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More on Propagating Under Flourescents

Thanks to everyone for their responses to my questions regarding
propagating seeds under lights.  My two targets for next spring are to
produce sturdier perennials, and annuals that will flower as quickly as
possible.  The consensus seems to be a warm florescent + a cool one
should give equal results to a greenhouse, especially since my northern
exposure would reduce the hours and intensity of sunlight in the
winter/spring.

From your feedback arises other questions.  Diana Politika mentioned the
value of using either high-pressure sodium or halogen lights instead of
florescents, which can be hung 6 feet above the leaf surface.  Bill &
Harvey mentioned vapour lights, which produce more lumens without the
heat.  But no one mentioned adding an incandescent fixture to the
florescent setup, which I have heard can be beneficial.  Could an
incandescent or a halogen light be added, and would there be an
improvement in bloom time in annuals?

Tom Clothier provided a very informative and detailed list of other
factors that may affect success with seedlings, such as timing of
potting on, using deep pots, brushing seedlings to promote sturdy
growth, ensuring air movement, etc.  All of these are good tips to
consider.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I assume that none of these
would affect bloom time in annuals?  If this is incorrect, please
explain.

Of course, into this big equation goes soil mix and temperature
control.  I think I have these two licked, as well as keeping the
seedlings within 2" of the lights. Another great idea came from Joanne -
to use mirrors and/or white reflecting boards to maximize the light.  

The other question that arises comes from consistent feedback that
florescents should be adequate *for seedlings*.  When does a plant cease
to be a seedling and become a "plantling"?  I would think that many
plants are beyond what I would call a seedling by the time they are
ready to go outside.  I am thinking specifically of annuals that are
intended to start flowering by the time they go outside.  They are
usually substantial plants, not seedlings, by the last frost date.  Can
I expect these "plantlings" also to do well under florescents?

Bill & Harvey indicated that whether annuals flower sooner has less to
do with the spectrum of light than *when* the plants are started.  I
typically plant the seeds according to the directions on the pack.  Is
there a benefit to starting even sooner than the pack recommends, or
will I have overgrown "plantlings" by planting out time?

So, gang, sorry for the long post, but I've given you some additional
questions to peruse!  What are your thoughts?

Heather in Markham, Ontario, Canada
Cda Zone 6 / USDA Zone 5
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