How to Use LED Grow Lights with UV and IR for Better Yields

Within the realm of indoor farming, each photon counts. The focus is gradually moving to UV and IR light-two often disregarded wavelengths that can significantly impact growers' search for better yields, more potency, and healthier crops. Modern LED grow lights with UV and IR provide exact control over the whole light spectrum, enabling growers to release a plant's whole genetic potential.

 

This article will explain:
1. What are UV and IR?
2. How to correctly use LED grow lights with UV and IR
3. Why including them in your lighting strategy can lead to increased yields, improved quality, and greater efficiency.
4. Choose adjustable spectrum LED grow lights with UV and IR.

 

 

Spectral ranges outside the visible light range are UV (ultraviolet) and IR (infrared).

 

1. UV-A (315–400 nm) and UV-B (280–315 nm)

Though invisible to our eyes, it can set off stress responses in plants that boost the synthesis of secondary metabolites, including terpenes, resins, and flavonoids.

 

2. Far-Red Light (700–800 nm)

Though it does not directly help photosynthesis,  it influences plant morphology and photoperiod responses, affecting blooming time, plant height, and night signaling.

 

Typical "full spectrum" lighting replicates sunlight from 400–700 nm (the PAR range). But since they offer special biological advantages not possible from the core PAR range, really full-spectrum grow lights should incorporate the UV and IR fringes.

 

 

1. UV Light: Emphasise what builds strength.

Correct use of UV light serves as a mild stressor. Plants, therefore, boost the synthesis of defensive molecules:

Crucially crucial for cannabis, lavender, and other fragrant crops, increased resin and terpene production

 

Stronger disease resistance: UV light causes immune-like reactions.

More compact, efficient canopies result from tighter internodal spacing, reduced stretching under UV.

UV grow light is beneficial in high-value crop production when quality and potency are equally as crucial as quantity.

 

2. IR Light: The Flower Accelerator

Through its effect on phytochrome signaling, far-red or IR light is essential in controlling flowering and stem elongation:

🌸 Quicker change to a flowering stage

💤 Simulated evening for better management of circadian rhythms

🌱Depending on the timing and red-to-far-red light ratio, either taller plants or stretch control

 

When used in adjustable spectrum grow lights that allow spectrum adjustment during various development phases, carefully using IR light can cut the growth cycle and enable more harvests annually.

 

 

Growth Stage	UV Light (365–395nm) – Usage & Effects	IR Light (730nm) – Usage & Effects
Seedling Stage	❌ Not recommended – plants are too sensitive	❌ Not recommended – may cause excessive stretch
Vegetative Stage	⚠️ Optional, low intensity • Enhances resistance • Use < 30 min/day	⚠️ Limited use • May promote internode spacing (not ideal)
Pre-Flowering Stage	✅ Begin low-dose use • Start stimulating secondary metabolite production	✅ Recommended • Triggers flowering • 1–2 hrs/day
Early Flowering	✅ Continue low to moderate intensity • Enhances resin & aroma	✅ Strongly recommended • Accelerates flower development
Mid Flowering	✅ Moderate use • Increases THC/CBD production	⚠️ Optional • May still support flower stretch
Late Flowering	✅ Peak use • Maximize potency and terpene expression • 1–2 hrs/day	❌ Not recommended – avoid stretch, focus on density
Ripening / Flush	⚠️ Reduce or stop use • Avoid stress close to harvest	❌ Stop use – prevents loose bud structure

 

 

 

Not every LED grow light is developed equally. An adjustable spectrum grow light is the most excellent way to combine UV and IR wavelengths. These systems help farmers to:

1. Turn UV/IR on and off as separate entities.

2. Change the degree depending on plant age and strain sensitivity.

3. You can switch from veg mode, which is more blue and has limited UV, to bloom mode, which is more red/IR.

 

JT Grow Light is a 10+ LED Grow Light manufacturer with customers from more than 50 countries around the world. We provide a wide range of products, such as Foldable, Detachable, full-spectrum LED grow lights with UV and IR, Greenhouse Top Grow lights, and quantum board LED grow lights. Our LED Grow Light is favored by over 100 users from the United States, Canada, Thailand, etc.

 

 

Crop Type	UV Application	IR Application
Cannabis	Enhances THC & trichomes	Speeds the flowering transition
Tomatoes	Promotes thicker stems	Improves fruit set timing
Lettuce	Increases antioxidant levels	Reduces leaf stretching
Strawberries	Boosts flavonoids	Increases flowering

 

These benefits demonstrate how a properly tuned full-spectrum grow light with UV and IR can customize plant performance based on cultivar and

 

 

UV and IR in your grow lights is a showy and scientifically supported way to maximize yield, raise potency, and adjust your growing cycles. Adjustable spectrum growth lights allow gardeners the control to approach the light as a potent tool rather than merely a need.

 

Knowing how to use UV and IR light correctly can help you stand out from the competitors, whether you cultivate fruits, leafy greens, or cannabis. UV and IR should always be part of a very broad spectrum of grow light; when used wisely, these wavelengths can be the difference between normal and outstanding performance.