Aromatic plants cultivation with growing LED lamps
Aromatic plants are becoming more popular every year, most people store them in their garden and like to use them in infusion or in their cooked dishes. But did you know that horticultural LED lights offer great control over the cultivation of aromatic plants and better yields?
Singularities
Aromatic herbs have minimal lighting needs. They thrive in a very humid climate and at room temperature.
They are divided into 3 main groups: spices, herbs, and condiments.
The main advantage of indoor cultivation with growing LED lamps is to optimize plants exposure to light. LED technology allows the plant not to suffer from water shortages or nutrient deficiencies, while the benefits of light are maximized.
Unlike vegetables, aromatic plants require less light and can be harvested throughout their crop.
How does growing LED lamps work?
Indoor gardener who want to grow herbs will favor the use of rails (shelf culture) or spots ranging from 10 to 15 watts per square meter.
An electroluminescent diode is intrinsically monochromatic and its conversion efficiency depends on the emitting wavelength. The dominant wavelength emitted by the semiconductor junction is mainly determined by the value of the energy space between the conduction and valence bands.
Monochromatic LED lights provide a specific spectrum of light that can be used to assess the effect of accurate spectral quality on plant growth and development.
The first light-emitting diode on the market was red. Today, the development of this technology has made it possible to develop hybrid colors even quasi-saturated.
Herbs cultivation
For aromatic plants, be sure to define the appropriate spectrum that meets all needs. A spectrum used for « growth » (blue / red LED ratio of 1 to 1.5 or 2) can give good results on parsley, while a spectrum recommended for « blooming » (blue / red LED ratio Of 1 for 2.5 or 3) will yield better results for the basil. You will observe more dense leaves and a faster growth.
As LED lamps do not produce or little heat, the need for ventilation is not important, noise production is minimized. Narrowband emitters (monochrome LEDs) are specified in nm (wavelength in nanometer).
Broadband transmitters (white LED) can be splitted in 3 categories:
- A spectrum called « warm white LED » diffuses a yellow light
- A spectrum called « white LED neutral » (white day) diffuses a white light
- A spectrum called « cold white LED » releases a bluish tint
The growth of aromatic plants requires homogeneous and diffuse lighting. Horticultural LEDs are therefore all suitable for this type of crop and allow to control the climate in which the plants grow.
Aromatic plants
| Name | Family | Needs and Proper Environments | Substrate |
| Basilic | Lamiaceae | Strong Exposure, Average moisture |
Pebbles, sand and soil |
| Tarragon | Asteraceae | Mid sunny, mid shady, Average moisture |
Soil rich in humus |
| Rosemary | Lamiaceae | Strong Exposure, handle dry | Calcareous soil |
| Parsley
|
Apiaceae |
Shaded, little light. Moist |
Light aerated soil |
| Mint | Lamiaceae | Shade and light |
Rich, moist and fresh soil |
Each type of plant has needs and an environment that corresponds to it. Growing LED lamps are an inexpensive system when taken into account that they promote the good conditions of development of plants. By choosing the right combination of spectra and the right light density, you will find the right balance that will make your basilisks and other rosemary flourish under ideal conditions.
The Horticoled team can accompany you in all your project culture. From simple greenhouse cultivation, to automated multi-layer cultivation according to your farming goals and budgets.
