Time of Light Effect on Plant Growth

Plant production relies on sunlight hours.

Sunlight provides energy. Plants need energy to grow. Seasonal changes alternate between diminishing and increasing hours of sunlight. How does this affect plant growth?

Life cycle

A lilac bush requires at least six hours of sunlight every day.

The life cycle of plants is directly connected to the amount of light received as a result of the change in seasons. Sunlight is converted into chlorophyll, food for the plant, through a process called photosynthesis.

Changes in the amount of light a plant receives affect the amount of chlorophyll a plant can generate; less sun, less chlorophyll, less food to grow; more sun, more chlorophyll, more food to grow.

Foliage

Plants along the equator receive 12 hours of sunlight year-round.

Plant growth is defined by an increase in stems and leaves. When a plant does not receive the amount of light required to spur the growth process initiated by photosynthesis, plant growth is stunted. Stems and leaves will be small and the plant will not flower.

Conversely, locations where plants receive an abundance of sunlight, such as the rain forests along the equator, exhibit a diverse selection of plant life.

Fruiting

Apple trees require six hours of sun to fruit.

Fruit trees require a high amount of sunlight to fruit. Depending on the quality of light (filtered or direct), space between trees and the type of fruit, most require between six and nine hours of sunlight a day during the spring and summer.

Warmth

Tomatoes require sunshine and warmth.

In addition to sunlight, some plants require warmer temperatures created by longer days of sunshine. Tomatoes, corn and peppers don't tolerate frost and, therefore, must be planted after the last frost of the spring.

Location

Oranges grow in warmer temperatures with lots of sunlight.

The types of plants found in a specific location is determined, in part, by the amount of available sunlight. In most cases, a plant can live in one area of the country or world, but not in another, based on the amount of daily sunlight.

References

• Biology online: Lights' Effect on Growth
• West Virginia University: Plant Growth and Development as the Basis of Forage Management

Resources

• Sandy Bar Nursery: Tips On Choosing Fruit Trees
• Dave's Garden: Hardening off Seedlings Before Planting Out in Your Garden