Will plants grow or seeds start early on ANY plan specific lightbulb?

I know there's an entire science to indoor plant lighting and copying the sun but I want to know if plants will grow and seeds will start on ANY plant specific lightbulb?





Example: GE Plant and Aquarium 20 watt bulb 90 CRI

Will plants grow or seeds start early on ANY plan specific lightbulb?
You don't even need artificial light..... you can sprout a seed in complete darkness if you wanted to. After they have sprouted, just put them in a windowsill.
Reply:It's going to depend on what type of plants that you want to grow.





Some plant seeds need as near total darkness in order to germinate, whilst others are not bothered by light. In general, it's going to be more about getting the temperature and humidity levels right. Light often inhibits germination, which can be an issue for fine tiny seed, which isn't planted at great depth.





I germinate alot of my seeds in plastic containers, after soaking in warm water for a couple of days. The seeds are mixed with Vermiculite or Perlite, both of which absorb water, are sterile, and also allow large amounts of air to circulate. Once sprouted, I add them into a mix of the Vermiculite or Perlite with potting soil (compost), and grow on.





After germination, you can then put your seedlings into their appropriate growing conditions, and where light will definitely be needed.





Different plants as well as differing growth types, require or benefit from having appropriate light frequencies. Some plants are much hardier than others, and are less fussy. Vegetative growth, for example is aided differently to fruiting or flowering (or flower intitiation) growth. Also, the day/night lengths of lighting and darkness have a major effect on many plant types, hence Poinsettias only develop their red bracts, after having a long, uninterupted period of darkness each day.





Flourescent lights can be great for many plants, and are fairly economical to run - your GE bulb is flourescent, I believe. It'll give off about 750 lumens, which is ok for some growth, but not as intense as other bulb types. Otherwise, LED lights are fairly flexible and low cost too. I grow alot of semi-tropical plants, orchids etc. which benefit from good levels of lighting, and I get results from standard lighting, rather than the more expensive tailored bulbs that can be bought.





Flourescent bulbs are helpful, as they emit light levels that are generally useful to plants, and can also be placed closer to them than many other types of bulbs, which get much hotter. (The high heat levels can really damage sensitive seedlings). Flourescents can be doubled up, so that you're not just getting the output from 1 bulb, you can use several. 20 watts is fairly low cost to run, though the bulbs are not that cheap - though way cheaper than High Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide bulbs, for example. If you can get up into the 2000 lumens plus light levels, then you will get stronger growth. (Remember, the light frequency needs to match the growth type of your plant, to be effective though).





Best of all is natural light, and to make good use of this, during the summer period. Many plants can be harmed by harsh direct sunlight, when indoors, which is why many greenhouses are shaded (this also cuts huge temperature surges).





Hope these thoughts help. I recommend that you experiment, and also do as much research on the type of plants that you want to grow. Summer's getting nearer, which could help indoors growing too - plus cut your energy bill. Let me know if you've got any specific plant queries, I've lived in the horticulture industry all of my life.





Good luck! Rob
Reply:I have had luck with regular shop lights to achieve germination,


you can also mix cool white and warm light tubes, if you like. The thing to remember is I was just after getting seeds to sprout. In a long term display gro-light types will make the plant look good and give it the light it needs to stay healthy.