Best Time To Run Grow Lights – Night Or Day?

Many gardeners will use grow lights when getting their seedlings started with a lot of success. However, there are some things that gardeners will need to know about before getting their grow lights set up. So, when is the best time to run grow lights?

It is recommended that gardeners run their grow lights for about 14 to 16 hours a day, and it is better to do this when the sun is up if you are planning on moving those plants outdoors. The best time to run grow lights is between 6AM – 11PM for optimal results.

Here we will be explaining everything that gardeners need to know about running grow lights. 

Should I Run My Grow Lights At Night Or Day?

The answer to this question depends on whether you will be using grow lights throughout that plant’s life or if you are getting your seedlings started that way. If you plan to move those plants outdoors after the weather gets warm enough, it is best to run your grow lights during the day. This is because the plant’s lighting schedule will not be disrupted when you move them outside. 

However, if you are going to be using grow lights throughout that plant’s life cycle, then you can run your grow lights at night. This is as long as it is run on a consistent schedule each day. Having a consistent lighting cycle from your grow lights is crucial for proper plant growth and development. 

What Time Should I Turn My Grow Lights On?

If you are planning on moving your plants outside, then it is recommended that you have your grow lights turned on when the sun is starting to rise. Having your grow lights set on a timer for when the average time for your sun rises can be helpful if you do not want to get up early to turn them on yourself. 

If you are planning on keeping your plants indoors and will always be using grow lights, then the time that you turn on your grow lights is not very important. The most important thing to consider in this situation is that you are turning on your grow lights simultaneously every day. 

How Long Should A Grow Light Be On Each Day?

Generally speaking, grow lights should be run around 14 to 16 hours per day on a consistent schedule for seedlings. This means that the grow lights should be turned on and off at the same time every day. These hours should align with your local daylight hours if you are transplanting seedlings or plants outside. 

When it comes to fully grown indoor plants that are being maintained with grow lights, it is best to do your research on each plant to figure out how much daily sunlight is recommended for them. Some plants only need about 6 hours of light each day, while others may require more. 

How Many Hours A Day Should Grow Lights Be On Plants? 

A grow light schedule of 6 to 12 hours for fully grown plants will work nicely for upkeep. This is because fully grown plants require less light than seedlings and young plants. However, it is best to follow a light cycle that is specifically recommended for that plant for the best results. Some plants will thrive best with less light, while others will need more. 

How Many Hours A Day Should Grow Lights Be On Seedlings? 

Generally, seedlings need more light than grown plants to reach their optimal potential. Following a 14 to 16 grow light schedule will work well for most seedlings, and they should not get less than 12 hours of light. Less than 12 hours of light may cause problems with the proper growth and development of the seedling. Additionally, seedlings should not exceed 18 hours of light for optimal growth. 

Things To Consider 

You may want to consider some additional things about running grow lights. These things include what color grow light is best, when you can stop using grow lights on plants and the benefits of using grow lights. Here are some other things for gardeners to consider when it comes to using grow lights on their seedlings and plants. 

What Color Grow Light Is Best?

Although many people may think that a white or yellow grow light will work best for growing plants, this is not true. Even though white and yellow light appears to be the most similar to the sun, a mixture of blue and red LED grow lights has been proven to be the most effective.

Blue LED grow lights promote quick growth because it aids in photosynthesis. Meanwhile, red LED grow lights have been shown to benefit plants during their flowering stage. Red LED grow lights work best when mixed with blue LED grow lights. 

What Are The Benefits Of Using Grow Lights? 

There are several benefits to using grow lights on both seedlings and indoor plants. When it comes to seedlings, using grow lights can help them to grow and develop more quickly and lead to overall better quality as the plant grows. This is especially true for those living in cooler climates. Similarly, grow lights are beneficial for indoor plants because they receive optimal sunlight for proper upkeep and development. 

When Can You Stop Using Grow Lights On Plants? 

Many gardeners will continue to use grow lights for indoor plants throughout the plant’s life. However, many people will also move their indoor plants to a sunny window and stop using grow lights once their indoor plant is fully grown. This is usually fine when the grow lights are run on the same light cycle as natural daylight. 

When it comes to plants that a gardener plans to transplant outside, you can transplant them as soon as the weather becomes suitable for that plant’s growth. This weather should include temperature, rainfall, and average daily sunlight.