The vegetative phase is one of the crucial stages in the life cycle of marijuana plants. At this stage, the plant experiences mass root growth and the development of its structure. This phase also determines the success of the flowering phase.
Grow lights play a major role during this growth stage. You can incorporate several types into your indoor marijuana garden for a surplus light supply. Each of these lights has its advantages and disadvantages. It is prudent to choose the best ones; we’ve invested our time and resources in researching the best light for the vegetative growth cycle. Besides, we shall take you through the vegetative cycle of marijuana plants and the effective buying guide when opting for the best grow light for vegetative growth.
3 Top Lights for Vegetative Growth
1. [Best Overall] Hytekgro LED Grow Light
Hytekgro LED Grow Light is a full-spectrum light that offers a steady and risk-free operation. There’s no chance of burning your plants at any height, and the light is easy to install and ensures steady plant growth all round the year.
4.5/5
- It is a highly cost- and time-efficient solution for busy gardeners.
- It’s an easy-to-use vegetative growth light for both beginner and expert gardeners
It offers the greatest value for money in this list, promising two high-quality vegetative lights in under $60.
2. [Best For The Money] Ankace LED Grow Light
Anksace grow lights are an excellent budget buy for experienced gardeners who need to create a specific light environment. Along with cheap pricing, the light promises extraordinary flexibility with respect to light intensity, dimming, and time adjustments.
4.5/5
- It comes at half the standard price of a vegetative grow light.
- It offers a flexible structure and design, which means it’s good for both office and home use (indoor plants).
- It comes with five dimmer levels, three light modes, and three timing settings.
3. [Best For Different Growing Stages] Horticulture Lighting Group 260 Watt V2 RSpec Quantum Board DIY Kit (Veg)
This is a high performing grow light for vegetative growth. It emits a light output of 260W for sufficient light emission, making it an ideal replacement for HID lights.
4.7/5
- The passive cooling design dissipates heat produced and promotes silent operations
- The multiple spectra allow you to adjust the color spectrum to the requirement of your plants
- The deep LED diodes are high-energy efficient options for rapid photosynthesis during the vegetative growth phase
What’s the Best Light for Vegetative Growth
The vegging growth stage of any plant needs the blue spectrum light for mass foliage growth. However, the blue light spectrum isn’t the only light intensity required at the vegetative stage. So, don’t get influenced by reviews recommending an all-blue spectrum light for vegetative growth in your marijuana plants garden. So, what specifications should the best grow light for vegetative growth have?
A full spectrum grow light has the ideal spectrum for vegetative growth. However, the light should have high-intensity blue light. Ths light should have low power consumption and generate more output. Also, the light should emit less heat to the surrounding.
So, among the list, the following satisfied all our checklist for the best light for vegetative growth. They are, therefore, the best light for vegetative growth you can use in your indoor garden.
- Hytekgro LED Grow Light
- Ankace LED Grow Light
- Horticulture Lighting Group 260 Watt V2 RSpec Quantum Board DIY Kit (Veg)
- Hydrofarm Agrobrite T5 Grow Light
- Durolux T5 Ho Grow Light
Best Light for Vegetative Growth Reviews
1. [Best Overall] Hytekgro LED Grow Light
4.5
Hytekgro LED Grow Light is an excellent budget buy for in-house plants. These powerful full-spectrum lights are easy to handle for both beginner and expert gardeners.
The light comes equipped with 225 LED chips, and the distribution of these is as follows:
- 163 red LEDs (620nm – 660nm)
- 58 blue LEDs (450nm – 460nm)
- 4 white LEDs (6500k)
White light facilitates photosynthesis, red lights facilitate blooming and fruiting, while blue lights facilitate chlorophyll synthesis. Collectively, the three types of lights support plant growth in all stages.
You can also further optimize the lights to support a specific stage by adjusting the time they’re on. Here’s what the manufacturer recommends:
- Seedling stage: 12 – 14 hours on
- Vegetative stage: 14 – 16 hours on
- Flower & fruit stage: 14 – 18 hours on
Overall, the light offers decent coverage for a 3 x 3 feet area, meaning it will suffice for 14-16 pots.
In addition, you should hang the light at least 1-2 feet above the plants. And during the seedling stage, hang it just 6-10 inches above the seedlings.
What’s more, the process of setting these lights up is super simple. They come with two steel hanging kits, two power cords, and one easy-to-understand user manual.
