Keep Grow Lights on 24/7 ???

[bluemule31]

I've got a pretty decent single table set up with 6 trays of seeds going (broc, cauli, cabbage) and they seem to be doing well. However, I was wondering if I should keep them on all the time?? FYI I've got cool light and daylight bulbs in there and heat shouldn't be a factor.

[hillbillytn]

16 hr. on 8hr off.

[frankva]

Works for me.

[ceresone]

My timer is set to turn then on at 5 AM, off at 9 PM-fits my schedule too

[Elizabeth]

We leave ours on 24/7

[siletz]

I had always heard that plants need a dark period, so I go 16 on and 8 off.

[Rita]

I've been leaving the lights on 24/7 on my seedlings for years and no problem. I remember reading how stuff grows so big in Alaska when they have 24 hr light so thought how could it hurt.

[Danaus29]

If you start spinach indoors it will bolt rapidly if you leave the lights on 24/7.

[theemon]

I leave mine on 24/7

[unregistered168043]

The only concern I have with keeping them on 24/7 is when you transplant them they will be getting less light, which can trigger flowering.

[imthedude]

yep like others i do a timed 12-16 hour on and 8-12 hour off.

[frankva]

Duuuuude- How the wethuh?

[Helena]

I will turn them off also during the night. I don't really know if it matters much. Have done it both ways and really didn't notice any difference. but, could understand the plants flowering though.

[Paquebot]

I only start peppers indoors now and their lights are on 24/7. Been doing that successfully for at least 25 years. Tried it with tomatoes for a few years but always ended up too leggy and weak.

Martin

[saralee]

I just read this: if your tomato seedlings are turning purple, it could be they are getting too much light. I leave mine on 24/7, but the tomatoes have that purplee tinge, and do not grow as big as friend's who uses 16 hour light. So I'm going to try a light timer this year.