Starting indoor plants from seed can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. One of the most important factors in a successful seedling garden is providing the right amount of light.
Grow light for seedlings is an excellent way to supplement natural light and help your seedlings overgrow into healthy plants.
It cannot be easy to choose the best grow light for seedlings with so many options available. But in this article, we’ll walk you through some of the best grow lights for seedlings and get you started on the right path.
We will cover what you need to know about these lights, along with reviews of our top recommendations.
Our Top Picks of the Best Grow Light for Seedlings
Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Link |
  | Small White Aspect Luxury LED Grow Light | ||
  | Feit Electric LED Grow Light | ||
  | EXLENVCE Full Spectrum LED Grow Light |
Why You Need a Grow Light for Seedlings?
Grow lights are necessary for indoor seedlings for a few reasons:
First, natural sunlight is not always consistent or strong enough to provide the amount of light needed for healthy growth.
Second, many plants need a specific spectrum of light in order to grow properly – something that typical windows cannot offer.
Third, grow lights can be placed closer to the plants than windows, allowing for more direct light and better growth.
Without a grow light, the seedlings will not be able to reach their full potential and may not grow at all.
Benefits Of Using Grow Lights
The benefits of using grow lights are vast. They provide an artificial light source that can be used to stimulate plant growth. This is especially beneficial in the winter when days are shorter, and natural sunlight is not as readily available.
You can also use grow lights to supplement sunlight in greenhouses, allowing plants to grow year-round.
Additionally, using grow lights can help produce healthier plants by providing them with the light they need to photosynthesize.
Some other benefits of using grow lights include the following:
- Accelerated plant growth, improved yields, and increased crop quality.
- Grow lights help plants produce more flowers or fruits.
- You can grow plants in colder climates.
- They can help plants grow in darker environments.
- Grow lights also help extend the growing season for plants.
- They can be used to supplement natural sunlight or be used as the sole source of light for plants.
- Grow lights are especially beneficial for plants grown indoors or in greenhouses.
- It allows growers to control the light spectrum available to plants, which can help optimize plant growth.
Types of Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
When growing plants indoors, it’s important to use the right type of grow light. Different plants need different types of light, and there are a variety of grow lights available on the market.
The four main types are incandescent, High-Intensity Discharge (HID), fluorescent bulbs, and LED.
Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are the oldest type of grow light and use heat to stimulate plant growth. You can use the heat from the bulb to create a warm environment for the plants.
However, incandescent bulbs are not as efficient as other types of grow lights, so they can be more expensive to operate.
The intense heat from the bulbs can cause the leaves of plants to wilt and the plant itself to dry out. This is because the exposed surface area of a leaf is much greater than the surface area of a stem, and consequently, the plant loses more moisture through its leaves.
In addition, the high temperature of the bulb can scorch or kill the plant. For this reason, it is important to keep incandescent bulbs at a distance of two feet from plants or use LED or fluorescent bulbs instead.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID)
High-intensity discharge lamps (HIDs) are a type of plant grow light that uses a complex system of electrodes and gases to produce intense light. This light is ideal for plants as it mimics the sun’s natural spectrum and provides all the wavelengths they need to grow.
HID lights are available in various sizes and intensities, making them a versatile option for indoor gardening. You can also get High-Intensity Discharge lights in various colors, including blue, red, and white. They are often used to promote plant growth and flowering.
Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent grow lights produce light in the blue and red regions of the spectrum, which are the colors most plants need to grow. The light is directed down onto the plants, providing them with the energy they need to photosynthesize.
The fluorescent bulbs are ideal for growing plants indoors since it can be easily controlled and adjusted to meet their needs. They are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, using less energy and producing less heat.
LED Grow Lights
Light-emitting diodes (LED) grow lights are an effective means of promoting plant growth. LEDs emit a specific wavelength of light that is beneficial for photosynthesis without generating much heat.
LED lights are becoming increasingly popular in indoor gardens as it is a more energy-efficient option than traditional grow lights and can last for many years.
Additionally, LED grow lights are often adjustable, allowing users to target specific plant growth cycle areas.
The 7 Best Grow Lights for Seedlings
#1. Small White Aspect Luxury LED Grow Light
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This LED grow light is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little bit of luxury to their garden. It’s a beautiful pendant light that hangs from the ceiling and provides 20 watts of 3000 Kelvin light.
