Why are my broccoli sprouts so leggy?

General
21

@Vail
Love the idea of comparing the two sets. Thanks for the tip!

22

@Jules
I’m still using cheap lights like yours. They’re working fine, but I might upgrade someday.

23

This is caused by a lack of light. The plants stretch, which weakens them and affects their growth.

24

Keep the lights just a couple of inches from the seedlings.

25

How far is your light from the seeds?

26

Lennon said:
How far is your light from the seeds?

About 9 inches, but I’ve had the light on a low setting.

27

@Westin
Thanks. Any recommendations for grow lights?

28

Jules said:
@Westin
Thanks. Any recommendations for grow lights?

Affordable ones work, but they need to be 2-4 inches from the plants.

29

Jules said:

Lennon said:
How far is your light from the seeds?

About 9 inches, but I’ve had the light on a low setting.

You might need to reseed and use higher settings on the light.

30

Dane said:
They’re growing long because they want more light. Happened to my flowers last year!

Thanks! Didn’t expect that, but I’m learning a lot from this.

32

Move your lights closer.

33

Zev said:
Spectrum matters too. Use 6500k lights with a PAR of 100-300 umol for less stretching.

Here’s the one I’m using: https://www.amazon.com/your-orders/link. Pretty sure it’s not strong enough.

34

Lights need to be just a few inches from the seedlings.

35

I’ve been using cheap LED grow lights for years and keep them inches from the seedlings. I also use a fan to strengthen the stems.

36

Soren said:
I’ve been using cheap LED grow lights for years and keep them inches from the seedlings. I also use a fan to strengthen the stems.

Great idea about the fan! Grabbing one now.

37

@Jules
These plants might not recover, though. You’re better off starting fresh.

38

Soren said:
@Jules
These plants might not recover, though. You’re better off starting fresh.

Already planning to reseed tomorrow. Thanks!

39

Thanks for all the help, everyone! I’ve learned so much. Tomorrow, I’m reseeding and adjusting my lights and fan setup.

40

They’re reaching for the light. Move the light closer, but not so close that they burn!

41

Marin said:
They’re reaching for the light. Move the light closer, but not so close that they burn!

Thanks! Will do.