We had an interesting question from one of our clients this week that we asked our gardening expert for advice on. In case it helps anyone else I have shared it here:
Question: Day-length is an extremely important factor in germination and growth in young plants. Should one put the grow-lights on a timer so that they only work during daylight and should one allow the propagator to go off at night so that the seeds see a reduction of heat and light overnight?
Answer: The seedlings and plants should be allowed to rest at night as too much light will stress them out. It is therefore best to put the led lights on so that the plants get at least 8 hrs of darkness at this time of the year.
With regards to the temperature it is best for sown seeds to have a constant warm temperature till they germinate. After that they should preferably be kept around a constant 18C. Most plants will naturally tolerate some fluctuations in temperatures but extreme differences between day and night will slow the growth and possibly stress the plant.
Question: Day-length is an extremely important factor in germination and growth in young plants. Should one put the grow-lights on a timer so that they only work during daylight and should one allow the propagator to go off at night so that the seeds see a reduction of heat and light overnight?
Answer: The seedlings and plants should be allowed to rest at night as too much light will stress them out. It is therefore best to put the led lights on so that the plants get at least 8 hrs of darkness at this time of the year.
With regards to the temperature it is best for sown seeds to have a constant warm temperature till they germinate. After that they should preferably be kept around a constant 18C. Most plants will naturally tolerate some fluctuations in temperatures but extreme differences between day and night will slow the growth and possibly stress the plant.