Simple Guide to LED Grow Light. Learning Kelvin, PAR & Spectrum for Plant Growth

Abstract

LED grow lights have revolutionized indoor plant cultivation. Three critical aspects to understand are Kelvin, PAR, and spectrum. Kelvin represents light's color temperature; cool white (6500K-7500K) promotes vegetative growth, while warm white (2700K-3000K) supports flowering. PAR, or Photosynthetically Active Radiation, indicates the light amount plants use for photosynthesis, with excess leading to light burn. The light spectrum provides different colors essential for various growth stages: blue light (400-500 nm) for vegetation, red light (600-700 nm) for flowering, and minimal far red and infrared for germination. Full-spectrum LED lights, mimicking natural sunlight, are preferred for balanced plant growth.