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The 4 Best Grow Lights For Herbs of 2023
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Need help finding the best grow lights for herbs? These days, many types of lighting devices are available on the market, each with unique features and benefits.
Our guide will explore and evaluate my top 4 picks for grow lights designed specifically for growing herbs.
Our Top Picks
- Best High Performance: VIPARSPECTRA XS1000 LED
- Best Convenient Design: SANSI Hydroponics Growing System
- Best Commercial: HYPHOTONFLUX UV-A LED
- Best UV Light: Cultiuana T50 UV Lighting Bar
Best High Performance: VIPARSPECTRA XS1000 LED
Specifications
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Spectrum | Full |
| Dimmer Function | Yes |
Product highlights
Before buying this VIPARSPECTRA, I researched carefully and read many reviews to ensure it was right for my 3 x 2 herb garden. The reason for my hesitation is its high intensity and heat generation risk. But I still decided to try this VIPARSPECTRA grow light device. And the results surprised me. Seriously!
First, this lighting device is extremely bright and does produce some heat. Fortunately, the temperature in my growing tent is still within the optimal range of 70 degrees F when I use it at 60% intensity, which is a reasonable level for my herb plants to grow well.
In terms of dimmer function, it offers 4 dimmer levels, allowing me to customise the intensity to the specific needs of my herbs. Thus, whether I need to provide soft light during the seedling stage or higher brightness during the vegetative stage, the dimmer offers the flexibility and control I need for optimal plant growth.
After just a week of using VIPARSPECTRA XS1000, I noticed a great change in the growth of my herbs, especially the growth of buds. The buds grow denser and more beautiful.
Compared to more expensive options, its performance is on par. Thus, there is no reason to spend more on a lighting product with similar performance. Interestingly, the driver in the VIPARSPECTRA XS1000 is even better than the driver in the higher-end models.
Besides, I find its daisy chain function convenient. This feature will be helpful if you want to integrate it into a commercial space or vertical farming setup. It simplifies the wiring process and ensures efficient use of energy and space.
Pros
- Excellent brightness
- Adjustable dimmer function
- Great value for the price
- Daisy chain capability
- High-quality components (Samsung diodes and a reliable driver)
Cons
- High heat generation
Best Convenient Design: SANSI Hydroponics Growing System
Specifications
| Wattage | 20 watts |
| Spectrum | Full |
| Dimmer Function | No |
Product highlights
As someone who always wants to garden in a limited space, the compact design, adjustable height, and 4L water tank of this SANSI hydroponics growing system prove to be a perfect fit for my needs.
However, note that this SANSI Hydroponics Grow Light is intended only for those who grow vegetables in their kitchens. So it is not suitable for farms that need large outputs.
The system has six small containers, a squeeze bottle, a measuring cup, and plant food. So it is a comprehensive kit for growing herbs. Also, setting up a hydroponic system is easy thanks to the simple setup instructions. While it does require my screwdriver, that’s a minor inconvenience compared to its convenience.
One aspect of this system that impressed me was the automatic timer. It adds convenience and allows me to set the desired lighting schedule for my herbs without hassle. Besides, the plug-and-play system for the water pump and lights makes the process easy. Thus, it is suitable even for someone who has never used a hydroponic growing system.
When I started using this system 6 months ago, I was delighted to see green shoots sprouting up in 3 or 4 days. A month later, I harvested herbs from my hydroponic garden. The transformation from tiny sprouts into lush herbs is a sight to behold.
Adjusting the lights requires unscrewing a knob, which can be cumbersome. But considering its full functionality and benefits, this inconvenience is a small price to pay. Anyway, its portability, adjustable height, and automatic time-setting feature have made it a valuable addition to my gardening endeavours.
Pros
- Portable design and convenient design
- Comprehensive kit
- Easy installation
- Automatic time setting
- Efficient for limited space in the kitchen
Cons
- Light movement requires unscrewing a knob
- Not for large production
Best Commercial: HYPHOTONFLUX UV-A LED
Specifications
| Wattage | 30 watts (each par) |
| Spectrum | UV-A |
| Dimmer Function | Yes |
Product highlights
Since I set up the HYPHOTONFLUX UV-A LED grow light, I knew I had chosen suitable lighting for my herbs. These types of lighting devices deserve their reputation as some of the best available on the market.
