Best Full Spectrum LED Grow Lights

Indoor growing systems offer the remarkable advantage of complete control over your growing conditions. Unlike outdoor grows, which are subject to unpredictable weather and seasonal variations, growing marijuana indoors lets you build a thriving ecosystem with a high level of customization.

Your first order of business will be replacing the natural sunlight that plants need to flourish with artificial lights. That's where full spectrum led grow lights come into play. (In addition to LED lights, there are various other types of cannabis grow lights available. To make an informed purchasing decision, we recommend referring to our previous guide to learn the differences.)

According to Waveform Lighting, a quality full-spectrum led grow light will have a "spectrum that closely mimics that of natural daylight". With their ability to emit light across the entire spectrum, from cool blues to warm reds, full spectrum LED grow lights effectively replicate the sun's natural illumination.

In this article, we will explore three great options that stand out as the best full spectrum LED growing lights available. These exceptional products have been carefully selected for their superior performance, energy efficiency, and ability to enhance plant development. Get ready to take your indoor cannabis growing to the next level!

Understanding Lighting and Its Measurements

There are 2 major measurements to have knowledge of before you begin researching and choosing led grow lights for plants.

The first is "PAR" or "Photosynthetic Active Radiation." The measurement of “PAR” tells you the wavelength or visible spectrum in which the light falls under. Cannabis needs a par between 400-700nm. The lower the par, the more “blue” light is available to the plant. The higher the par, the more “red” light is available to the plant.

Then there is “PPFD” or “Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density,” which may be the most important to consider when choosing your full spectrum led lights. The measurement of "PPFD" quantifies the amount of light that is actually arriving at the plant each second. The higher the PPFD, the stronger and more light the plant is getting.

This measurement will often be displayed as “µmol/m2.”A range of 700-1100µmol/m2 is optimal for maximum yield potential and genetic expression. Anything over 1300µmol/m2 may cause damage to the plant, and anything under 500µmol/m2 may not be adequate for growth.

Things to Consider When Looking for the Best LED Plant Grow Light

1. Light Intensity

The first thing to consider is the growth stage of your cannabis plant. Is the light intended for the vegetative phase, flowering phase, or both? Cannabis thrives under a full spectrum of light, but the spectrum and intensity should be adjusted based on its growth stage.

During the cannabis veg stage, plants benefit from low to medium light intensity with more blue light in the spectrum, as plants have evolved to grow towards the sun/sky (a phenomenon known as positive phototropism). In the flowering phase, plants thrive under more intense light with a higher concentration of red wavelengths, which encourages flower formation and limits stem and leaf growth.

If you're planning to use the same grow light for both stages, a full-spectrum LED light that is dimmable or has adjustable intensity is ideal. Light intensity is perhaps the most crucial factor to keep in mind when selecting the best LED grow light.

2. Size of Your Grow Area

Next, consider the size of your grow area. In a smaller or confined space, you'll need a plant grow light that can provide enough intensity and spectrum without overheating the grow space. LED fixtures are popular for this purpose, as they offer high light intensity with minimal heat output. Many micro-growers choose LED plant grow light specifically for their low heat generation, which is crucial in spaces without A/C, air exchange, or complete environmental control.

LEDs also put out a direct beam with very little light spread. This may not be a concern to growers that use small setups, but can really make a difference if you are setting up a larger room or facility and trying to maximize the footprint. Even many commercial growers and greenhouses have switched to full spectrum LED lights for their energy efficiency, high intensity, and ease of environmental control.

Additionally, consider whether the light will remain stationary or need to be moved. If you plan on moving it around, opt for a more portable, lightweight fixture.

3. Energy Usage

Energy usage is another key factor when selecting the best LED grow lights. LEDs are the most energy-efficient option on the market. They convert electricity into light with incredible efficiency, especially when compared to traditional HPS or double-ended (DE) fixtures. With almost no energy wasted as heat, full spectrum LED lights allow you to use less power—typically 500-600 watts compared to the 1000 watts of HPS or DE lights—while delivering similar (or even higher) PPFD output.

