The Best CFL Lights for Growing Cannabis: A Guide
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So you want to grow cannabis, perhaps for yourself, maybe to give to others and get a little something in return. I’ll tell you right now that looking towards using CFL lights was a smart option.
Not only will this post give a list of some of the best CFL lights for growing weed, but you’ll get some tips on the benefits and types of CFL lights, as well as things to know when you start growing cannabis.
What is a CFL?
CFL stands for compact fluorescent lightbulb. These bulbs come in a variety of wattages, sizes, and colors, and are usually either screwed in or plugged in.
You’ve probably seen them; they’re the spiral-shaped lightbulbs that everyone recommends over standard (incandescent) ones.
Benefits of Using CFL Lights for Growing Cannabis
- Fluorescent light bulbs use less energy because of their compact design, lowering your power bill and saving you money on energy costs.
- CFL heat levels are lower than higher-intensity lamps and don’t require you to purchase fans to ventilate the space.
- These kinds of light bulbs don’t fade away as they run out of life. When the bulbs work, they work, and when they don’t work anymore, they die. Because there’s no flickering or fading in between, you won’t have to worry about not knowing how much juice the bulb has left.
- If you break a CFL, you can buy another one – they don’t cost much either. You can buy them online or in any major department store from Target to Home Depot.
- CFL lights are fantastic for beginners because all you need to start growing are the lights and your plant.
- Because you only need those lights and the plant, you can grow pretty much anywhere and stay discreet about it.
A List of the Best Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs
Westinghouse 3667000 Light Bulb
Pros:
- It doesn’t get super hot.
- It isn’t too bright.
You can find and purchase this bulb here.
This lightbulb is equivalent to a 25-watt incandescent light bulb, which is not only expensive but hard to find and not optimal for growing cannabis.
This CFL is only 5 watts, meaning a low level of heat that doesn’t damage the plant and won’t burn you if you touch it. The light isn’t hard on the eyes either and gives off a pleasing glow without being too bright.
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Sunblaster CFL Self-Ballasted Propagation Lamp
Pros:
- Easy to install.
- Ensures proper development and crop growth.
You can find and purchase this bulb here.
The Sunblaster can be installed in just about any fixture and made especially for indoor growing. Because of the strength and color of the light, you’ll find that your plants will lean towards it like they would towards sunlight.
This lightbulb has enough power to aid more than a couple of plants at a time and doesn’t flicker when in use.
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Satco S7334 40-watt CFL Soft-White Light Bulb
Pros:
- It lasts for a long time when in use.
- Fits in all standard light fixtures.
You can find and purchase this bulb here.
This 40-watt bulb provides a pleasant light that isn’t too bright and isn’t too dim. Because it can fit in any standard fixture, it’s easy to install so you can use it anywhere.
This lightbulb will save you energy while providing your plants with growth-encouraging color temperature.
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Hydrofarm Agrobrite FLCDG125D CFL Bulb Kit
Pros:
- It comes with a reflector to increase light coverage.
- It lasts for more than a year.
You can find and purchase this bulb here.
This product is a little CFL system that comes with a 125-watt CFL bulb, a reflector, and an 8-foot power cord, meaning you get everything you need to get the most out of it.
The glass around the lightbulb allows the light to cover a medium-sized garden evenly and can accommodate a 200-watt bulb if necessary. On top of all that, the system comes with a warranty.
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Buyer’s Guide
What You Need to Get Started on Growing Cannabis
Always start by considering your budget, the size of the space you need, the temperature, and the amount of privacy you want, among other things.
Once you know where you want to grow, make sure you consider the following factors to give your plant the right conditions to thrive:
- A medium of growth: You can germinate your seeds in soil, on a moistened paper towel, or in enzyme-rich water, as long it the temperature and condition of the air is right.
- The right light: That’s what this guide is all about, after all. Cannabis needs 12 hours of sunlight for optimal growth, so if you’re growing indoors, you’ll want to look over that list of CFL bulbs we’ve provided.
- Water: Plants need water. Cannabis is no exception. Remember to pay attention to the pH level of the water to avoid damaging your plants with water that’s too acidic or too basic.
- Air circulation: Cannabis needs fresh air to grow, so if you’re growing indoors, it might be smart to get a fan to ventilate any excess heat.
- Proper temperature: The ideal temperature for cannabis is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Cannabis doesn’t do too well in extreme heat or extreme cold, so make sure to watch the temperature.
- Proper humidity: Cannabis grows well in humid environments because the leaves aspirate the moisture in the air. A dedicated cupboard, tent, or room can provide this environment. Make sure that the humidity is appropriately balanced, however, so you aren’t growing mold at the same time as your plants.
How to Pick the Best CFL Grow Lights
When picking out a CFL light, you want to consider:
- The size of the bulb.
- The wattage (or the Lumen, or the Kelvins).
- How much area the light will cover.
- The temperature color of the bulb.
After you know what you need, it’s only a matter of researching where to get the bulb you’re looking for – or choosing from the list above.
CFL Types
Generally, there are three types of CFL bulbs, based on color temperature: soft white, cool white, and daylight. Soft white and daylight are the two types you want to invest in, and it’s smart to have both of them in your growing setup.
- Soft White or Warm White: These bulbs fall somewhere between 2700 and 3000 Kelvins and emit a warm-colored white light that mimics natural sunlight. These kinds of lights work their magic best during the budding and flowering stages of your plants.
- Cool White or Bright White: These bulbs are usually between 3500 and 4100 Kelvins. They aren’t the best for growing plants in general and should either be avoided or used very sparingly.
- Daylight: These bulbs come between 5000 and 6500 Kelvin. They provide a cool-colored white light that aids in growth in the vegetative phase of the plants due to not being too hot.
If you know what you’re doing, your plants will thrive under CFL bulbs. If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t sweat, you can use what you learned here as a solid jumping-off point.
All in all, CFL is the best way to go for a cost-effective and straightforward start-up. Make sure you get the right bulb that fits your growing conditions, and you’ll be on your way to growing some quality stuff.
