How to Compare Greenhouse Lighting Options

Quick Tips for Greenhouse Lighting Options

Most Energy Efficient Greenhouse Grow Light
Most Popular Greenhouse Grow Light
Best Supplemental Lighting Option
Common Lighting For Greenhouse Nurseries: Fluorescent tube lighting
Best Daylight Extension Light Option
Lighting Suggestions For Night Interruption Lighting

Types of Greenhouse Lighting

Whether you are looking for supplemental lighting, or are aiming to keep plants in vegetative growth, there are five main types of greenhouse lighting options to compare. The best grow lights for crop development will be HID lamps or LED grow lights. For other greenhouse lighting needs or for nurseries, other types of bulbs may be better options that draw less energy.

Type of Light	Features
Fluorescent Tube Lighting	Available in a variety of color spectrums Not generally used for photoperiod control Do not emit much heat, good for germination
Incandescent Bulbs	Commonly used for photoperiod control Lifespan will not be reduced by being turned on and off frequently Will not reduce the lifespan of the ballast with frequent on/off switching Emit a broad range of wavelengths and create a lot of heat
Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Bulbs	More energy-efficient option than incandescent bulbs for supplemental lighting Not as effective for controlling the long day photoperiod effect May not be good for photoperiod (flowering) control due to color of light Some growers alternate incandescent and CFL bulbs
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps	Includes high-pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH) lamps Provide photoperiod control and supplemental lighting Can create heat inside the greenhouse Provides plants with energy for growth
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)	More expensive, but high efficiency and have a long lifespan Variety of light wavelengths and intensities available LED grow lights are effective in controlling photoperiod Provides plants with energy for growth Does not heat up the growing area like HID lamps

Types of Lighting Color and Lifespan

Bulb Type	Light Color	Use	Lifespan
Metal Halide	Blue, 450-470 nm	Primary Lighting, Leafy Plants	~10,000 hours
High Pressure Sodium	Orange-Red, 590-650 nm Full Spectrum Available	Secondary Lighting, Budding and Flowering	~18,000 hours
Fluorescent (CFL or T5)	2700k-3000k: High Red5000k: Full Spectrum6500k: Blue	Vegetative or Flowering (depending on type), Low Heat	~20,000 hours
Incandescent	White Light/Daylight, Some Red	Inefficient, Supplement Lighting	~750-2500 hours
LED	Customizable	Primary Lighting, High Efficiency, Low Heat, Dimmable	~50,000 hours