I am asked on a regular basis why I mix 5000K diodes with 3000K diodes on one pcb and two channels.
I chose to go this route as it is a more cost effective manner to add more 460nm - 475nm light spectrum from the 5000K diodes and add the 650-700nm Deep Red in the 3000k diodes for a great growth combination.
460-475nm Royal Blue is considered for the ability to reduce stretch in plant growth. That is one aspect, but there is a more important aspect to using 460-475nm light spectrum throughout the growth cycle of cannabis and all plants, that being 460-475nm light spectrum provides an energy boost to the plants growth process. There is another aspect to this light spectrum, as well, is it adds flavor and aroma of flowers during the flowering stage.
In daylight, there is 460-475nm light spectrum in the light all day long, all year long.
650-700nm Deep Red is mostly considered for adding stretch to plants during flower phase, but there is much at work. 650nm -700nm allows peak chlorophyll's and photosynthesis , already well known. Perhaps lesser known is the ability of 650-700nm to increase antioxidants and improve flavor of flowers.
So both light spectrum work together to enhance flavors, size, taste and aroma. All that is left is the THC development, UVA, another discussion.
One method to provide The necessary 460-475nm light is to add a channel with Royal Blue diodes at 460-475nm as other's have done, or to add the 5000K to the main spectrum available, which peaks at the 460-475nm spectrum, great for adding that additional light spectrum at a less expensive cost and still get plenty of "white" light and watts.
The same is true for the 650-700nm using the existing in the 3000K light spectrum. The 2700K light spectrum will provide a little more additional 650-700nm and the 460-475nm will provide the additional energy needed to take advantage of the 650-700nm light spectrum enhancing growth during vegetative and flowering phases.
