2025-04-19

Solutions for the special light Requirements of Cannabis crops

Cannabis is a light-loving, short-day crop that is very sensitive to light conditions. Its light requirements mainly include light intensity, spectral ratio and photoperiod.

The following are special light requirements and solutions for cannabis cultivation, covering core technical points such as spectrum, photoperiod, light intensity and intelligent control:


I. Light requirements for cannabis growth stages

1. Seedling period (0-3 weeks)

Goal: Promote root development and avoid leggy growth.

Spectrum: Blue light (400-500nm) accounts for 30%-40%: inhibit stem elongation and increase stem thickness.

A small amount of UV-B (280-315nm): activate disease resistance genes and reduce fungal infections (such as powdery mildew).


Light intensity: PPFD 200-300 μmol/m²/s.

Photoperiod: 18-24 hours of light (continuous light can accelerate growth).

Note: Avoid excessive red light that causes thin stems.


2. Vegetative growth period (3~8 weeks)

Goal: Maximize leaf biomass and reserve energy for flowering period.

Spectrum: Red light (660nm) mainly (70%~80%): drives photosynthesis.

Blue light (20%~30%): keeps plants compact.

Optional far-red light (730nm, <5%): regulates internode length through phytochrome.

Light intensity: PPFD 600~900 μmol/m²/s (high light intensity can shorten the cycle).

Photoperiod: 18 hours of light/6 hours of darkness.


Key skills:

CO₂ concentration increased to 1000~1500 ppm (with high light intensity can increase yield by 30%+).


3. Flowering period (8~12 weeks+)

Goal: induce flower bud differentiation and increase THC/CBD content.

Spectrum:

Deep red light (660nm) + far red light (730nm):

660nm directly promotes flowering.

730nm activates the conversion of phytochrome Pfr→Pr, simulating short days in autumn (key!).

Reduce blue light (<10%): avoid delayed flowering.

UV-A (315~400nm): stimulate the synthesis of secondary metabolites (THC/CBD).

Light intensity: PPFD 800~1200 μmol/m²/s (high light intensity increases bud density).

Photoperiod: 12 hours of light/12 hours of darkness (strict darkness period is required, light leakage will cause atavism).

Scientific basis:

Far red light (730nm) can increase THC content by 15%~20% (Frontiers in Plant Science 2021).


2. Core technical solutions for cannabis lighting

1. Adjustable spectrum LED (mandatory)

Recommended lamps:

Full spectrum LED + independent red/blue/far red channels (such as Luxgrow's lpu9 series).

UV supplement module: needs to be controlled separately (excessive UV will damage leaves).

Advantages:

One lamp covers the entire cycle, accurately matching the needs of each stage.


2. Photoperiod control (strict requirements)

Absolute dark period:

The flowering period requires complete lightlessness (light leakage > 5 μmol/m²/s may cause female plants to become male plants).

Solution:

Use light-sealed greenhouses or darkrooms for planting.

Install infrared surveillance cameras (check light leakage at night).


3. Canopy lighting uniformity

Problem: Traditional top supplementary lighting causes the upper buds to be too dense and the lower buds to be poorly developed.

Solution:

Lateral supplementary lighting: Install vertical LED light strips to illuminate the middle leaves.

Laser lighting: Penetrate the canopy (in the experimental stage, the light efficiency is extremely high but the cost is expensive).

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