This high-quality LED grow light is energy-efficient and emits a warm white light that helps plants grow. The light has a 15ft long vintage-style fabric cord with an analog outlet timer. This allows you to control the duration of the light exposure easily.
The light is also equipped with a hanging hook to be easily suspended from the ceiling. Plus, it gives off 1500 lumens, which is more than enough to help your plants grow.
Product Highlights
- Luminous Flux: 1500 Lumen
- Color Temperature: 3000 Kelvin
- Wattage: 20 watts
- Lifespan: 15-year
#2. Feit Electric LED Grow Light for Seedlings
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Feit Electric has more than 40 years of experience in the lighting field. This full-spectrum 19-watts grow light is an excellent choice for growers who demand the best results. The full spectrum light provides optimum growth and superior growing results. It is cooler than HPS lamps and protects against leaf burn.
This 24-inch energy-efficient grow light emits 450Nm Blue and 655 NM red spectrum. The light is ideal for all stages of plant growth. It comes with a hanger to easily mount to your ceiling or wall.
This grow light is UL certified and FCC compliant, making it a safe and reliable option for your garden. The durable polycarbonate housing ensures that the light will last through even the roughest conditions.
The included 5-foot cord provides plenty of room to place the light where you need it. Installation is easy so that you can use your light right away.
Product Highlights
- Luminous Flux: 1200 Lumen
- Color Temperature: 450nm Blue to 655nm Red Spectrum
- Wattage: 19 watts
- Lifespan: 25,000 hours
#3. EXLENVCE Full Spectrum LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants
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This grow light is designed to be as efficient as possible, with triple-chip 15W LEDs and a double-channel design for both vegetables and flowering plants. The daisy-chaining allows you to link multiple lights together for maximum coverage.
The grow light also features two switches, one for VEG mode and one for BLOOM mode, to customize your growing experience. Additionally, the grow light has an aluminum heat sink that keeps it cool, ensuring a long life for the LEDs.
The VEG channel, which consumes 155W of electricity, uses a full spectrum of colors to germinate seeds and young plants. The BLOOM channel uses additional red wavelengths and is best suited for flowering plants, using only 80W.
You can use both channels in tandem to maximize growth from seedling through yield. This light can substitute a standard 1200W High-pressure sodium lamp while using only 235W combined!
Product Highlights
- Chips brand: 15W Bridgelux Triple chips
- Actual Power Consumption: 235W
- Maximum coverage area: 5.2 x 5.2ft
- Warranty: 4 Years
#4. JumpStart T5 Light Timer System with Stand
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This all-in-one light stand system is perfect for seed starts, cuttings, herbs, and flowers. The adjustable fixture makes it easy to customize the light for your plants. The timer ensures that your plants get the light they need at the right time. The robust growth this light stand system provides makes it ideal for a variety of plants.
The grow light is 6400k full-spectrum which is perfect for seedlings. They will grow faster and be healthier with 15-20% more lumens. The height is adjustable so that you can tailor it to the needs of each seedling.
Additionally, the toggle clamp provides seamless lamp height adjustments. Finally, the stand is two feet long with a six-foot cord to provide plenty of reach.
Product Highlights
- High output 6400K T5 tube
- Energy consumption: 24 watt
- Rapid seedlings growth with 15-20% more lumens
- Built-in timer
- Easy to assemble
#5. Roleadro Full Spectrum Plant Light for Seedlings
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This grow light utilizes the most useful light spectrum that helps to promote healthy growth in plants. It has a spectrum that ranges from 460-465nm to 620-740nm with a 6000-6500k color temperature, providing your plants with the diverse light they need to thrive.
The aluminum cooling plate helps dissipate heat quickly and efficiently, keeping the grow light running cooler. This makes it safer for use around plants and also extends the life of the grow light. The lightweight and easy set-up design make it easy for customers to get started.
This grow light is perfect for all kinds of plants! It has a 75W led chip certified by FCC, CE, ROHS, and PSE. This means that it is reliable and safe to use. The light is also energy-efficient so that it won’t drain your energy bills. Additionally, the grow light has a long lifespan, so you can enjoy its benefits for years to come.
Product Highlights
- Lumen: 4546.2 Lux
- Actual power:25.2±5% watt
- Lifespan: 50,000 hours
- Certificates: CE, FCC, ROHS
#6. TORCHSTAR LED Indoor Herb Garden
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This plant grower lamp has a full spectrum that matches sunlight. It comes with an automatic smart timer that keeps lights on for 16-hours and then turn-off for 8-hours to maximize the plants’ growth rhythm.
