I really don't know all the answers. I believe there is a point of diminishing returns on lighting. For example, the most efficient grows I've seen use less wattage per square ft. This method just keeps the plants in a vegetative state with less light which results in a more efficient grow. At the equator, sativas never get more than 12 hours of light outdoors. It's not such a radical lighting schedule when I consider that fact. Here's an article on it: 12/1 Lighting for optimum growth and savings « Cannabis Dynamics
Pepper Reviewed by Pepper on . 2nd grow - experimenting with light cycle. Trying a radical new approach - Veg Hey Guys, I've only grown once before which was not successful, not because of what I did, but what I wasn't able to do..which was to care for my plants. I was forced to be away on business for an extended period of time which resulted in dead plants. My second attempt I have implemented a new light cycle that was proposed on the weed scene website. This is not the typical 18/6 or 24 hour light cycle..not even 16/8. The new light cycle I am trying out for VEG state is 12/5.5/1/5.5. Rating: 5