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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:

  • Aquilegia x'Earlybird Red Yellow' (10)ct Quarts Aquilegia x'Earlybird Red Yellow' (10)ct Quarts

    Aquilegia x'Earlybird Red Yellow' (10)ct Quarts

    Aquilegia x'Earlybird Red Yellow' (10)ct Quarts Common Name: ColumbineLarge, beautiful flowers have deep red spurred petals that encircle a layer of yellow inner petals.These showy flowers are surrounded by delicate, fern-like green foliage. Hardiness...

    $92.28
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  • Artemisia 'Silver Lining' PPAF (20)ct Flat Artemisia 'Silver Lining' PPAF (20)ct Flat

    Artemisia 'Silver Lining' PPAF (20)ct Flat

    Artemisia 'Silver Lining' PPAF - Proven Winners®(20)ct Flat Common Name: White Sagebrush, ArtemisiaA hybrid of native North American species including Artemisia ludoviciana. 'Silver Lining' finds the best in its parentage as a spectacular, durable...

    $189.21
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  • Aster 'Grape Crush' PP33612 (25) BR Plants Aster Grape Crush PPAF 25 BR Plants

    Aster 'Grape Crush' PP33612 (25) BR Plants

    Aster novae-angliae 'Grape Crush' PP33612 (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: New England Aster Bringing refinement to fall blooming Asters, 'Grape Crush' produces a large, very round mound with densely packed flowers. We have observed no lodging in our...

    $209.67
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  • Astilbe Bressingham Beauty 25 BR Plants Astilbe Bressingham Beauty 25 BR Plants

    Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' (25) BR Plants

    Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' (25) Bare Root Plants Common Name: Hybrid Astilbe, False Spirea 'Bressingham Beauty' quickly forms a graceful, fern-like mound of dainty foliage topped by bunches of fragrant, dusty salmon-rose tiny flowers; densely...

    $201.01
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  • Astilbe 'Bridal Veil' (4) 1-gallons Astilbe 'Bridal Veil' (4) 1-gallons

    Astilbe 'Bridal Veil' (4) 1-gallons

    Astilbe 'Bridal Veil' ('Brautschleier') (4) 1-gallons Common Name: Astilbe-Hybrid, Spirea Zones 4 to 9. Full sun to full shade. Plants reach 28 inches tall and 18 to 22 inches wide; Clump forming dwarf habit. Growth rate: Moderate, slow spreading,...

    $115.68
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  • Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' (4) 1-gallons Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' (4) 1-gallons

    Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' (4) 1-gallons

    Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' PPAF CPBRAF  (4) 1-gallonsProven WinnersCommon Name: Astilbe An instant classic for the landscape! 'Dark Side of the Moon' is the only dark leafed Astilbe with purple flowers that's on the market. Rich deep...

    $137.95
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  • Astilbe Delft Lace PP19839 25 BR Plants Astilbe 'Delft Lace' PP19839 (25) BR Plants

    Astilbe 'Delft Lace' PP19839 (25) BR Plants

    Astilbe 'Delft Lace' PP19839 (25) Bare Root Plants Common Name: Astilbe-Hybrid, False Spirea This beautiful perennial forms a robust clump of lacy, deep blue-green, waxy foliage with red highlights. Foliage displays some burgundy fall color. Red...

    $216.16
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  • Astilbe Fanal 25 BR Plants Astilbe Fanal 25 BR Plants

    Astilbe 'Fanal' (25) BR Plants

    Astilbe 'Fanal' (25) Bare Root Plants Common Name: Hybrid Astilbe, False Spirea 'Fanal' quickly forms a compact graceful, fern-like mound of dainty foliage topped by bunches of fragrant, bright red tiny flowers; densely packed into erect to...

    $201.01
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  • Astilbe Fanal bare root plant Astilbe 'Fanal' (bare root plant)

    Astilbe 'Fanal' (bare root plant)

    Astilbe arendsii 'Fanal' Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Hybrid Astilbe, False Spirea 'Fanal' quickly forms a compact graceful, fern-like mound of dainty foliage topped by bunches of fragrant, bright red tiny flowers; densely packed into...

    $4.76
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