Lighting
 

Hello,

After getting online and becoming overwhelmed & confused by all the "grow lighting" choices (blue spectrum, red spectrum, etc. etc.) I was wondering if anyone would know what the best indoor lighting spectrum (and apparatus for that matter) to purchase to overwinter some of my bananas indoors. UGH! I NEED A GREENHOUSE!!!!!!!

Thanks SO much in advance,
Andrea

Re: Lighting
 

Metal halide bulbs/ballasts throw primarily blue light. Blue light is the most similar to early-mid day/spring sun and will be the best for promoting strong green growth in your bananas. Sodium bulbs throw almost all red/orange light and this replicates late day/fall sun and would be good for plants that flower or fruit. I wouldn't get a high pressure sodium setup as they encourage leggy growth and less than perfect leaf formation....they are really only good for flowering. The best of both is a metal halide bulb that has a mixed spectrum. Hortilux makes a really nice one. That is, a halide that is naturally high in blue spectrum, but with some added red spectrum. This is the closest thing to the natural sun and I've seen first hand how well they work.

For overwintering, you should go with a halide ballast/bulb and get a good bulb. So many people try to save money on the bulb, but this is really the best place to spend a little extra.

For seasonal/non-commercial use, I'd get a less expensive ballast, less expensive reflector and a really good bulb (the hortilux metal halide in wide spectrum won't disappoint-it was about $75 last time I got one and last multiple seasons).

Hope this helps.

Re: Lighting
 

JFK,

Hello. I know it's been a VERY long time since you posted a reply to my question -- right after you responded, my mother fell ill and recently passed away at our local Hospice. However, now that I am able to get time to get back online, I did not want to let any more time pass before coming back here to thank you SO much for responding. Your suggestions were very concice and helpful and I thank you very much.

Andrea

Re: Lighting
 

Andrea, my thoughts and prayers for you at this time.

Re: Lighting
 

Andrea,
Our condolences and prayers for you and your family.

Chong

(PS. I had responded to a question similar to this, on another thread: http://www.bananas.org/f15/lighting-...html#post53899 )

Re: Lighting
 

so sorry to hear about your mom.

Re: Lighting
 

Andrea,

I'm so sorry.

Deb

Re: Lighting
 

Andrea,

I'm sorry to hear about your mom. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Andrew

Re: Lighting
 

Sorry to hear about your mom.

Did want to try and post my experiences with halides as well; did so much research on them a year ago I figure it might help you too.

I purchased the Metal Halides last year and they worked great. I was concerned about too much light one way or another (colorwise) so I ended up doing a lot of research and realized it's the K value that matters. For example I ended up going with 7200K bulbs (1000W halides) and they burn almost the same color as the natural sunlight. It's a tad blue starting up, but overall it's not a harsh color at all. It's certainly not fish-tank blue like some halides I've seen. Plants loved it - grew right through the winter like nothing had changed. Hope that helps.

I purchased from this company twice and was very pleased (they sell a complete kit in a variety of combinations, 1000W may be way more than you need):
Plant Grow Lights, Metal Halide Lights, Metal Halide Light Fixtures, Metal Halide Grow Lights, 1000 Watt Halide Plant Grow Lights, 1000 Watt Metal Halide Plant Grow Lights

And this was the specific light:
Buy 1000W SolarMax 7200K Metal Halide Lamps Here!

Like was mentioned above, unless you've got flowering tropicals, the high pressure sodium or the dual kits (two bulbs per hood) aren't really worth your time.