What is the Best Type of HID Light to Grow Stocky Tomato Plants?

Growing indoors requires time, love and light.

There are many types of lights to grow tomatoes indoors. Using a combination of lights to mimic the actual growing conditions will produce optimal results.

Grow Potential

A metal halide light emits a color spectrum with more blue light, which promotes leaf growth over fruit and allows the plant to stay small. Beginning growth under this light will allow the tomato plant to become strong and the stem to thicken to support fruit. When the plant is ready, it can be switched to a red spectrum.

Grow Signifigantly

A high-pressure sodium light gives off a spectrum that emphasizes red, much like the autumn sun. This is the best light for flowering or growing fruit. If you notice the light is still bluish after it has warmed up, it may not be getting enough power from the ballast.

Grow Cautiously

The high heat of the lamps can burn the tops of tomato plants, so they will need to be lifted. Ballasts on chains hanging from the ceiling is one solution. Various ballasts offer different controls; some may provide too much power, which will cause the light to appear redder when hot. The hotter gases may over-expand, causing an explosion.

References

• ACF Greenhouse: High-Pressure Sodium
• "Encyclopedia of Energy Engineering and Technology: High Intensity Discharge Electronic Lighting"; Ken E. Patterson II; 2007
• Sylvania: HID Technology

Resources

• Green Thumb Articles: Indoor Grow Lights
• Syvania: HID Technology