Structurally, the Hytekgro grow light is lightweight and compact. It weighs only 3.3 pounds, while Viparspectra weighs 20 pounds. The massive difference in weight is due to the lack of a cooling mechanism and lightweight construction material.
But since the light is not as intense as some of the other options on this list, it won’t burn the plants even if you leave it on round the clock. But it will give off a lot of heat and raise surrounding temperatures.
With that said, if you use it as suggested by the manufacturer, Hytekgro will ensure optimal PAR intensity.
Features
- It’s lightweight and compact
- It offers approximately 50,000 hours of operation time
- It features 225 LED full-spectrum lights
- It comes with an easy plug-and-play mechanism
Specifications
- Total LEDs: 225
- Color: Full-spectrum
- Power Draw: 17 W
- Input Voltage: 100 Volts – 240 Volts at 50/60Hz
- Durability: 50,000 hours+
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 12.2 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Warranty: 12 months
Pros
- Suitable for both beginner and expert gardeners
- Suitable for all plant types & all stages of plant growth
- Decent area coverage
- Optimal PAR intensity
- 1-year warranty & 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Lacks a cooling mechanism
2. [Best For The Money] Ankace LED Grow Light
4.5
Ankace Grow Light is a 360-degree rotatable light with a compact and lightweight structure. You can fit this light in narrow areas or atop the plants. The clip at the base of the light fixes onto any surface with a width of 1 inch to 3 inches.
It is also adjustable in terms of light. You can adjust the light in three different light modes. These include:
Single right light
Single left light
Both lights
Features
It comes with a clipping option, meaning you can mount it on any surface.
Its 360-degree bulb surface emits light in all directions, which makes it an excellent central grow light for indoor nurseries.
It is adjustable and compact in size, and suitable for small areas.
There are five dimming options: 20 percent, 40 percent, 60 percent, 80 percent, and 100 percent.
There are three light modes and three timing options.
Specifications
Total LEDs: 36
Color: red and blue
Power: 40 Watts
Input Voltage: 5 Volts
Durability: 50,000 hours+
Fixture Dimensions: 37 x 61 x 11 inches
Fixture Weight: 1.06 pounds
Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Cheaper than most other vegetative lights
- Adjustable dimming and brightness levels
- Adjustable timer
- 360-degree adjustability
Cons
- Lacks full spectrum of light
3. [Best For Different Growing Stages] Horticulture Lighting Group 260 Watt V2 RSpec Quantum Board DIY Kit (Veg)
4.8
Horticulture Lighting Group 260 Watt V2 RSpec Quantum Board DIY Kit (Veg) is a high performing grow light for vegetative growth. It emits a light output of 260W for sufficient light emission, making it an ideal replacement for HID lights.
Features
- The light fixture has two QB288 Boards powered by Samsung that ensure deep canopy penetration. This way, you are guaranteed maximum yields.
- It has dimmable lights that let you adjust the light intensity to the primary requirements of your marijuana plants. You can adjust its light intensity from 135 watts to 280 watts.
- It features deep red diodes that are high energy efficient and promote rapid photosynthesis for vegetative growth.
- The grow light has a passive cooling design consisting of a slate2 double predrilled 600mm heatsink that minimizes heat production and promotes quiet operation.
- The grow light has a wide coverage. You can use it to light up 3 x 6 ft. or 4 x 4 ft.
- It has multiple spectrums that make it ideal for different growing stages. For instance, the 3000K light spectrum is ideal for the vegetative stage of the marijuana plants, while the 4000k spectrum is suitable for the flowering stages of the same plant.
- The dimming feature allows you to dim the light by 20% from 285W. When dimming, remove the driver’s black plug with a Philips head screwdriver.
- Lamp efficacy with QB288 V2 R-spec 2.5 µmol/J and board-level efficacy of 2.73 µmol/J.
- It requires no additional thermal material between the heatsink and the LED board.
Specifications:
- Dimmable: 135 – 280 Watts
- Length: 600mm
- Width: 205mm
- Vegetative Footprint: 4.0 x 4.0 square feet
- Board Level Efficacy: QB 288 V2 2.63 µmol/J, 181Lm/W
- Lamp Efficacy: QB 288 V2 2.47 µmol/J , 170Lm/
- Spectrum Options:
- 3000K spectrum for vegetative growth
- 4000k spectrum for seed to harvest phase
- RSpec (Full Spectrum) for full spectrum growth
- 3000K spectrum for vegetative growth
- 4000k spectrum for seed to harvest phase
- RSpec (Full Spectrum) for full spectrum growth
Pros
- The multiple spectra allow you to adjust the color spectrum to the requirement of your plants.
