Are fluorescent or LED grow lights better?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.When deciding between fluorescent and LED grow lights, it ultimately depends on your gardening needs and financial limitations. Both technologies have their benefits for certain situations. I've used both extensively in commercial greenhouses, as well as in home greenhouse spaces. Understanding the unique benefits of each technology will save you the expense of using inappropriate technology with less-than-desired results.
Fluorescent systems provide significant benefits for specific uses. They emit less heat and can be conveniently positioned directly over fragile seedlings without burning them. This creates an environment in which seedlings won't become "leggy," a common issue that can occur with LEDs positioned further away. Additionally, budget-minded growers realize savings of 50-70% on the initial systems. For these reasons, I think they are a good option for classroom projects and herb gardens.
Fluorescent Strengths
- No electrical upgrades needed for standard outlets
- Proven seedling development with 95% success rates
- Immediate plug-and-play installation simplicity
LED Advantages
- Customizable spectrums for each growth phase
- 50-70% electricity savings over 5 years
- Superior light penetration for dense canopies
Hybrid Solutions
- Start seedlings under fluorescents then transition to LEDs
- Use fluorescents for greens and LEDs for fruiting plants
- Combine technologies in vertical farming setups
LED technology rules the long-term space with greater efficiency. Electricity costs decrease significantly after the initial investment phase. Full-spectrum control provides flexibility during any growth phase, eliminating the need to change bulbs. After making the transition, my tomato yields doubled! The precise lighting enables successful production at a commercial scale.
Heat management varies significantly across systems. Fluorescent fixtures typically maintain surface temperatures below 95°F (35°C), resulting in no cooling costs in confined spaces. LED fixtures must be positioned at a glancing distance from the leaves to prevent leaf scorching in warm weather. I use fluorescent fixtures in my apartment garden, which has limited ventilation.
Apply strategic methods depending on the variety of crops you are growing. For leafy greens and herbs where blue spectrum is sufficient, use fluorescents. For tomatoes or peppers that benefit from red wavelengths, choose LEDs. My nursery uses fluorescents for starter plants and LEDs for fruiting sections. The combination of fluorescent and LED lights leverages the strengths of both technologies.
Read the full article: Fluorescent Grow Lights: Expert Guide
