If using fluorescent tubes to grow flowering plants, a combination of red and blue tubes will provide the best light for growth and flowering. Tubes with a 4000K value tend to produce light with a reddish tone, while those with a value of 7500K produce bluish light. T5 HO tubes are available that produce colour values based on the Kelvin scale (K). Blue light generally stimulates growth, while red light is important for growth and flower production. Plants absorb mostly blue and red light (think of the colours present in a rainbow, plants use two particularly) in order to grow and flower. The bulbs cannot be placed close to the plants because of the potential damage from the heat generated, meaning more growing space is required. This makes them less useful in the home as extraction equipment is necessary to remove the hot air.

HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights, which include metal halide and high-pressure sodium systems, give off a tremendous amount of heat.

Specialist light meters may also be required to measure the light output of these systems, which can add to the expense of the set up. At this point in their development, however, they can still be more expensive than T5 HO fluorescents to install. They benefit from low operating temperatures and are longer lasting and more energy efficient than T5 HO fluorescents. LED (Light Emitting Diode) horticultural lighting is a viable alternative for indoor use.

They give off comparatively little heat making them safe to place close to plants.

They are generally economical to run, but not as energy efficient as LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lighting.

They are long-lasting (about 20,000 hours).

The intensity of light produced is generally strong enough to enable good growth and flowering when positioned correctly.

Readily available from horticultural suppliers, T5 HO fluorescent tubes have the following advantages that make them the current top choice: Here is a summary of the options available for the home. For these reasons alone, it is best to choose specialised horticultural lighting. What artificial lights to use in the homeĭomestic light bulbs are unsuitable for growing plants as the light intensity is not enough and they are less energy efficient.

Malvern Autumn Show - 22–24 September 2023.

RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show - 5–10 September 2023.

RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show - 18–20 August 2023.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show - 2–6 August 2023.

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park - 19–23 July 2023.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival - 4–9 July 2023.

Best light for vegetable seedlings