How Much Light Does Tomato Need? PPFD & DLI

Demands high light during flowering and deep, regular watering.

  • Peak PPFD: 600–950 µmol/m²/s
  • Peak DLI: 35–55 mol/m²/d
  • Air temperature: 22–28 °C
  • Relative humidity: 50–70 %
  • VPD target: 0.8–1.2 kPa
  • Do not leave the substrate dry for more than 4 days

Targets per growth stage

StageFrom dayPPFDDLIPhotoperiodpHEC
Seedling0100–250 µmol/m²/s6–14 mol/m²/d16 h5.8–6.30.8–1.2
Vegetative14400–600 µmol/m²/s23–35 mol/m²/d16 h5.8–6.32–3
Flowering/fruiting42600–950 µmol/m²/s35–55 mol/m²/d16 h5.8–6.53–4

Watering

Water thoroughly, but allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.