In terms of design, their sleek and well-built design gives them a truly professional feel. Also, these devices are durable and built to last. So, they give me confidence that they will serve me well for a long time.
The installation process is easy and convenient with the hangers and plug-and-play connectors. Also, the hooks allow me to hang the lighting device securely at the desired height, while the plug-and-play connectors ensure an easy connection. They save me time and effort, so I can focus on growing and running my herb garden.
Regarding performance, the power of these grow lights is truly unmatched. My favourite herbs are in the vegetative cycle, and these devices fit perfectly into the size of my 4 x 4 growing space. Besides, the 385-nm-Seoul LEDs used in these devices provide excellent UV supplemental illumination.
In addition, the features of this LED light are commendable. The 0–100% dimmable design allows me to precisely control the intensity, meeting my herbs’ specific needs at different stages of growth. Moreover, the ability to daisy chain up to 80 lights is a game changer, especially for commercial grow facilities. It provides the flexibility to scale the lighting system without any hassle.
Although described as supplemental lighting, you don’t necessarily have to have a primary lighting fixture on hand. Instead, you can use these lighting bars alone if you grow the herbs near a window or any other lighting source. This way, your plants still get the wavelengths they need to develop.
With the LED grow light and UV support, I have no regrets and trust that they will continue to help me achieve good harvests. So if you want to invest in a new UV lighting device with high performance, I recommend trying the HYPHOTONFLUX UV-A LED.
Pros
- High performance
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation
- Dimmable design
- Daisy-chaining capability
Cons
- Specifically designed to provide UV-A light
Best UV Light: Cultiuana T50 UV Lighting Bar
Specifications
| Wattage | 50 watts |
| Spectrum | UV |
| Dimmer Function | No |
Product highlights
This Cultiuana supplemental lighting device provides an extra UV spectrum that enhances the growth and development of my herbs in my 3 x 2 tent. Like the HYPHOTONFLUX device, this unit only provides UV light to your herbs. Thus, consider using this device if your plants need other kinds of lighting sources (light from a window or a primary light fixture).
The standout feature of this device is its versatility. You can easily integrate it into most of the artificial lighting fixtures available. In my case, I bought a ViparSpectra LED grow light, and mounting the T50 was easy. I bolted it to a stand on the side of my grow tent. This flexibility allows me to provide my herb garden with the 395 nm UV LED spectrum. This UV bar stimulates the production of trichomes, vital for oil and other essential compound production.
Hence, I noticed a significant improvement in my plants’ growth rate and overall vigour. The addition of UV light triggered the production of proteins in plants.
As a result, production this year has doubled compared to last year. So if you want to take your indoor gardening to the next level, I strongly recommend that you consider the T50 UV lighting bar as a valuable addition to your growth setup.
Pros
- Versatility to be easily incorporated into most LEDs
- Easy installation
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Specifically designed to provide UV light
Conclusion
Various lighting devices are suitable for indoor herb gardens of all levels, from full-spectrum LED lights like the SANSI PAR30 LED Bulb to UV lights like the HYPHOTONFLUX LED.
Throughout this guide, we’ve explored some of the best grow lights for herbs available on the market, focusing on factors like spectrum, intensity, energy efficiency, and durability. Happy herb gardening!
FAQs
<strong>Are LED lights good for herbs?</strong>
Yes. LED grow lights provide the necessary spectrum for photosynthesis, promote healthy growth, and are energy-efficient. They emit the suitable wavelengths needed for herbs throughout their growth stages.
<strong>What spectrum of light is best for herbs?</strong>
The best spectrum for herbs is full-spectrum light with blue and red wavelengths. Blue light promotes leafy growth and compact plants. Meanwhile, red light stimulates flowering and fruiting.
<strong>Can herbs grow under fluorescent light?</strong>
The answer is yes. Fluorescent lights, particularly T5 fluorescent bulbs, emit a cool spectrum suitable for herb growth. Yet, it is essential to position the lights close to the plants and provide sufficient intensity for healthy growth.
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