Light Intensities:
A. For germinating seeds and rooting cuttings:
Ten lamp Isaac Watts per square foot of get country . The light germ should be 6″ to 8″ above the soil or planting medium . Recent study argue that a high sprouting percentage is hold if germ are expose rather than being lightly covered . Another system that may be used is to breed the seeds lightly with grease , vermiculite or perlite , then comb or scrape the surface lightly after soaking the cover medium . This allows for better light penetration and gentle wind incorporation into the seed region .
NurtureLite fluorescentbulbsare particularly useful for germinating seed for outdoor spring planting . When the NurtureLite seedling are transplanted to the outdoor environment , right steps must be take to harden the seedlings . This is carry out by gradually reduce the temperature and keeping the plant somewhat dry than common until they are acclimated to outside conditions . A common procedure is to disclose seedlings to the open during the day and take them in for the night until they are firm enough to go forth outside for good . It may take about one and a half week to harden the seedlings fully . During the first few days , however , the young plants require protective cover from sunshine by provide some tincture . An important cistron to recall when temper plants is to haveair circulation , peculiarly if they are in protect sphere . This will foreclose the buildup of in high spirits temperatures and thereby reduce the wilting of the young seedling .
B. For low-energy growing plants:
Fifteen lamp Isaac Watts per straight fundament of growing area . The wanton source should be 12″ to 15″ above the flora tops . Many menage plants shine in this classification .
C. For high-energy growing plants:
Twenty lamp watts or more per square foot of grow area . The idle source should be 12″ to 15″ above flora whirligig . This classification includes works such as chrysanthemum , Dianthus caryophyllus , rose , tomatoes , bean , and most vegetable crop . When these plants are grow in enclosed areas without available sunshine , 10 to 20 pct of the total electrical power should be provided by incandescent lamp or the NurtureLite light bulb . These lamp provide the far - ruby-red actinotherapy important for normal plant exploitation with high - energy crops .
Length of Light Periods (Photoperiod):
A. For the germination of seeds and rooting cuttings:
A loose full stop of 16 hr produces satisfactory results . With fresh germinated seedlings and rooted cuttings , prior to transplant , a longer light period of up to 20 hours may be used with effective results .
B. Short-day plants – Duration of light:
Gardenias , Poinsettias , Chrysanthemums , Christmas Begonias – 10 to 13 hours
C. Long Day Plants:
China Asters , Calceolaria , Coreopsis , Dahlias , Nasturtiums , annual – 14 to 18 hours
D. Day Neutral Plants (Not affected by Photoperiod):
Roses , Carnations , Begonias , African Violets , Gloxinias , Geraniums , Coleus – 12 to 18 hours
Cultural Requirements:
A. Plant ambient temperature:
For most plants , the temperature during the light periods should be some 70 ° – 75 ° F , and during the dark periods 60 ° – 65 ° F.
B. Plant environment humidity:
A humidness of 50 % to 60 % is recommended . Good ventilation is also necessary for the best growth surroundings .
C. Plant spacing:
Space out the plant to encourage disease - free flora ontogenesis and to promote strong roots , stems and leafage .
D. Plant watering:
Water plant when the lights are on . At this period of time , the temperature is rising , and there is a keen need for water from the plants .
