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Practical lighting requirements, proven recipes, and essential research for commercial horticultural lighting design.
Mitchell, C.A. (2015) • HortScience 50(9): 1293–1296
Perspective on LED research for the horticulture industry — spectrum, efficacy, and the science behind commercial adoption.
Kozai, T., Fujiwara, K., & Runkle, E.S. (eds.) (2016) • Springer
Comprehensive guide covering LED applications in controlled environments. Practical information on energy efficiency and crop production.
Singh, D., Basu, C., Meinhardt-Wollweber, M., & Roth, B. (2015) • Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49: 139–147
Review of LED applications for greenhouse lighting, including efficacy comparisons and spectral considerations for different crops.
Hawley, D., Graham, T., Stasiak, M., & Dixon, M. (2018) • HortScience 53(11): 1593–1599
Study of subcanopy (intracanopy) lighting effects on cannabis bud quality and yield.
Nelson, J.A. & Bugbee, B. (2014) • PLoS ONE 9(6): e99010
Economic analysis of greenhouse lighting, comparing LED and high-intensity discharge fixtures on efficacy and operational cost.
Our database covers 14 crop varieties with peer-reviewed research citations for every recommendation. Each value is backed by a published study you can open from the crop panel in the lighting designer.
Leafy Greens
4 crops
Herbs
1 crop
Fruiting
4 crops
Specialty & High Value
5 crops
| Crop | PPFD (μmol/m²/s) | DLI (mol/m²/day) | Photoperiod | Research |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leafy Greens | ||||
| Butterhead Lettuce | 150-250 | 12-17 | 16h | ✓ Cited |
| Romaine Lettuce | 150-280 | 13-20 | 16h | ✓ Cited |
| Spinach | 200-400 | 12-18 | 14h | ✓ Cited |
| Kale | 200-450 | 14-25 | 16h | ✓ Cited |
| Herbs | ||||
| Cilantro | 150-350 | 10-18 | 14h | ✓ Cited |
| Fruiting Crops | ||||
| High-Wire Tomatoes | 400-800 | 20-35 | 18h | ✓ Cited |
| Bell Peppers | 300-700 | 15-30 | 16h | ✓ Cited |
| Cucumbers | 300-600 | 17-30 | 18h | ✓ Cited |
| Strawberries | 250-500 | 15-25 | 16h | ✓ Cited |
| Specialty & High Value | ||||
| Cannabis (Flowering) | 600-1000 | 35-55 | 12h | ✓ Cited |
| Microgreens Mix | 100-200 | 6-14 | 16h | ✓ Cited |
| Oyster Mushrooms | 50-150 | 2-6 | 12h | ✓ Cited |
| Saffron | 200-500 | 12-25 | 10h | ✓ Cited |
| Wasabi | 50-150 | 3-9 | 12h | ✓ Cited |
Research Notice: All values shown are from peer-reviewed research papers. Actual results may vary based on cultivar, environmental conditions, and management practices. Click on any crop in the lighting designer to view full research citations.
Premier professional society for horticultural research and education
Visit ASHS →Industry standards and best practices for controlled environment agriculture
Visit NGMA →Bruce Bugbee's lab — LED photobiology and controlled-environment plant research
Visit Lab →Purdue Extension guide to measuring DLI in a greenhouse
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