Re: Seedlings and Light
That makes sense but what about up in Alaska where it is light 24\7 during some
parts of the year? I saw a TV program where they grew 100+ pound cabbagges in the
total day light. I do agree that plants grow during the night, I'v seen that.
Greg Schraiber wrote:
> 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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