How Much Light Do Microgreens Need? All You Need To Know
Microgreens are popular for those looking to add healthy greens to their diet or enhance their dishes’ aesthetic appeal. However, growing microgreens requires proper care and attention, particularly regarding lighting.
Adequate light is crucial for the growth and development of microgreens, as it provides the energy needed for photosynthesis. But how much light do microgreens need?
Microgreens need at least 6 hours of natural or 12 hours of artificial light to ensure adequate energy for photosynthesis and healthy growth.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of light for microgreen growth and provide some tips on ensuring your microgreens get the right amount of light to thrive.
Science Behind Light and Microgreens
Microgreens are tiny, nutrient-rich greens harvested just after sprout. They are grown from various seeds, including broccoli, kale, and mustard, and are known for their intense flavors and vibrant colors.Â
The key to growing microgreens is to provide them with the right amount of light, water, and heat. While microgreens can be grown on a sunny windowsill, many growers use artificial lighting to provide a consistent light source.
LED lights are the most popular type of grow light for microgreens because they are energy-efficient and can be customized to provide the optimal light spectrum for plant growth.
Microgreens are typically grown in trays with soil or other mediums and require frequent watering. With proper care, microgreens can be harvested in just a few weeks and are a popular ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
How Much Light Do Microgreens Need?
Microgreens require a significant amount of light to grow properly. The amount of light needed varies depending on the type of microgreen and the environment in which they are grown.
Generally, microgreens need 6 to 12 hours of light each day. Natural sunlight is an excellent source for microgreens, but they can also be grown using artificial light sources such as LED or fluorescent lights.
When using artificial lighting, ensure that the lights are positioned at the right distance from the tray to prevent the microgreens from getting too much or too little.
Microgreens trays can be placed near a sunny window, but this may not provide consistent light and heat for optimal growth. Overall, the right lighting conditions are crucial for healthy microgreen growth.
Factors That Affect How Much Light Microgreens Need
Microgreens are still in the early stages of development and require specific environmental conditions to thrive. Light is one of the critical factors that affect microgreen growth and development. Some factors impact how much light microgreens need:
Variety
Different microgreen varieties have varying light requirements. Some microgreens, such as lettuce and arugula, prefer indirect light, while others, such as sunflower and pea shoots, require more direct sunlight. So, research the specific light requirements of the microgreen variety you plan to grow to ensure optimal growth.
Light Source
The light source used to grow microgreens affects their growth rate and overall health. Artificial lights, such as fluorescent, LED, and incandescent bulbs, are commonly used to supplement natural sunlight. However, the type of light source used can affect the intensity and spectrum of light, impacting the quality of growth.
Duration of Light
Microgreens require at least 6–12 hours of light each day. The number of hours of light provided to the plants affects their growth rate and overall quality. They may become stunted and have pale leaves if they receive too little light. On the other hand, if they receive too much light, they may develop burns or wilt.
Light Intensity
The intensity of light that microgreens receive also impacts their growth and development. Light intensity is measured in units called foot candles or lux. Most microgreens require a light intensity of around 3000 to 5000 lux for optimal growth. The plants may become leggy or stretch towards the light source if the light intensity is too low.
Natural Sunlight
Microgreens can grow successfully in natural sunlight, but the light intensity and duration vary depending on the season and geographical location. If grown indoors, placing the trays near a south-facing window can provide sufficient sunlight for the plants to grow. However, you should monitor the plant’s growth and adjust its placement accordingly.
Artificial Lighting
When using artificial lighting, growers can use different types of light, such as fluorescent or LED, to provide the necessary light for microgreens. Growers must also consider the color temperature of the lights used, as this can impact the quality of growth. Blue and white light encourage growth, while red and orange light promotes flowering.
Watering
Watering microgreens is essential to their growth and development and affects how much light they require. Overwatering can cause fungal growth, blocking the light and affecting plant growth. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the plants to wilt, impacting their growth.
Common Problems with Microgreens and Lighting
Microgreens are a popular way to add nutrients and flavor to meals. However, even experienced growers can run into problems when it comes to lighting. Here are some common problems that growers may face when growing microgreens and how to address them.
1. Artificial Lighting
One of the most significant challenges when growing microgreens is providing sufficient lighting, especially if you’re growing them indoors. While natural sunlight is the best option, not all growers can access it. Artificial lights like fluorescent or LED grow lights are a good alternative.
However, if you’re not using the right type of light, your microgreens may not grow properly. Fluorescent lights can be too weak, and LED lights may be too strong, leading to stunted growth or burnt leaves. Choose the right type of light for your microgreens to avoid this problem.
2. Hours of Light
Another lighting issue is the number of hours of light that your microgreens receive. Most microgreens require at least 12 hours of light daily to grow correctly. They may become leggy and weak if they don’t get enough light, making them less nutritious.
On the other hand, if they receive too much light, they may become stunted and not grow to their full potential. You can solve this problem by adjusting the distance of your grow light or the hours your lights are on.
3. Natural Sunlight
If you’re lucky enough to have access to natural sunlight, you may think all your lighting problems are solved. However, even with natural sunlight, there can be issues. Direct sunlight can be too intense for some varieties of microgreens, which can cause them to wilt or dry out.
In contrast, indirect sunlight may not provide enough light for your microgreens to grow correctly. To solve this problem, you can use shade cloth to reduce the sun’s intensity or move your microgreens to a location where they receive more indirect sunlight.
4. Water
Water is another essential factor in the growth of microgreens. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to various problems, including mold, root rot, or stunted growth.
To avoid these issues, use the correct amount of water for your microgreens. Generally, microgreens require moist but not waterlogged soil. You can also use a spray bottle to mist your microgreens instead of watering them directly.
Final Words
Providing adequate light is crucial for the successful growth of microgreens. Hopefully, you get the answer to the question: how much light do microgreens need?
As we have learned, the amount of light needed varies depending on the type of microgreen and its growth stage. When growing microgreens, you should consider the type of light source and its distance, intensity, and spectrum.
Proper monitoring and adjustment of light levels can prevent common problems such as leggy growth and leaf discoloration.