Better, yes, but some folks grow all the way through using just an HPS light. If I have one to spare, I throw it on vegging plants too (along with some blue CFLs), and while the HPS light isn't optimal for veg, it still helps some. I've got 10 clones growing under eight blue CFLs plus a 400w HPS light at the moment, and they appreciate the extra lumens, even if it's redder than they need at the moment.