HYB: indoor versus outdoor growth

Hello,
I have a question concerning iris growth indoor versus outdoors.
I have raised several various iris seedlings over winter.
I have noticed decent growth, but the growth seems to improve after I move the
plants outside.
Even if I leave them in pots, they grow better outside, regardless of the
outside temperature.
I'd better understand improvements or quicker growth rates in warmer temps,
but it doesn't seem to matter.
Is this simply a matter of artificial light versus sunlight?
I've tried experimenting with12 hour on/off light and 24 hr light on with
various spectrum flourescent lighting.
Granted my basement is consistant in cooler temps over the winter, but at the
beginning of my outside growing season,
 when I place potted irises outside, the temps are about the same or cooler
than my basement during the daylight hours and
 most certainly cooler at night.
I still see improved growth outside.
I am pretty sure my artificial lighting source is good enough to grow in but
not good enough to flourish.
Is ther an ideal spectrum flourescent lighting source?
thanks for any insight as to what I might be missing or overlooking.

Steve zone 4b Minnesota

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