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Practical lighting requirements, proven recipes, and essential research for commercial horticultural lighting design.
Mitchell, C. (2015) • HortScience • 341 citations
Foundational paper on how light spectrum affects plant development. Essential for understanding red:blue ratios and morphological responses.
Kozai, T., Niu, G., & Takagaki, M. (2020) • Academic Press • 127 citations
Comprehensive guide covering LED applications in controlled environments. Practical information on energy efficiency and crop production.
Singh, D., et al. (2015) • Applied Engineering in Agriculture • 298 citations
Technical analysis of LED applications in agriculture, including efficacy comparisons and spectral considerations for different crops.
Hawley, D., et al. (2018) • American Journal of Plant Sciences • 89 citations
Systematic study of PPFD requirements for cannabis cultivation, including yield optimization and energy considerations.
Nelson, J.A. & Bugbee, B. (2014) • PLoS ONE • 256 citations
Economic analysis of LED lighting systems in controlled environments, comparing efficacy and operational costs across different technologies.
New! Our expanded database now includes 20+ crop varieties with peer-reviewed research citations for every recommendation. Each value is backed by published scientific studies.
Leafy Greens
5 crops
Fruiting
5 crops
Herbs
3 crops
Specialty
7 crops
High Value
3 crops
| Crop | PPFD (μmol/m²/s) | DLI (mol/m²/day) | Photoperiod | Research |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leafy Greens | ||||
| Butterhead Lettuce | 150-250 | 12-17 | 16h | ✓ 9 papers |
| Romaine Lettuce | 150-280 | 13-20 | 16h | ✓ 7 papers |
| Spinach | 200-400 | 12-18 | 14h | ✓ 6 papers |
| Kale | 200-450 | 14-25 | 16h | ✓ 7 papers |
| Herbs | ||||
| Genovese Basil | 200-300 | 14-20 | 16h | ✓ 9 papers |
| Cilantro | 150-350 | 10-18 | 14h | ✓ 6 papers |
| Fruiting Crops | ||||
| High-Wire Tomatoes | 400-800 | 20-35 | 18h | ✓ 9 papers |
| Bell Peppers | 300-700 | 15-30 | 16h | ✓ 8 papers |
| Cucumbers | 300-600 | 17-30 | 18h | ✓ 8 papers |
| Strawberries | 250-500 | 15-25 | 16h | ✓ 7 papers |
| Specialty & High Value | ||||
| Cannabis (Flowering) | 600-1000 | 35-55 | 12h | ✓ 9 papers |
| Microgreens Mix | 100-200 | 6-14 | 16h | ✓ 6 papers |
| Oyster Mushrooms | 50-150 | 2-6 | 12h | ✓ 7 papers |
| Saffron | 200-500 | 12-25 | 10h | ✓ 6 papers |
| Wasabi | 50-150 | 3-9 | 12h | ✓ 6 papers |
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.
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Visit ASHS →Industry standards and best practices for controlled environment agriculture
Visit NGMA →Leading research on LED applications in controlled environments
Visit Research →Calculate daily light integral for any photoperiod and PPFD combination
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