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The sunlight plays a key role in the photosynthesis of plants, where carbon dioxide and water are converted into chlorophyll under the influence of solar energy, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. The sun not only serves as an energy source but also regulates plant growth, a process called photomorphogenesis. There are many spectra of sunlight.
Plants contain a pigment called phytochrome, which plays a key role in regulating circadian rhythms and the flowering process. This pigment is activated by exposure to red light. At the same time, the blue spectrum of sunlight promotes root development and tuber formation.
The level of illumination is measured in micromoles. There is a concept of "light saturation point" – a state where a plant receives more light than it can absorb. This value is 500 micromoles. Interestingly, on a sunny summer day, plants can receive up to 2000 micromoles of photosynthetic sunlight.
How much sunlight do plants need?
Vegetable crops can be divided into three categories: long-day, short-day, and neutral to the number of sunlight hours.
The first category includes plants such as all types of cabbage, carrots, wheat, barley, beets, turnips, peas, and salad onions, among others. They require a light day duration of 12 hours or more for flowering and fruiting. In short-day conditions, they actively develop leaves, shoots, and roots, whereas in long days (when the light day exceeds the night), the flowering process begins, fruit formation and ripening start, indicating the transition from vegetation to reproduction. Orchids and ficus are among the flowers that prefer long-day conditions.
Plants preferring a short-day condition include pumpkins, cucumbers, some tomato varieties, zucchinis, eggplants, peppers, beans, and pattypans. At the beginning of the vegetative period, they require a short day length, then they successfully bear fruit even with prolonged illumination. Among the flowers needing a short day, chrysanthemums, asters, gerberas, and azaleas can be highlighted.
Some tomato and cucumber varieties, as well as watermelons, melons, asparagus, and beans, are considered neutral to the length of the day. This means they start flowering when they reach a certain stage of development, and the duration of sunlight is not crucial for them.
Let's look at some average figures.
For cucumbers and tomatoes planted in the ground, they need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight for full flowering and fruiting. Seedlings, however, require more light – from 14 to 18 hours.
Apricots, apple trees, and other fruit trees need a minimum of 8 hours of sunlight per day.
Raspberries, strawberries, wild strawberries, and watermelons require 8-10 hours of sunlight daily.
Roses and many other types of flowers need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Although some hybrid tea roses can develop normally with 4 hours of sun, this is more of an exception rather than the rule.
