Light Deprivation (Light Dep)

What Does Light Deprivation (Light Dep) Mean?

Light deprivation is a cultivation method that takes advantage of a plant's photoperiodism capabilities, forcing it to flower much sooner than it naturally would. Cultivation through light deprivation is accomplished by simulating a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark photoperiod. This mimics the length of days and nights in late summer months and can trigger plants to flower, bloom, and bear fruit.

Maximum Yield Explains Light Deprivation (Light Dep)

Many flowering plants rely on a particular photoperiod to regulate their flowering. When a plant is exposed to a particular amount of darkness, it will trigger a flowering cycle. Different plants rely on different amounts of darkness, which is what the light deprivation method makes use of. By controlling the amount of light and darkness that a plant receives, gardeners can force plants to flower much earlier than they normally would.

Light deprivation systems can be created both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor systems take advantage of natural sunlight, while providing plants with an artificial darkness via tarps and canopies. For example, a simple light deprivation system can be created in a greenhouse by covering the exterior of the building in blackout tarps. However, the time plants need to be covered will vary from plant type to plant type.

Indoor light deprivation systems rely on artificial lighting to provide plants with the correct amount of darkness and light they need. Additionally, it should be noted that if a plant’s darkness cycle is interrupted by a bright light, the flowering cycle can be disrupted or even reversed.