CFL Bulbs

Low-heat light for cuttings and steady vegetative growth

CFL Bulbs are compact fluorescent grow lamps for propagation, seedlings and vegetative growth that need close, gentle light without the heat load of an HID fitting. Cuttings and young seedlings placed near a hot HPS lamp scorch or dry out fast, whereas CFLs run much cooler so they can sit close to the canopy while still supplying usable intensity. They also draw less power and generate less heat than HPS, making them an easy, cheap propagation and veg light.

Scorched seedlings and heat stress under HID

Young plants sat too close to a hot HID lamp scorch, curl or dry out, but pulled too far back they stretch for light. A CFL's low heat output lets it hang close to cuttings and seedlings for strong, compact growth without burning tender leaves.

Key Benefits

• Blue spectrum bulbs drive compact, sturdy vegetative growth
• Red spectrum bulbs suit flowering top-up and supplementary lighting
• Low heat output lets the lamp sit close to cuttings and seedlings without scorching
• Lower running cost than an HPS setup of comparable use
• Coverage around 80cm x 80cm per bulb, ideal for propagators and small veg areas

How to Use

• Fit the bulb into a CFL-rated holder or reflector and position it 20-30cm above cuttings or young plants
• Move it closer for propagation and back a little as plants gain height
• Run an 18-24 hour light cycle through veg; switch to a red-spectrum bulb for flowering top-up
• Watch for stretching, which signals the lamp needs lowering toward the canopy