Volumes have been written about the hows whys and wherefores of indoor lighting for growing. Growers of all sorts of plants all swear by different sorts of bulbs and configurations. For those who are looking to buy light bulbs for indoor growing, here are is a basic primer on the different types of bulbs.

Fluorescent lighting. These bulbs emit very little heat and a clean white light that is fuller-spectrum than incandescent bulb. Because the spectrum is broader and they are much more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights are a good choice where heat from another type of bulb might be a concern. T5 fluorescent growing bulbs are ideal.

CFL lights. These bulbs are the familiar “energy efficient” variety that is set to replace incandescent bulbs in 2013. Their small size, fuller spectrum output, low heat production and energy efficiency make them a good choice for seedlings or small plants, or to supplement growth on the sides of taller plants.

Metal Halide. Serious growers tend to buy light bulbs of the metal halide variety. They emit a blue-heavy spectrum along with a good bit of heat that can be conducive to plant vegetation. Metal halide lights can’t induce flowering, however, because of their heavy blue skew. They are pricey, but provide some of the highest intensity for the money.

High pressure sodium. High pressure sodium bulbs are best used in conjunction with metal halide ones. They emit a red-heavy spectrum perfect for inducing and nurturing flowers, but that same red spectrum does not promote heavy vegetation in the same that a metal halide light does.

LED lighting. This is the Rolls Royce of grow lighting. While not technically a bulb, a high wattage LED produces a high intensity spectrum good for both vegetation and flowering with virtually no heat and no need for replacement bulbs.

With a little bit of research and a lot of experimenting, growers will be able to find the perfect combination of lighting for their growing needs. It is important to remember too that placement of the light source is one of the most important elements of growing. With this in mind, it is easy to see how growers can become obsessed with the configuration of lighting and reflectors all around the bottom and sides of their plants to get the greatest growth, flowering, and yields from them in any environment – soil or hydroponic.