Seedleaves

INDO supplied Seedleaves with Vertilink LED grow lights for their vertical farm, where the team grows seedlings, microgreens, herbs, edible flowers, and a wide range of crops for restaurant, retail, and wellness clients. Here’s what they had to say:

The introduction to INDO came through a prior connection with myself, but further awareness sprouted at the Greentech Amsterdam 2023 event. The particular light product in use is the Vertilink.

In terms of cultivation, our focus spans across various crops. The Vertilink lights are instrumental in our seedling and microgreen production, catering to a diverse array from leafy greens, lettuces, and herbs to edible flowers, tomatoes, and squash. Microgreens occupy a significant segment, emphasising nutrient density, high polyphenols, and vibrant hues. Among these are red amaranth, beet leaf, broccoli, wasabi mustard, and sunflower.

Regarding the product’s appearance, the lights boast a sleek, slender design that integrates seamlessly with our vertical racking. This setup prevents dangling or twisting, ensuring a consistent light angle unlike our previous fixtures. Moreover, the design minimises glare for both our growers and farm visitors. The cable management is tidy, complementing the appealing light spectrum that enhances the visuals of our crops. Installation of the product was a breeze, easily achievable by a single individual.

The experience with INDO has been top-notch. Paul has been consistently prompt, efficient, and amicable in communication. This reliability instils confidence in our ongoing collaboration and the prospect of introducing the product to our clientele. Without hesitation, we would recommend INDO to others. Their service is exceptional, paired with a product that exceeds expectations.

Moving into the specifics, our observations reveal intriguing data. In terms of seedlings, a notable reduction in algae growth on our substrate (primarily rockwool) is evident. Comparative tests against our previous lighting underscore a marked difference. While the growth rate hasn’t seen a significant boost, the uniformity and health of our crops — showcasing efficient nutrient uptake and robust above-ground development — remain consistent. Remarkably, using only 2 lights as opposed to our prior 4 has proven equally effective due to the superior light diffusion of the Vertilink. This efficiency translates to easier maintenance and setup with fewer wires.

For microgreens, the impact is striking. The speed at which true leaves unfurl is notably accelerated. Some crops, like micro coriander, have seen a day shaved off their usual development cycle, hastening the process significantly. This rapid unfolding of true leaves is pivotal for us, enabling swift colour development and the harvest of seed-free, uniform crops.

Alex Douglas, Seedleaves