What types of plants grow best under fluorescent lights?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.When it comes to fluorescent grow lights, the plants you choose will make all the difference. Some plants are especially well-suited for fluorescent lights, and they will show you why as they grow. Fluorescent lights create the best environment for these plants to thrive. Over the years, I have experimented with dozens of varieties in my indoor garden. I have found some to be significantly better than others in terms of growth.
The response of leafy greens to the blue spectrum is fascinating. Fresh lettuce grows extremely crisp and has a deep color. Spinach produces leaves that are larger than when grown in outdoor gardens. The nutritional density of kale improves under these growing conditions. With blue light, my vertical farm harvests vegetables every week of the year! Use the light source 6-12 inches above leafy greens!
Herb Quality Boost
- Basil produces 40% more essential oils
- Mint develops stronger fragrance compounds
- Parsley achieves deeper green pigmentation
Seedling Success Factors
- Tomato stems grow thicker and more robust
- Pepper plants establish stronger root systems
- Flower seedlings show uniform development
Ornamental Benefits
- Pothos develops larger leaves with variegation
- Coleus displays intense color patterns
- Ferns maintain lush fronds without browning
Fluorescent systems offer distinct advantages for growing herbs. Basil produces a richer flavor profile. Mint grows vigorously, without becoming leggy. Parsley stays tender much longer than herbs grown in the sun. I harvest herbs every day from my kitchen setup, and since the light is constant, the flavors remain unchanged.
Carefully place seedlings for the best outcome. Tomato starts are happy at 4 inches from the bulbs. Pepper seedlings would be more successful with a slightly warmer treatment, while flower variety seedlings prefer specific spectrums. I always turn the trays every two days to ensure even growth and development. Leaning can become a problem, and a moderate increase in growth will strengthen the stem.
Ornamental plants adapt to their environments very well with minimal stressors. An example of this is the Pothos plant, which does well in the 3000K to 4000K range. Coleus, on the other hand, requires bright 6500K light for optimal color robustness. At the same time, ferns prefer indirect placements under fluorescent lights. My living wall remains live and healthy year-round, as the heat from fluorescent lights is lower than what is typically expected from LEDs, which can cause leaf scorching.
Read the full article: Fluorescent Grow Lights: Expert Guide
