Plants use specific wavelengths of light for photosynthesis and growth regulation. The key wavelengths are red (627nm), deep red (655nm), far red (720nm), and blue (448–470nm). We carry LED modules at all of these wavelengths, plus broad-spectrum white options for supplemental or full-cycle lighting.
Wavelengths for Plant Growth
| Wavelength | Role in Plant Growth | Our Products |
|---|---|---|
| Red (627nm) | Core photosynthesis driver (chlorophyll a and b absorption) | 129 modules across all Rebel form factors |
| Deep Red (655nm) | Closer to chlorophyll a peak (~660nm). Higher photosynthetic efficiency per watt than 627nm. | 42 modules across most form factors |
| Far Red (720nm) | Phytochrome response — promotes flowering, stem elongation, shade avoidance response | 19 modules including Star, Tri-Star, Quad, 7-Up, 10mm Square, Rectangular, Side Emitter |
| Royal-Blue (448nm) | Chlorophyll b absorption, vegetative growth regulation, compact plant morphology | 38 modules across most form factors |
| Blue (470nm) | Broader blue for general vegetative response | 83 modules across all form factors |
| Neutral/Cool White | Broad spectrum supplemental. Adds green for canopy penetration and human visibility. | 200+ modules |
Common Wavelength Combinations
| Goal | Wavelength Mix | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetative growth | Blue (448/470nm) + Red (627/655nm) | Classic “blurple” spectrum. High photosynthetic efficiency. |
| Flowering / fruiting | Red (627/655nm) + Far Red (720nm) | Far red triggers Pfr phytochrome response to promote flowering. |
| Full cycle | White (4000–5000K) + Red (655nm) + Far Red (720nm) | Broad-spectrum white provides all wavelengths; red and far red boost photosynthetic efficiency. |
| Supplemental (greenhouse) | Red (655nm) or Deep Red + Far Red | Adds the wavelengths sunlight is weakest in relative to plant needs. |
Use color mixing modules to put multiple wavelengths on a single Tri-Star, Quad, or 7-Up board — e.g., 2× deep red + 1× blue on a Tri-Star.
Form Factor Recommendations
- 7-Up Round — Maximum output per module. Best for primary grow lighting where you need high PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density) over a canopy.
- Quad — High output in a smaller footprint. Good for compact grow spaces.
- Tri-Star — Ideal for color mixing (3 positions = 3 wavelengths on one board).
- 10mm Square / Rectangular — For linear bar lights across grow shelves or supplemental side lighting.
Key Considerations
Deep red (655nm) vs red (627nm). 655nm is closer to the chlorophyll a absorption peak (~660nm) and delivers more photosynthetically active photons per watt. Use 655nm when maximizing photosynthetic efficiency matters. Use 627nm when cost or availability is the priority — it still works, just slightly less efficiently.
Far red is not optional for flowering. Far red (720nm) drives the phytochrome photoequilibrium that triggers flowering in many species. Without it, some plants stay in vegetative growth indefinitely under LED lighting.
White LEDs for human visibility. Pure red + blue lighting makes it nearly impossible to visually inspect plants for pests, disease, or nutrient deficiency. Adding even a small amount of white light (4000–5000K) makes the growing space usable for human eyes.
Thermal management. Grow lights run for 12–18 hours per day. Thermal reliability is critical. Use mechanical mounting with thermal compound — thermal tape degrades over continuous use at elevated temperatures.

