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Sun

When it comes to growing plants, sunlight plays a crucial role in several key factors. Here is a breakdown of the main ones:

Quantity (Intensity):

  • Amount of light: Plants require a specific amount of daily sunlight for optimal growth, depending on the species. This can range from full sun (8+ hours) to partial shade (4-6 hours), to full shade (less than 4 hours).
  • Seasonal variations: The amount of sunlight naturally fluctuates throughout the year. In summer, longer days provide more light, while winter days are shorter. Consider seasonal light changes when choosing plants and planning your garden layout.
  • Manipulation: You can manipulate light quantity for specific goals. Use reflective materials or grow lights to increase light, or shade cloths to decrease it.

Quality (Wavelength):

  • Color spectrum: Sunlight comprises a range of colors (wavelengths). Plants primarily absorb blue and red light for photosynthesis, while reflecting green, which is why they appear green.
  • Specific effects: Blue light influences vegetative growth (leaves, stems), while red light, especially in combination with blue, promotes flowering and fruiting. Understanding these effects can help you choose the right light types for specific plant needs.

Other factors to consider:

  • Daylight duration: Aside from total light hours, the distribution of light throughout the day can matter. Some plants prefer consistent light, while others benefit from morning or afternoon sun exposure.
  • Light intensity: Too much intense light can stress and damage plants, especially in hot climates. Consider providing afternoon shade or choosing heat-tolerant varieties.
  • Acclimatization: Gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor light to avoid scorching.

By understanding these sunlight factors, you can create an environment that optimizes growth and health for your chosen plants. Remember, research the specific needs of your plant varieties for the best results starting with the following sunny varieties:

  • Alcea rosea Fiesta Time 30ct Flat Alcea rosea Fiesta Time 30ct Flat

    Alcea rosea 'Fiesta Time' (30)ct Flat

    Alcea rosea 'Fiesta Time' (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Hollyhock This vibrant seed selection produces relatively short spikes of double, cerise pink, fringed blossoms beginning in midsummer. This is a first year flowering perennial. The shorter height of...

    $169.74
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  • Alcea rosea Mars Magic 30ct Flat Alcea rosea Mars Magic 30ct Flat

    Alcea rosea 'Mars Magic' (30)ct Flat

    Alcea rosea 'Mars Magic' (30)ct FlatSpotlight SeriesCommon Name: Hollyhock Bright red, single flowers are produced on tall, sturdy stalks in midsummer. For over 18 years, Jelitto worked to develop a consistent strain of stable, straight color, single...

    $170.26
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  • Alchemilla mollis (30)ct Flat Alchemilla mollis 30ct Flat

    Alchemilla mollis (30)ct Flat

    Alchemilla mollis (30)ct Flat Common Name: Lady's Mantle Foliage is a soft grey-green and nearly round with deep lobes. Soft, velvety leaves are up to 6-inches across with serrated edges, giving a scalloped look. From late spring to early summer,...

    $172.86
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  • Allium Bubble Bath PPAF 25 BR Plants Allium Bubble Bath PPAF 25 BR Plants

    Allium 'Bubble Bath' PPAF (25) BR Plants

    Allium 'Pincushion' PPAF (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Ornamental Onion Soft lavender flower clusters are held on strong stems above a mound of glaucous blue green foliage. The wide, linear leaves have a slight twist. Compared to 'Millenium', 'Bubble...

    $218.34
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  • Allium 'Millenium' (4) 1-gallons Allium 'Millenium' (4) 1-gallons

    Allium 'Millenium' (4) 1-gallons

    Allium 'Millenium' (4) 1-gallons Cannot ship to Idaho. Common Name: Onion-Ornamental. Zones 5 to 8 Full Sun to Part Shade. Mature height of 15 to 20 inches and a spread of 10 to 15 inches. Compact, upright clump of glossy green, thick and strappy...

    $115.20
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  • Allium 'Serendipity' (4) 1-gallons Allium 'Serendipity' (4) 1-gallons

    Allium 'Serendipity' (4) 1-gallons

    Allium 'Serendipity' PPAF (4) 1-gallons Cannot ship to Idaho. Common Name: Ornamental OnionThe word 'serendipity' means an unexpected occurrence, and what a fitting name for this sport of the popular 'Millenium'! The sport shares all of the...

    $127.87
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  • Allium s Blue Eddy 25 BR Plants Allium s Blue Eddy 25 BR Plants

    Allium s. 'Blue Eddy' (25) BR Plants

    Allium senescens 'Blue Eddy' (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Ornamental Onion, Spiral Onion This selection was named for its attractive, pinwheel-like rosettes of blue-grey to grey-green foliage which resemble “small swirling eddies of...

    $215.73
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  • Anemone Curtain Call Pink Anemone Curtain Call Pink

    Anemone 'Curtain Call Pink' PP30739 (30)ct Flat

    Anemone 'Curtain Call Pink' PP30739 (30)ct FlatCurtain Call SeriesCommon Name: Japanese Anemone This fall blooming Anemone is one of the final performers in your garden for the growing season. Beginning in late summer, this perennial produces bright rose...

    $236.90
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  • Anemone Honorine Jobert 20ct Flat Anemone Honorine Jobert 20ct Flat

    Anemone 'Honorine Jobert' (30)ct Flat

    Anemone 'Honorine Jobert' (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Japanese Anemone We are very excited to be able to offer you this popular cottage garden perennial. It is one of the best perennials for adding late season interest in the garden, as it blooms...

    $224.84
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  • Aquilegia x'Earlybird Mix' (10)ct Quarts

    Aquilegia x'Earlybird Mix' (10)ct Quarts

    Aquilegia x'Earlybird Mix' (10)ct Quarts Common Name: Columbine This mixture, from the Earlybird™ series, was bred for vibrant colors, neatly mounded habit and unusual color combinations. Single colors and may include doubles like purple white,...

    $92.28
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