The TorchStar grow light has many features: heat-resistant, waterproof, tool-free easy to install, and UL-certified power adapter. The LED will last 25,000 hours and has a 2-year warranty that gives customers peace of mind.
The lamp helps create a healthy environment for the plants while also maximizing growth.
These features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a grow light.
Product Highlights
- Luminous flux: 850 lumens
- Wattage: 14W
- Full-spectrum 4000K white glow
- Ideal sunlight simulation
- Smart timer for enhanced growth
#7. VIVOSUN T5 Grow Light Fluorescent Tubes
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These fluorescent lights emit a red and orange spectrum that is beneficial to plants. They have a lifespan of 20,000 hours, making them a great choice for those who want to garden year-round. Additionally, they emit 2000 Lumens of light, making them perfect for those who want to maximize their growing space.
These 24W fluorescent lights are cost-effective with low heat emission. It has a 3000K color temperature, perfect for seedlings and young plants. The tube emits very little heat, so it is safe and energy-efficient.
The cool-white 6500K produces a bright light that is perfect for vegetables, while the warm-white 3000K creates a softer light that is ideal for flowers. This fluorescent tube is the perfect way to get the most out of your plants.
Product Highlights
- Luminous Flux: 2000 lumen
- Power: 24W
- Lifespan: 20,000 hours
- Color Temperature: 3000 Kelvin
How to Choose the Best Grow Light for Seedlings
The best grow light for seedlings emits a spectrum of light well suited for growing plants. Some seedlings require more red light than others, so a grow light with a broad spectrum will be better suited for most seedlings.
Additionally, different plants need different types of light to grow properly, so it is important to find the right grow light for your indoor plants.
Here are four factors to consider when choosing a grow light for seedlings:
The Type of Light Bulb
The grow light you should choose when growing seedlings depends on the plant you are trying to grow. Some plants, like tomatoes, need a lot of direct sunlight, while others, like lettuce, can grow in partial shade. If you are growing a plant that needs a lot of direct sunlight, you will need to use a light bulb that emits a high amount of ultraviolet (UV) light.
The wavelength of light that a grow light emits is important when choosing the best grow light for seedlings. Different plants need different types of light in order to grow, so it is important to research which type of bulb is best for the specific plant you are trying to grow.
For example, incandescent bulbs emit red and yellow wavelengths, which are great for growing plants that need lots of warmth, like tomatoes.
Wattage
The wattage of a grow light is an important consideration when choosing a light for seedlings. Higher wattages mean that the light will be brighter and more intense. When growing seedlings, it is important to use a light that is not too intense, as this can damage the young plants. A light with lower wattage, between 20 and 40 watts, is ideal for seedlings.
Size of the Grow Light
Size is also an essential factor to consider. You’ll want a light that is big enough to cover the entire surface of your growing area but not so large that it becomes difficult to move around. Additionally, make sure that the light is bright enough to provide the necessary amount of light for your plants.
The size of the light will determine how close the light needs to be to the plants in order for them to receive enough light.
Color
The color of the light emitted from a grow light is important for seedlings because different colors of light stimulate different growth processes. Blue light is best for promoting growth, while red light is best for flowering.
Blue light is particularly important for stimulating photosynthesis, so most grow lights for seedlings emit blue light.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should seedlings be under a grow light?
The appropriate time length for seedlings to be under a grow light depends on the type of plant, the size and age of the plant, and the intensity and duration of light exposure.
Generally speaking, most plants need between 12 and 16 hours of light per day to grow optimally. For young plants, it is essential to provide enough light so that they can produce strong stems and leaves; too little light will result in spindly plants.
Can you fix leggy seedlings?
A lack of light can cause leggy seedlings. This makes the plants stretch in order to try and find more light. Leggy seedlings can be corrected by increasing the amount of light they receive. This can be done by either moving them closer to a window or adding artificial light. Increasing the light they receive will help them to grow stronger.
Can I leave my grow light on 24 hours?
Keeping the grow lights on for more than 16 hours per day is not recommended. Leaving a grow light on for an extended period can cause the plant to become scorched or burned and may also affect the yield or quality of the final product.
Plants need darkness to rest in order to produce energy for the next day. This process is called photosynthesis, and it requires the plant to have uninterrupted darkness to complete the cycle. When photosynthesis is interrupted, the plant can’t produce as much energy, leading to problems like stunted growth or even death.