This efficiency enables growers to position LEDs much closer to the canopy, promoting better light absorption and more even growth. In contrast, HPS or DE lights must be kept at least two feet away from plants to avoid burning them. Additionally, LEDs reduce the need for extensive HVAC or environmental adjustments, cutting down on overall energy costs.

4. Location

Your light needs to be positioned just far away enough from your plant. Melissa Lallo Johnson, host of Art of Gardening, does a great job of explaining: "Hanging your lights too low can burn your plants, but hanging them too high can leave them stretching for light, and weak." Improper position will cause potential damages. For instance, when it comes to weed plants, excessive direct light can lead to cannabis leaves curling up and affect the final quality of buds.

If you're using incandescent lights, place them at least 24 inches away from the plant. On the other hand, if you're using led grow lights or fluorescents, which have lower heat outputs, you should aim to place them 12-18 inches away.

Growing marijuana seedlings? Place them 2-3 inches away from fluorescent lights. You should position your light source directly over the plants, which best mimics natural sunlight.

Our Top Pick for Full Spectrum LED Grow Light

Samsung grow lights have long dominated the market for high-efficiency grow lights. The Samsung LM281B+ Pro LED sports an anti-sulfur coating for durability, offering the ideal light spectrum for each growth stage of plants like cannabis.

The Samsung LM281B+ Pro LED's light intensity is adjustable, which means that the PPFD can be adjusted to meet the plant's specific needs, ensuring optimal growth and maximum yields. This feature makes it particularly suitable for novice growers.

This Samsung's full spectrum LED light is versatile and can be integrated into various commercial grow panels. It's an excellent choice for both novice and expert growers looking to set it up in the grow tents or boxes. One of its standout features is energy efficiency—designed specifically for indoor plants, it consumes less than 1 kWh per day. Its low heat output prevents light stress, allowing your plants to thrive through all stages of growth.

Costs of Full Spectrum Led Grow Lights

When it comes to the costs of full spectrum LED grow lights, it all comes down to size and type. The price range can vary significantly, so let's break it down.

For those on a budget, light bulbs like the GE BR30 are a steal. You can get a pack of four bulbs for just $56. They may be small, but they pack a punch and provide full spectrum lighting without breaking the bank. These bulbs are perfect for smaller-scale growers who want quality without the hefty price tag.

But if you're serious about your indoor gardening and need something more powerful, you should consider the big guns. The Spider Farmer SF7000 LED growing light is a beast of a panel, designed for commercial growers or those with larger cultivation spaces. It's priced at around $599, but it's worth every penny.

Of course, you can also invest in a complete growing system coming with pre-installed premium LED lights, like Hey abby grow boxes. These intelligent grow setups offer a convenient and comprehensive solution, with everything pre-packed and ready to go. Starting at just $549, you not only get the benefits of full spectrum LED grow lights but also a range of other features and functionalities to support your indoor garden.

Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on additional features, brand reputation, and specific functionalities. It's important to assess your budget, the size of your grow space, and the needs of your plants before making a decision.

FAQs

1. How long should LED grow lights be on?

This will depend on what type of plant you're growing, what time of year it is, and where you live. Generally speaking, it's best to turn on the led grow lights between 8-16 hours every day. If you are growing somewhere that is exposed to natural light, you don't have to use as much artificial light. However, if you are growing somewhere with no sun exposure, you may need the full 16 hours.

2. How far should LED grow lights be from plants?

This will depend on the age and type of plant. But in general, if you're using incandescent lights, place them at least 24 inches away from the plant. If you're using led growing lights or fluorescents, which have lower heat outputs, you should aim to place them 12-18 inches away.

3. Do full spectrum led grow lights work for cannabis plants?

Yes, full spectrum LED lights can really help your plants grow. Cannabis need different wavelengths depending on the stage of growth, which makes full-spectrum lighting a great choice to meet these needs. For example, younger cannabis plants need more blue light, while flowering plants need more red light.

Conclusion

Providing your plants with high-quality led growing lights is going to set you up for a bountiful harvest. If you're new to the growing world, you may feel a little overwhelmed with all the options. But at the end of the day, it's important to remember that there is no single best grow light for indoor plants. The best grow light will depend on you, your plant, and your growing environment. Knowing what to look for is the first step in finding the best fit for your indoor garden.

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