- The deep LED diodes are high-energy efficient options for rapid photosynthesis during the vegetative growth phase.
- The passive cooling design dissipates heat produced and promotes silent operations.
- The multiple spectrums the grow light supports make it a viable option at any growth stage of the marijuana plants.
Cons
- It has a shorter power cord.
4. Hydrofarm AgroBrite T5 Grow Light System
4.7
The Hydrofarm AgroBrite T5 Grow Light System is a sturdy grow light that guarantees high performance as far as indoor marijuana growth is concerned. The grow light has a high-performance faceted specular aluminum that ensures an even distribution of light. Besides, it has up to 60,000 lumens of light and features powder-coated steel housing, ensuring it lasts longer. In addition, the system comes in various sizes giving you flexibility when buying one for your garden.
Features
This grow light system measures 46.2 x 34.9 x 2.8 inches and has an average weight of 40.5 lbs.
It has a high output of HO light (6400K spectrum) for the best foliage growth condition.
The grow light is durable, with a more than 20,000 hours lifespan.
It has a versatile installation with three different possible installation methods. You can have overhead, vertical, or horizontal installation ensuring efficient lumen access to the plants.
It has a high lumen capacity of up to 60,000, ensuring your plants get enough light for vegetative growth.
It features powder-coated steel housing that ensures it lasts longer.
The faceted aluminum delivers high performance and ensures the grow light distributes light evenly.
The fixture features a 10-inch grounded power cord, twelve 6400K T5 tubes, high efficient aluminum build material.
It has multiple power switches allowing you to choose the number of lumens supplied to the plants.
It has a push-button control mechanism that allows you to control the grow light easily.
It has a high output of energy-efficient T5 bulbs, doubling the light output of normal fluorescent tubes, ensuring an efficient light supply to your marijuana plants.
Specifications
Item Dimensions: 46.2 x 34.9 x 2.8 inches
Voltage: 120 Volts
Power Source: Corded Electric
Material: Steel
Item Weight: 40.5 pounds
Color temperature: 6400K
Total lumens: 60,000
Durability: 20,000 hours
Power and Output
The light fixture has a fluorescent setup, allowing the grow light to save energy. The fixture has 12 bulbs, each producing 5,000 lumens bringing the total lumens to 60,000.
The effective power output of this light system is 648 watts, which is enough for the vegging stage of your marijuana plants. On the other hand, the light source wattage is 54 watts.
The voltage for the light fixture is 120 Volts with a coded electricity power source.
Pros
- The Hydrofarm AgroBrite T5 Grow Light System has an ideal color spectrum for vegetative growth.
- The multiple mounting positions ensure an even distribution of light for vegetative growth.
- More than one power switch controls the number of lumens reaching your marijuana plants, ensuring the best growth.
- The high output and energy-efficient T5 bulbs have an efficient light distribution sufficient for marijuana growth in the vegging stage.
Cons
- This grow light system is bulky and produces a higher level of heat.
5. Durolux T5 Ho Grow Light
4.6
Durolux T5 Ho Grow Light is a Plug-in 4 ft 4-lamp fluorescent grow light with the optimum conditions for the vegetative stage of marijuana plants. Its sturdy construction ensures it lasts longer, eliminating the need for early replacement. You can adjust the fixture to different hanging levels because of the hanger chains. T5 grow light is bright with on-point light intensities for optimal vegetative growth. Besides, it does not produce much hence making the conditions further conducive.
We recommend you hang the light fixture 3 to 4 inches above your marijuana plants.
Features
This grow light measures 46.0 x 12.0 x 4.0 inches and has an average weight of 8.0 lbs.
It delivers a high light output of up to 20,000 lumens for professional marijuana growth. Its light output is 30% more than other comparable systems.
It comes with all accessories one would need for the setup, including four 6500K 4ft Lamps, eight feet power cord, hanging hooks, and chains.
The system has a flexible light output with two switches allowing light dimming. The first switch is for the two inner bulbs, while the other two are for the remaining two outer bulbs.
The gro light guarantees a safe operation. You can work with it in damp conditions without any risks.
It has a voltage rating of 120V Input.
The fixture has a power output of 230 watts, ensuring high performance for the optimal growth of the marijuana plants.
It has a high reflectivity of up to 95% (German Hammertone Reflector), ensuring stray light intensities are reflected in the plants for efficient absorption by marijuana plants.
