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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:

  • Baptisia 'Pink Lemonade' PP30669 (4) 1-gallons Baptisia 'Pink Lemonade' PP30669 (4) 1-gallons

    Baptisia 'Pink Lemonade' PP30669 (4) 1-gallons

    Baptisia 'Pink Lemonade' PP30669 (4) 1-gallons DECADENCE® DELUXE Series Common Name: False IndigoIn late spring to early summer, soft yellow flowers age to dusty raspberry purple, and both colors appear on the stem at the same time. Charcoal...

    $127.87
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  • Baptisia 'Pink Truffles' PP26588 (25) BR Plants Baptisia 'Pink Truffles' PP26588 (25) BR Plants

    Baptisia 'Pink Truffles' PP26588 (25) BR Plants

    Baptisia 'Pink Truffles' PP26588 CPBR5333 (25) Bare Root PlantsDECADENCE® SeriesCommon Name: False Indigo Clear soft pink blossoms with a pale yellow keel are produced in late spring, the perfect compliment to peonies, bleeding hearts, and other...

    $293.70
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  • Baptisia Plum Rosy PPAF25 BR Plants Baptisia Plum Rosy PPAF25 BR Plants

    Baptisia 'Plum Rosy' PPAF (25) BR Plants

    Baptisia 'Plum Rosy' PPAF (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: False Indigo A beautifully elegant bicolor Baptisia that bursts onto the scene in late spring to early summer. Newest flowers open mauve pink and lighten to near white with age. Both flower...

    $276.37
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  • Baptisia australis 25 BR Plants Baptisia australis 25 BR Plants

    Baptisia australis (25) BR Plants

    Baptisia australis (25) Bare Root Plants Common name: Indigo-Blue, False Indigo A distinctive perennial with showy indigo-blue flowers carried on tapering spikes up to 1ft. long. They are held just above the dense, bushy mounds of soft...

    $196.68
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  • Bergenia 'Once upon a Dream' PPAF (20)ct Flat Bergenia 'Once upon a Dream' PPAF (20)ct Flat

    Bergenia 'Once upon a Dream' PPAF (20)ct Flat

    Bergenia 'Once upon a Dream' PPAF (20)ct Flat Common Name: Heartleaf Bergenia, PigsqueakAn early season stunner, 'Once Upon a Dream' will delight the spring garden with tall flower scapes of carmine pink flowers. Dark red stems carry interest down to the...

    $213.30
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  • Buddleia Blue Knight PPAF - MONARCH Collection 30ct Flat Buddleia Blue Knight PPAF - MONARCH Collection 30ct Flat

    Buddleia 'Blue Knight' PP28178 (30)ct Flat

    Buddleia 'Blue Knight' PP28178 (30)ct FlatMONARCH® CollectionCommon Name: Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac The newest addition to the popular MONARCH® Butterfly Bush collection! ‘Blue Knight’ forms a dense clump of minty green leaves...

    $221.72
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  • Buddleia Dark Dynasty PPAF30ct Flat Buddleia Dark Dynasty PPAF30ct Flat

    Buddleia 'Dark Dynasty' PPAF(30)ct Flat

    Buddleia 'Dark Dynasty' PPAF(30)ct Flat Part of the MONARCH CollectionCompact, upright habit; keeps its shape as it ages Rich royal purple, fragrant flowersBlooms from late summer into early fallDark green foliageHeight: 3 feetZones 5-10 Twenty (30)...

    $221.72
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  • Buddleia 'Glass Slippers' PP27832 (30)ct Flat Buddleia 'Glass Slippers' PP27832 (30)ct Flat

    Buddleia 'Glass Slippers' PP27832 (30)ct Flat

    Buddleia 'Glass Slippers' PP27832 (30)ct FlatMONARCH® CollectionCommon Name: Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac Like a cool drink of water on a hot summer day, the silvery green foliage and icy toned flowers of this new Buddleia from the Walters Gardens,...

    $221.72
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  • Buddleia Grand Cascade PP30868 30ct Flat Buddleia Grand Cascade PP30868 30ct Flat

    Buddleia 'Grand Cascade' PP30868 (30)ct Flat

    Buddleia 'Grand Cascade' PP30868 (30)ct FlatCascade CollectionCommon Name: Butterfly Bush Think all Buddleia look the same? Think again! Unlike the typical Butterfly Bush, the panicles on this flowering shrub cascade downward, similar to the look of...

    $221.72
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