1. Introduction to lighting
Lighting is a crucial factor for successful indoor cannabis cultivation. It has a significant impact on the growth, health and yield of your plants. In this section, you will learn why lighting is so important and what basics you should know to achieve optimal results.
Importance of lighting for cannabis cultivation
In indoor cultivation, artificial lighting replaces natural sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis and therefore plant growth. Without sufficient light, your cannabis plants cannot produce the energy needed to grow healthily and develop high-quality flowers. Here are the main reasons why lighting is so important:
- Photosynthesis:Light is the energy source for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into chemical energy to grow and develop.
- Growth phases:Different light cycles and spectra are necessary to optimally support the various growth phases – from germination through the vegetative phase to flowering.
- Yield quality:Optimal lighting promotes the development of dense and resin-rich flowers, resulting in higher yields and better quality.
Basics of light intensity and spectra
To use lighting effectively, it is important to understand the basics of light intensity and light spectra.
Light intensity
Light intensity, measured in lumens or PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), indicates how much light a light source emits. High light intensity is crucial for the growth and development of your plants. Here are some important terms you should know:
- Lumens:A measure of the brightness of the light. The higher the lumen value, the brighter the light source.
- PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation):The amount of light used by plants for photosynthesis. PAR measures the intensity of light in the range of 400 to 700 nanometers, which represents the range of the light spectrum usable by plants.
- PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux):The number of photons in the PAR range emitted per second by the light source. Measured in micromoles per second (µmol/s).
Light spectra
The light spectrum describes the distribution of the different wavelengths of light. Different wavelengths are important for different growth phases:
- Blue light (400-500 nm):Promotes vegetative growth, strengthens root development and ensures compact plants.
- Red light (600-700 nm):Promotes flowering and fruit formation, increases flower density and size.
- Full spectrum:Contains all necessary wavelengths for all growth phases and best imitates natural sunlight.
Legal aspects in Germany
The cultivation of cannabis in Germany is subject to the Cannabis Act (CanG). It is permitted to grow up to three plants legally. Make sure that your cultivation complies with the legal regulations and that you have all the necessary permits.
Further information on the legal situation can be found in the chapterLegal situation.
With the right understanding of lighting and the use of appropriate techniques, you can maximize the growth and yields of your cannabis plants. Use the other chapters of our grow guide to get detailed instructions and tips and to deepen your knowledge.
