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Old April 30, 2018   #1
Hervey
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Default 1' seedlings flowering - How many hours under lights?

My seedlings are around one foot tall and look happy. But many of them are beginning to flower. It's a bit earlier than I'd like. The only thing I can figure is the lighting.

I have them under a T5 panel at around 16 or 17 hours of light per 24. Too much?

Last edited by Hervey; April 30, 2018 at 12:23 AM.
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Old April 30, 2018   #2
sjamesNorway
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In his wonderful book, "Epic Tomatoes", Craig LeHoullier writes on page 163 that research has shown that the optimal amount of time under lights is 14 hours. There's no benefit with more.

In my experience, there's no problem with flowering transplants.

Steve
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Old April 30, 2018   #3
bigpinks
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Mine are about 6-7 inches under T8s in a cool basement since Apr 11. Maybe take them outside in about 3 days depending on the weather. Your hours sound OK to me. I've been going with 18 on and 6 off.
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Old April 30, 2018   #4
Worth1
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Exactly fifteen hours thirty minutes and thirty seconds, anything more or less and you're doomed.
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Old May 5, 2018   #5
JRinPA
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I think I run 16 hours...maybe I should cut it back. I always read 15-17. I take them outside at about 4" or 5" usually, so I've never had flowers under the 4 x48 T5 I use.
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