Simple question, is it best to veggie 24-7?

[Budman1158]

I heard several different methods, what’s the best way

 

[BB22]

Don’t know if it’s the best . I’ve been vegging photos at 18:6

I’ve always done a hard flip to 12:12. I’ve read some think that is too harsh. I guess when you think about how plants grow in nature vs in a controlled environment it probably makes sense …..deep thoughts

 

[ChiefGreenleaf]

i use the 24hrs lights on, it makes the plants more coompact, so you get less streatch when you flower them

 

[Bobcat.Branch]

I'll root clones 24/0 and in colder weather (like right now) start seedlings 24/0 to take advantage of the heat of the lights. Once established, 18/6 for power savings, then 12/12 in a day lol. Never had a plant complain about a sudden flip since 1994 .

What I would love to know (been asking since 1994), is there a true benefit of "rest" on a 18/6 or even a 20/4 veg schedule vs. 24/0? Haven't found the holy grail of an answer to that, yet. Like, I need a scientific answer!

 

[Hike]

Sorry for asking, but if the lights are on 24 hours isn't it to much? Okay, by autoflowering plants I heard this procedure, but by photoperiodic plants is this possible? Sorry for asking, but I heard this the first time...

 

[orggrwr]

It's been debated for a long time. Studies have proven that cannabis plants don't need a dark period but many people feel their plants are healthier and more resilient with a 4 or 6 hour dark period. I happen to agree and usually go with 18/6 for veg. Also have never had a problem going straight to 12/12.

 

[Hike]

Thanks for your answer, because I heard this now the first time. I learned that plants need dark time to produce the carbs at it's also important for regeneration.
I don't say that must be bad, but I'm only wondering...

I do it like you, vegetation 18/6 and than in the flowering 12/12.

 

[closettrapper217]

I leave my youngins on 24-0 then go to 18-6 once they are established, basically just because I’ve never seen a Benefit running the light 24 hours the whole time. So 18-6 is a little less energy used and the same result. Definitely not scientific but I’ve done it both ways and didn’t see much of a difference.

 

[closettrapper217]

I like the 24 hours for germination and cloning to keep heat and humidity in the area.

 

[Florida_Mike]

I veg 24/7. My mamma plant
has never seen darkness, other
than an occasional power outage.

Time lapse shows that plants
"rest" even under 24hr lighting.
(their leaves rise & fall anyway,
same as plants in nighttime;
I can't say whether or not they're
actually "resting" though.)

Prolly a waste of electricity, but
it's always worked for me though,
so why change it up?

 

[OldOneEye]

Reasons to run 18/6:
Heat of day, lights off used to be rule of law when HID was dominate.
Save a little $
Seedlings tend to sex a tad faster
Roots develop prefer growth during dark hours

Reasons to run 24/7
More growth, extra 6 hours of growth per day
Quicker response to 12/12 light switch
I'm sure lots of other reasons but these are starting points I think.
Best is what ever you choose for you

 

[OldOneEye]

I like the 24 hours for germination and cloning to keep heat and humidity in the area.

Food for thought, root development occurs primarily during periods of darkness.

 

[Hike]

I leave my youngins on 24-0 then go to 18-6 once they are established, basically just because I’ve never seen a Benefit running the light 24 hours the whole time. So 18-6 is a little less energy used and the same result. Definitely not scientific but I’ve done it both ways and didn’t see much of a difference.

You mean with "youngins" cuttings from your plants, right? I ask, because I don't know this word...

If it is so, how many PPFD you use than? Because I actually have five different cuttings of strains in my small tent. I give them 18/6 light. But one of them let hanging the upper leaves in the last hours of light phase.
PPFD is only about 450-500.

 

[Gmix]

I'll root clones 24/0 and in colder weather (like right now) start seedlings 24/0 to take advantage of the heat of the lights. Once established, 18/6 for power savings, then 12/12 in a day lol. Never had a plant complain about a sudden flip since 1994 .

What I would love to know (been asking since 1994), is there a true benefit of "rest" on a 18/6 or even a 20/4 veg schedule vs. 24/0? Haven't found the holy grail of an answer to that, yet. Like, I need a scientific answer!

Well there was some research done apparently you get more root growth on 18/6
However you get a extra 15% veg growth on 24/0
That said I’ve ran 24/0 including during steeling stage ( just after germination) for a long time & my pots still fill up with roots

As for “ hard flip” never had a plant react badly from switching to 12/12 after a extended 24/0 period

After six weeks of 24/0 I will admit “some” strains look tired

 

[RGWD0202]

I think plants need a rest period, 18-6 is what I would do, also, from all the above answers, it appears there isn’t enough of a difference to make me want to spend more money on electricity for another 6 hours a day and put extra unneeded hours on my equipment.

 

[Bobcat.Branch]

Well there was some research done apparently you get more root growth on 18/6
However you get a extra 15% veg growth on 24/0
That said I’ve ran 24/0 including during steeling stage ( just after germination) for a long time & my pots still fill up with roots

That settles it... 20/4 it is! #compromise

I've never really noticed a difference over the years. Maybe rooting hormones made up for the lack of a dark period when cloning?

My cheap ass was motivated by saving money with 18/6, and like @OldOneEye said, heat of the day (back when I was growing in NOLA with MH and HPS.)

I got a more even, richer tan with those lights lol... LEDs just burn.

... and put extra unneeded hours on my equipment.

Good point... Wear and tear.

 

[closettrapper217]

Food for thought, root development occurs primarily during periods of darkness.

This is true. But I’ve run it both ways and had way better success under 24. Could be luck of the draw though for sure.

 

[Florida_Mike]

Food for thought, root development occurs primarily during periods of darkness.

Food for thought, root development occurs primarily during periods of darkness.

I have no problem growing roots under 24hrs light

 

[Halloweed]

I'm a cheap ass so I run 18/6. Thinking of maybe 20/4 next grow.

 

[Halloweed]

I have no problem growing roots under 24hrs light

Wow hahaha. A lot of roots there!