Specifications
Controller Type: Push Button
Light Source Wattage: 230 Watts
Item Dimensions 46.0 x 12.0 x 4.0 inches
Voltage 120 Volts
Power Source: AC
Item Weight: 8 lbs
Color Temperature: 6500 Kelvin
Power & Output
The Durolux T5 Ho Grow Light features four bulbs four feet long each. Each bulb delivers 5,000 lumens, bringing the total power to 20,000 lumens. The high lumen capacity and the massive size of this grow light allow for vegging of two marijuana plants.
The bulb also has a high color spectrum of up to 6500K. This specification allows for more blue light emission, which is the ideal color spectrum for the vegetative growth stage of the marijuana plant.
The grow light has a voltage rating of 120 volts. Besides, it has a power output of 230 watts, enough for robust marijuana plant growth at the vegetative stage.
Installation
The light weight of this grow light makes it effortless to mount and install. Therefore, you can do the task on your own. The package comes with all the necessities you require to mount it. After you successfully mount it, you should proceed to turn it on; it is a mount and play fixture. However, you should ensure that your power source is near the garden because the grow light only comes with a power cord up to 8 feet long.
Pros
- The reflective material reflects more than 95% of light to your marijuana plants, ensuring efficiency and proper growth.
- The 230 W power output is high enough for efficient light emission for plant absorption.
- The ability of the grow light to withstand damp conditions makes it safer to operate.
- The 8 lbs low weight ensures an effortless mounting process.
Cons
- The grow light is incompatible with Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) outlets.
The Best Light for Vegetative Growth Buying Guide
When buying the best light for vegetative growth, there are several options to choose from. However, before you commit to a particular light, it would be wise to consider the factors below.
Lumen Output
The lumen output of a grow light is a very significant factor to consider. For most marijuana plants, you will need a range of between 5,000 and 10,000 lumens per square foot. One grown marijuana plant needs at least 2.0 x 2.0 foot grow space. Therefore, you will need a lumen output of 10,000 to 20,000.
Color Spectrum
Marijuana plants require different light spectrums at different growth stages. During the vegetative phase, the plant needs a lot of blue light, meaning that you will need a color spectrum of between 5000K to 6500K.
Durability
No one wants a light fixture that would need replacement after a short while of operation. Research the materials used to build the light fixture before you buy it. Metallic-made grow lights with fewer plastics last longer.
Ease Of Mounting
The grow light you select should come with all the components you need for mounting. Besides, the fixture should be lightweight to allow for an effortless mounting operation. This factor means that you should go for smaller and lighter grow lights. However, if you have a larger grow tent, you can consider bigger options, but this option will be heavier.
Type of Bulb
Fluorescent light bulbs are the best options when your marijuana plants reach the vegetative stage. These bulbs produce high power output at the light source. Besides, they have less power consumption and produce less heat. However, you can also opt for metal halide bulbs.
On the other hand, a full spectrum bulb is a viable option if you don’t wish to change your light fixture when you transition from the vegetative to flowering stage.
Heat Generated
Marijuana plants, at any stage of growth, do not need heat. Therefore, the light you choose should not generate heat. This specification best suits the fluorescent lights. However, if the bulb generates heat, it should have a passive cooling system that dissipates excess heat and ensures quiet operation.
The Vegetative Phase – What Is It?
Marijuana has seven stages in its growth cycle. The vegetative phase is the fourth stage, coming after the seedling stage. Pre-flowering comes next after it.
At this stage, the marijuana plant develops its structure. The stem widens its girth, the height increases, and massive foliage develops. The vigorous growth means the plant would need much light for photosynthesis activities. As such, you will need more of a blue spectrum than any other light spectrum. Also, the humidity levels should be high for direct moisture absorption through the leaves.
FAQs
What Color Light Is Best for Vegetative Growth?
The best color light for the vegetative growth of marijuana plants is blue light. This light has a color temperature of between 5000K to 6500K.
Are LED Grow Lights Good for Vegetative Growth?
Yes, LED lights such as T5 fluorescents are good for vegetative growth. This light has higher blue spectrum emission that works best for the vegetative phase. It promotes even growth in marijuana plants regarding plant canopy and node spacing.
Besides, LED lights have lower power consumption and produce less heat. Therefore, they are the most efficient light for the vegetative stage, given that they have an optimized color spectrum for growth.
Choosing the Right Light for Vegetative Plant Growth
Consider the following factors when choosing the right light for vegetative growth.
Color spectrum
Lumen output
Heat generated
Type of bulb
