The Importance of UV Lights for Plants

Most gardening enthusiasts are aware of the different types of lights and the kind of impact they have on plants. All of these lights exude a specific range of wavelengths that are instrumental in the growth of plants. For instance, you’ll find red wavelengths that primarily aid in flowering; blue wavelengths that are best for growing vegetables; and practically a huge rainbow of wavelengths that boost the photosynthesis process in your plants.

Among all of these wavelengths, there is one specific wavelength that always invites a degree of deliberation. For the uninitiated, we are talking about ultraviolet lights. While some cultivars claim that they haven’t noticed any major change in their plants when under the influence of UV lights, others believe that these lights can perfectly bring out the natural flavor and fragrance of plants.

So, do plants need UV lights at all? Well, ultraviolet light might be beneficial for your plant’s overall development: but that’s only true when you understand how exactly to use these lights.

What is UV Light?
Often referred to as UV light for short, ultraviolet light is technically a type of electromagnetic radiation garnered from natural sunlight.

Every time you are out in the sun, you are exposed to UV light.

It is broken up into three different categories of wavelengths — UVA, UVB, and UVC.

It helps plants grow in several ways and also may improve the overall potency and quality of your flower.

But, only certain types of UV light are really beneficial to plants.

The Different Types of UV Light

Both UVB and UVA are essential parts of life on earth, but UVC is not. It gets filtered out by the ozone layer, and never really makes it to our plants naturally outdoors.

There is also technically a fourth type of UV light. This is any kind of light with a wavelength between 10 and 180 nm. This kind of UV light is referred to as extreme or “vacuum” UV, since it propagates only in a vacuum.

Since we’re talking about UV light for plants in particular, we are only going to cover the two types you need to know about” UVA and UVB.

Now, let’s quickly breakdown the wavelengths at which each type of light occurs.

Ultraviolet A (UVA)
Ultraviolet A, or UVA light, is light with wavelengths between 320 nm and 400 nm.

It contains about 3% of the photons that are found in natural sunlight when it breaks through the earth’s atmosphere. It does not have any harmful effects on DNA.

Ultraviolet B (UVB)
The next type of ultraviolet light is UVB, or ultraviolet B. this kind of light has wavelengths between 29 nm and 320 nm.

It contains about a fifth of 1% of overall natural sunlight. In contrast to UVA, it can damage DNA and has been known to have cancerous effects on humans and animals.

However, since it has such a small composition, the ozone layer can better block it out. It rarely reaches the earth in significant enough amounts to do lasting damage.

How Does UV Light Affect Plants?

UV light has the ability to destroy harmful microorganisms, particularly when the wavelengths are shorter than 300 nm.

Not only that, but UV light can increase your plants’ resistance to bacteria, insects, and fungus.

Grow plants indoors without any UV exposure, and you’ll lack all of these benefits.

Faster Germination
UV light can also promote faster germination when starting seeds. They strengthen the plant and prepare it for higher light intensities.

It reduces the “shock” time of the seedlings while also speeding up germination.

When Should You Give Plants UV Light?
There has been some talk about when using UV light is actually effective. Some growers say you shouldn’t use it during veg, as it won’t contribute much and will just be a waste of money.

A common theme we hear is “don’t invest in the veg, invest in the flower”. But, if you don’t invest in the veg, how is your plant going to be capable of producing a frutiful harvest?

That’s why we recommend using UV lighting full cycle if you can — from seed to harvest. By giving UV light to your plants during propagation & early veg, they will develop thicker cuticles, faster metabolism, and just be overall stronger and healthier.

There is no question that all of this adds up to a plant that can yield heavier, and more potent. So, rather than adding in high doses of UV light at key points, we recommend using low doses of UV light over the entire life. This is safer, and more effective.

Without further do, let’s dive into the extensive world of UV Lights.

UV-A light

Features:

The UV light bar is designed to be used on the Model IR-X030.

These lights are the ideal solutions for small and large grow operations.

It adds a certain portion of the UV spectrum to completely mimics the properties of natural sunlight. UV will increase terpene production which improves the smell and flavor of herbs.

One UV bar produces 30 watts full spectrum light. The UV fixture works in addition with other horticultural lights to promote flowering.

Low heat output, low power consumption, and low maintenance.

UV-B light

Features:

The The SolarSystem UVB grow light is an excellent light source for growing plants. Offers an energy-efficient high output ballast for long life. Lightweight and easy to install with mounting hardware included.

TheThe SolarSystem UVB supplemental LED grow light is made to boost UV output in plants.

The SolarSystem UVB grow light works in addition with other horticultural lights to promote flowering.

Can be used as a stand-alone or supplemental with other grow lights

Designed for quick, easy installation

Full spectrum

ECO Farm 740W Full Spectrum Slim Foldable LED Grow Light With Separately UV+IR Control

Features：

The light is for growers who are looking to maximize yield and resin production, making it suitable for flowering. The light contains UV light, which is widely known to increase resin production, as the plant forms its own kind of “sunscreen” to protect itself from ultraviolet light.

These large indoor LED grow lights are designed to improve yield and visual conditions, making it easy for growers to assess their crops in any environment.

Advanced LED Grow Light System

Higher Yields and Better Quallty

Perfect for Propagation, Veg or Bloom

Perfect for small or large scale grows

Outputs UV spectra for enhanced resin production

Increases resin production by weight during late flowering

RayonLED GLMF-720W FOLDABLE LED Grow Light with UV Grow Light

Features:

The light operates at 720W ( 6 full spectrum bars 640W + 2 bars UV-FR 80W) with an output of 2016 µmol s-1 PAR and an impressive efficacy of 2.8 µmol s-1 per watt. The light coverage with its 6 passively cooled LED bars allowing you to use it in low rooms, vertical racks, over benches, or even in tents. This powerful, full-spectrum light source is intended for full-term plant growth from the vegetative stage to the higher-light-requiring bloom and finishing stages.

The light is for growers who are looking to maximize yield and resin production, making it suitable for flowering. The light contains UV light, which is widely known to increase resin production, as the plant forms its own kind of “sunscreen” to protect itself from ultraviolet light.

cETLus compliant and IP65 wet-rated for use in wet environments, allowing for versatile placement in growing spaces with low ceilings, vertical racks, benches or even in tents.

Reliably sourced components built to last.

Built with premium Philips drivers, Samsung white LEDs and Osram deep-red LEDs, this fixture uses only the highest-quality components. The fixture is dimmable to 50% without any loss of efficiency using the Gavita E-Series LED Adapter and Gavita Master Controllers.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that at its core, ultraviolet light is harmful to crops; however, this does not negate the fact that it is a positive force in driving innovation for developing adaptive plants that can withstand harsher conditions, thereby ensuring food security for humanity.