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What options do I have to provide light to my seedlings?

Last Updated: September 05, 2008

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Seedlings must receive bright light promptly after germination. Place them in a bright south window if possible. If a large, bright window is not available, place the plants under fluorescent lights. A fixture containing two 40-watt fluorescent tubes is adequate. Place the seedlings about 6 inches from the tubes and keep lights on for 14 to 16 hours each day. As seedlings grow, the lights may need to be raised to prevent leaf burn as seedlings touch the tubes. Plants need some red and infrared radiation. Since this is not supplied by common fluorescent tubes, additional light from incandescent lamps or windows is necessary. If this cannot be provided, use a fluorescent tube specially designed for growing plants. These are available under a variety of trade names.

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