light for plant growth is important if you plan on having beautiful blooms on your plants. You do not want to end up giving them too much light or they will not grow properly. You also want to avoid putting direct lights out there as this can affect your plants as well. Try using timers to control the amount of light your flowers get as well so they do not go without.