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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:

  • Dianthus Classic Coral PPAF 30ct Flat Dianthus Classic Coral PPAF 30ct Flat

    Dianthus 'Classic Coral' PP30048 (30)ct Flat

    Dianthus 'Classic Coral' PP30048 CPBR6729 (30)ct FlatFRUIT PUNCH® SeriesCommon Name: Pinks Classic Coral' is the long-awaited missing color of the FRUIT PUNCH® series. In early summer a splash of double, striking coral pink flowers is produced...

    $224.84
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  • Dianthus 'Cute as a Button' PP31453 (30)ct Flat Dianthus Cute as a Button PPAF 30ct Flat

    Dianthus 'Cute as a Button' PP31453 (30)ct Flat

    Dianthus 'Cute as a Button' PP31453 (30)ct FlatPRETTY POPPERS® SeriesCommon Name: Pinks 'Cute as a Button' has semi-double, bright pink flowers have a deep red eye and serrated edges. Blue-green foliage. Dianthus are among the best for providing...

    $206.64
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  • Dianthus Fire Star PP14895 Dianthus Fire Star PP14895

    Dianthus 'Fire Star' PP14895 (4) 1-gallons

    Dianthus 'Fire Star' PP14895 (4) 1-gallons Zones 5 to 9.FullSun to partial sun. Mature height is 8 inches. Space 8 to 12 inches apart.Vigorous growth rate, for a dianthus. Fire red flowers with a crimson eye have the spicy scent of cloves. These...

    $109.15
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  • Dianthus Neon Star PP14549 Dianthus Neon Star PP14549

    Dianthus 'Neon Star' PP14549 (4) 1-gallons

    Dianthus 'Neon Star' PP14549 CPBR2751 (4) 1-gallonsIncredibly vibrant pink flowers cover the evergreen, glaucous blue-grey foliage. The habit is compact and mounding to a height of about 7" tall and wide. Even more wonderful, the flowers exude the...

    $109.15
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  • Dianthus Spiked Punch PPAF 30ct Flat Dianthus Spiked Punch PPAF 30ct Flat

    Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' PP28635 (30)ct Flat

    Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' PP28635 CPBR5817 (30)ct FlatFRUIT PUNCH® SeriesCommon Name: Pinks Incredibly vibrant fuchsia pink, double flowers have deep red eyes and heavily serrated petals. The flowers are a little larger than most of the other members...

    $224.84
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  • Dianthus 'Sweetie Pie' PP27989 (30)ct Flat Dianthus 'Sweetie Pie' PP27989 (30)ct Flat

    Dianthus 'Sweetie Pie' PP27989 (30)ct Flat

    Dianthus 'Sweetie Pie' PP27989 CPBR6732 (30)ct FlatFRUIT PUNCH® SeriesCommon Name: Pinks ‘Sweetie Pie’ is the perfect choice if you tend to gravitate toward pastel colors for your garden. The true pink, semi-double flowers are...

    $224.84
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  • Dianthus g Baths Pink 3.5 inch pot Dianthus g. 'Bath's Pink' (3.5 inch pot)

    Dianthus g. 'Bath's Pink' (3.5 inch pot)

    Dianthus gratianoapolitanus 'Baths Pink' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Cheddar Pinks Height: 6-12 InchesSpread: 12-18 InchesHardiness Zone: 3-8Full SunEvergreenSoft pink blooms - Spring/early SummerGray-green, grass-like foliageHeat and humidity tolerant...

    $5.51
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  • Dianthus gratianopolitanus Firewitch 10ct Quarts Dianthus gratianopolitanus Firewitch 10ct Quarts

    Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (10)ct Quarts

    Dianthus 'Firewitch' Ten (10) quartsCommon Name: Cheddar Pinks Shocking magenta-pink, upward-facing blooms which exude the scent of cloves appear in masses above silvery-blue mats of evergreen foliage. Each of the 5 petals have serrated edges,...

    $92.28
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  • Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (3.5 inch pot) Dianthus g Firewitch 3.5 inch pot

    Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (3.5 inch pot)

    Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Cheddar Pinks Shocking magenta-pink, upward-facing blooms which exude the scent of cloves appear in masses above silvery-blue mats of evergreen foliage. Each of the 5 petals have serrated...

    $5.51
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  • Dianthus gratianopolitanus Firewitch Dianthus gratianopolitanus Firewitch

    Dianthus g. 'Firewitch' (4) 1-gallons

    Dianthus 'Fire Star' (4) 1-gallons CHEDDAR PINK Zones 3 to 8. Full sunMature size: 6 to 8 inches tall, spreads to 12 inches wide. Low-growing, compact ground cover. Magenta pink, serrated edged petals appear in mass above silvery-blue evergreen...

    $109.15
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