CFL Grow Lights and CFL Grow Bulbs

CFL Grow Light Bulbs

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) grow lights are in inexpensive option for use in small indoor gardens. CFL grow bulbs can have a distinctive spiral shape or resemble a series of vertical tubes. A good choice for hobbyists and first-time growers, CFL grow lights for indoor plants can be used in homes and apartments that have limited space. Featuring a mogul (E39) base, CFL grow lights are designed to be used with CFL reflector fixtures and specialty pendants and cannot be used with standard household fixtures.

Benefits of CFL Grow Lights

One CFL grow light can be used to replace multiple lower wattage CFL lamps. You receive the same Lumen output (amount of light generated) and coverage without having to replace individual lamps as each one goes out. CFL grow lights are also easy to set up since they do not require external ballasts, the way metal halide (MH) or high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps do, in order to operate. All you need to do is screw the bulb into the fixture.

CFL grow lights can be used during any phase of a plant's growing cycle, with certain color temperatures (color of the light, measured in Kelvin) being better for different phases. Delivering a full spectrum light, 5000K and 6500K bulbs are best for the vegetative stage when plants will be developing roots and foliage. 2200 and 2700 Kelvin light is ideal for plants in the flowering stage and helps plants develop flowers and broader leaves.

Compared to MH and HPS grow lamps, CFL grow lights generate less heat. This allows you to suspend your CFLs closer to the plants, between 6 to 12 inches, without burning them. The mounting height can easily be adjusted depending on your plant's needs. You also won't need to spend additional funds to set up a large cooling system. In most applications, a simple fan will work fine.

CFL grow lights can be used with reflector fixtures and pendants. CFL reflector fixtures can be initially purchased as a kit that includes the reflector, bulb, and power cord. Pendant fixtures can be used with or without a reflector, but it is recommended that you use a reflector with CFLs. CFLs are omni-directional, meaning that the light is emitted in all directions. Reflectors redirect the light downwards toward the plants to keep it from being wasted.

Some CFL grow lights for indoor plants can be used with mechanical timers, eliminating the need to manually adjust the lighting each day. Electronic and digital timers can interfere with the internal ballast of CFL grow lights and should not be used. Timers also help ensure that your plants are getting the same amount of light each day. Plants in the flowering stage typically need around 12 hours of light a day while the vegetative stage needs around 18 hours, but it depends on what you're growing. For best results, research the right night-day ratio for your specific plant.

Where Can CFL Grow Lights Be Used?

The best CFL grow bulbs can be used in indoor growing spaces such as grow tents and cabinets. The number of plants per lamp will depend on the type of plant you are growing. Do some research beforehand so you know the best lighting conditions for your plants. CFL grow light bulbs are good for growing a variety of indoor crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. CFLs can also be used for orchids, carnivorous plants, and for starting seedlings that will be planted outdoors later.

Not sure if your growing space is right for CFL grow lights? Call our team of grow light experts at 1-800-624-4488 to get assistance today!