Article Summary
Basil microgreens are tiny, flavorful greens that pack a big nutritional punch. But did you know that the kind of light they grow under can change how much they grow and how healthy they are? A recent study by Fayezizadeh et al. (2024) looked at how different colored LED lights—like blue, red, and white—affect basil microgreens. Let’s explore how light changes these tasty plants and learn how we can use this knowledge to grow healthier greens.
How Light Affects Microgreens
Plants, including microgreens, need light to grow. But not all light is the same. Each color of light—like blue or red—has different effects on how plants grow, how they look, and even how healthy they are for us to eat. The study tested four types of basil microgreens under different LED light colors: blue, red, white, and combinations of blue and red. The idea was to find out which type of light helps the plants grow best and produce more nutrients
The Basics of Light Colors
- Blue Light – Helps produce more chlorophyll, which is the green pigment in plants and is crucial for photosynthesis (how plants make their food). This light also boosts antioxidants, which are compounds that help keep our bodies healthy.
- Red Light – Encourages plant growth and helps with the creation of certain plant compounds, like flavonoids, which can contribute to both taste and health benefits.
- White Light – A mix of all colors, but it’s not always the best for plant growth. It doesn’t specifically boost any particular nutrient or growth factor.
- Mix of Blue and Red Light – This combo can give the plants the best of both worlds—promoting overall growth and boosting nutrients at the same time.
What the Study Found
Fayezizadeh et al. (2024) found that different types of basil microgreens grew differently depending on the color of light they were exposed to. Here are some key findings:
- Best Growth (Biomass): The “Ablagh” type of basil microgreens grew the most under a mix of red and blue light. This light combo seemed to give the plants the energy they needed to grow big and healthy.
- Nutrient Boosters: Blue light alone was great for boosting the plants’ antioxidants, vitamin C, and phenolic compounds (good-for-you nutrients). The Ablagh microgreens had the highest levels of these healthy nutrients when grown under blue light.
- Chlorophyll and Color: Blue light helped the plants produce more chlorophyll, which is why they looked so green and healthy. Red light also enhanced the production of flavonoids, adding even more nutritional value.
- Balanced Light for the Best Results: The combination of red and blue light provided a balance. It didn’t just help the plants grow larger; it also increased their health benefits, making this combo a great option for growing microgreens with both size and nutrients in mind.
Why Does This Matter?
Basil microgreens are already known for their taste and nutritional benefits. By knowing which type of light helps them grow best, farmers, gardeners, and even home growers can produce microgreens that are not just bigger but also healthier. For instance:
- If you want to maximize growth and size, a mix of red and blue light is your best bet.
- If you want to focus on boosting antioxidants and vitamins, blue light is the way to go.
Practical Tips for Growing Basil Microgreens
If you’re growing basil microgreens at home or commercially, here’s how you can use the findings from Fayezizadeh et al.:
- Invest in LED Grow Lights: Look for lights that allow you to change the spectrum (color) to blue, red, or a mix. This flexibility can help you grow microgreens tailored to your needs.
- Decide Your Goals: If you want to maximize size and nutrients, use a mix of blue and red light. If you’re aiming for nutrient-dense greens, go for blue light.
- Try Different Light Schedules: The study used continuous light, but you might experiment with different light-on and light-off periods to find what works best for your setup.
Conclusion
The color of light can make a big difference in how basil microgreens grow and how healthy they are. According to Fayezizadeh et al. (2024), a balanced mix of red and blue light promotes the best growth and nutrients, but if you’re looking to pack your greens with as much vitamin C and antioxidants as possible, blue light is your friend. With a little tweaking of your light setup, you can grow basil microgreens that not only look great but are packed full of health benefits.
At Dawn Farm, we are passionate about growing nutritious microgreens, including flavorful and nutrient-rich varieties like basil. Using sustainable indoor farming practices, we strive to produce the freshest and healthiest greens for our community in Canyon, Texas. Our dedication to quality and innovation ensures that every product is grown with care and precision.