Re: Seedlings and Light
Bill,
Yes, plants require darkness. It is during the dark period that plants actually
grow. During the day, photosynthesis occurs, producing energy which is stored
for use during the dark period. These alternating periods of light and dark (day
and night), are called 'photo periodism'. You will find no shortage of
information about this subject on the web.
The length of the dark period is actually the more important time. Each species
has evolved its own requirements for the length of each of these periods. Basis
periods can be roughly determined by calculating the day/night ratio of the
global region where the plant originally evolved, with respect to the equator
(where day/night period are equal).
Adjusting for longer 'day' hours with artificially lit plants is only
recommended when poor or marginally intense light is supplied. Search for
information regarding PAR light (photosynthesis active radiation) and you will
gain valuable insight into the dismal performance of most artificial light
sources.
As for temperature, a slight drop in night time temperature ~5-10 degrees will
give the best results.
Hope this helps,
Greg Schraiber
"BILL J. SADOWSKI" wrote:
> This question bothers me, because I do not have a solid, technical answer.
> When germinating seeds indoors and applying artificial light at 12-16
> hours a day.........Why do those little seedlings need total darkness for
> so many hours? You think the more light the better. Do the seedlings
> actual need sleeping time? Also should the temperature drop when it is
> dark? (simulating an actual growing environment).
> Bill Sadowski, in Ohio starting some tropical plants.....bored!!
>
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