Growing Microgreens Under Grow Lights: Complete 2026 Guide

Why Grow Microgreens Indoors?

Microgreens are the perfect indoor crop for beginners and experienced growers alike. Unlike full-size vegetables that take months, microgreens go from seed to harvest in just 7-14 days. They're nutrient-dense (up to 40x more vitamins than mature plants), sell for $25-50 per pound at farmers markets, and require minimal space.

The catch? Natural sunlight isn't reliable year-round, especially in winter. A south-facing window provides maybe 4-8 DLI in January - not enough for healthy microgreens. This is where grow lights become essential, not optional.

Understanding DLI for Microgreens

DLI (Daily Light Integral) measures the total amount of light your plants receive in a 24-hour period. It's measured in mol/m²/day. Think of it like watering - plants need a certain "dose" of light per day, just like they need a certain amount of water.

DLI Requirements by Crop Type

The good news? Microgreens need significantly less light than fruiting plants like tomatoes or cannabis. This means you can use smaller, cheaper lights and still get excellent results.

Best Grow Lights for Microgreens in 2026

You don't need expensive high-wattage lights for microgreens. Since they're harvested young and don't need to flower or fruit, simple LED panels or T5 fluorescent fixtures work perfectly. Here's what to look for:

Key Features for Microgreens Lights

• Full spectrum or white light: Microgreens grow well under any full-spectrum LED. Skip the purple "blurple" lights - white LEDs work better and don't hurt your eyes.
• Coverage area: Standard 10x20 trays need about 2 square feet of light coverage. Look for fixtures rated for 2-4 sq ft.
• Adjustable height: You'll need to raise lights as microgreens grow. Fixtures with chains or adjustable hangers are ideal.
• Low heat output: LEDs run cool, which is important for microgreens that can be damaged by excess heat.
• Energy efficiency: Microgreens lights run 16-18 hours/day. A 45W LED panel costs about $3-4/month in electricity vs $8-10/month for equivalent T5 fluorescent.

Top 3 Lights for Microgreens (Budget to Premium)

Complete Microgreens Grow Light Setup Guide

Having the right light is just the first step. Here's how to set up your microgreens operation for maximum yield and efficiency.

Step 1: Choose Your Growing Space

Microgreens grow well in almost any indoor space with access to electricity. Popular options:

• Wire shelving units: A 4-tier 48"x18" shelving unit from Home Depot ($50-70) can hold 12-16 trays under lights. Each shelf gets its own light fixture.
• Countertop/table: Start small with 2-4 trays on a kitchen counter or spare table. Hang lights from above or use adjustable stands.
• Basement or garage: Year-round controlled environment, no sunlight needed. Just need stable 65-75°F temps.

Step 2: Position Lights at the Right Height

Light intensity follows the inverse square law - doubling the distance quarters the light intensity. See our grow light distance guide for more details. For microgreens:

Pro Tip: If microgreens are stretching tall and thin (etiolated), lower your lights or increase the photoperiod. If leaves are curling or bleaching, raise the lights 2-4 inches.

Step 3: Set Your Light Timer

Consistency is key. Use a basic 24-hour timer ($8-12) to automate your light schedule. Recommended photoperiods:

Most growers use 16/8: Lights on 7am-11pm. This delivers enough DLI for fast growth while giving plants a dark rest period for optimal metabolism.

Cost Breakdown: Starting a Microgreens Operation

Here's what it actually costs to get started with indoor microgreens under grow lights:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Best Microgreens Varieties for Grow Lights

Not all microgreens perform equally under artificial light. These varieties thrive under LED/fluorescent grow lights:

Scaling Up: From Hobby to Business

Many microgreens growers start as hobbyists and transition to profitable side businesses. Here's the typical progression:

Final Thoughts: Start Growing Today

Microgreens are the perfect gateway into indoor growing under lights. Unlike cannabis or fruiting plants that require months of care, you'll harvest your first crop in 7-14 days. The instant gratification keeps you motivated while you learn the fundamentals of DLI, photoperiod, and light management.

You don't need expensive lights to start. A $40 Barrina T5 4-pack will grow excellent microgreens for personal use or small-scale sales. Once you master the basics, you can upgrade to more powerful lights and scale into a profitable side business.

The key is to start simple: pick 3-4 easy varieties (radish, broccoli, peas, sunflower), set up your lights on a timer, and grow your first few trays. You'll be amazed at what's possible with the right lighting.