Lighting outdoor seedlings for 24 hours

[fawnridge]

In order to maximize outdoor growing time, we started our seedlings in early February. Here in Northern Virginia, our farmer friends recommend that we wait until May 1st to move the seedlings outside. Currently, they're growing on table in our spare bedroom with a couple of full spectrum grow lights and ceiling fan on full blast. My question is this: should the grow lights be on 24 hours a day or should we be simulating actual outdoor sunlight at roughly 12 hours a day? Thanks, and as always, a tip of the hat. Here's current photo:

 

[Newbgrower1]

Are they autos or photos? But I would suggest swithching to 18/6. Don’t do 12/12 because you’ll start the flowering if it’s a photo. And you’ll need complete darkness when lights are off. I’m not a seasoned cannabis grower but I’ve read a lot the past 2 years and(knock on wood) what I have grown came out great.

 

[fawnridge]

Are they autos or photos? But I would suggest swithching to 18/6. Don’t do 12/12 because you’ll start the flowering if it’s a photo. And you’ll need complete darkness when lights are off. I’m not a seasoned cannabis grower but I’ve read a lot the past 2 years and(knock on wood) what I have grown came out great.

Photos.

 

[Oldchucky]

I agree with 18 six. I’m doing the same thing and like them to have a little dark time. And I don’t think they have to be in complete darkness while they are vegging. But I think you are playing with fire if you put them out May 1. That could be a little early without some supplemental lighting. I have screwed them up by putting them out too early. Don’t want to put that much time and effort into them and blow it by jumping the gun putting them out too early. Good luck!

 

[fawnridge]

I agree with 18 six. I’m doing the same thing and like them to have a little dark time. And I don’t think they have to be in complete darkness while they are vegging. But I think you are playing with fire if you put them out May 1. That could be a little early without some supplemental lighting. I have screwed them up by putting them out too early. Don’t want to put that much time and effort into them and blow it by jumping the gun putting them out too early. Good luck!

Thanks. I'm going to give them a rest for six hours. The outdoor area gets full sun for almost the entire day. The plants are going into huge barrel planters. My concern is more about nighttime temperature rather than sunlight when I move them out. I was hoping to get them outdoors before we leave for Jamaica, but that's early April and the farmers said it would still be too cold at night.

 

[Oldchucky]

I am in Norcal and I don’t feel completely safe putting them out till June 1. You have time to research it. You don’t want to come back from Jamaica and find your plants sprouting, cute little balls and cute little flowers. Been there, done that!

 

[TheShroomsDidIt]

I'm running outside this year in South Central PA. I'm running 15/9 for all mine. Just enough to keep them out of flower. I will put them out June 7th when then daylight outside becomes a match for the time schedule I have been running. That way there is no confusion foe the plant as far as light amd dark hours, it can just keep right on moving

 

[sp838]

How do you acclimate plants that have been vegging indoors to the intensity of the sun?

 

[TheShroomsDidIt]

Your supposed to "harden them off". Basically q month before they go out, start taking them outside to sit for a little but at first but the end of the month basically outside all day then one day u just done let them back in lol. They will understand they like it out there

 

[BudBogart]

The trouble with 24/7 comes when you want to back the light off to match natural outdoor time. It’s difficult to back lights down in increments to match natural light times.

 

[Jojo420]

Simulate the daylight time on a timer to match the day you plan to plant outside.
That way your plants won't skip a beat.
Cheers