Countertop Harvest
By the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated
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What is the best grow light for indoor herbs?
There isn't one best light for every kitchen; the right one depends on how many pots you have and where they sit. What matters for herbs is enough light for long enough. Iowa State Extension recommends 12–16 hours a day on a timer and notes that herbs without enough light get thin and spindly. Pick the type first, then compare specs within that type.
Grow lights compared
| Light | Type | Power | Light specs | Controls | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Sprout Smart Growbar | Under-cabinet bar | 15" bar, 27W adapter | 4000K, CRI 92+, 1480 lm | App timer and dimming (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi); manual switch | A row of pots under a cabinet |
| Barrina T5 2ft (6-pack) | Linkable strip lights | 10W per light, 60W per 6-pack | 5000K, 120° beam | Switch on each light; link up to 16 | A shelf or rack of herbs |
| SANSI PAR25 15W bulb | Screw-in bulb (E26) | 15W | 4000K, PPF 27 µmol/s, 60° beam | None built in; add a plug-in timer | One or two pots under a lamp you own |
| Soltech Aspect Gen 2 | Hanging pendant | 36W | 3000K, PPF 50 µmol/s, 60° beam | In-line dimmer; outlet timer included (US/CA) | A stylish light over a plant group |
| LetPot LPH-Air | Smart garden with light | 24W light, 10 pods | Full spectrum; light up to 14" | App light schedule and water alerts | Light and water handled together |
Specs from the makers' product pages, checked October 2026. Prices change often, so they aren't listed; check the maker's page. We haven't tested these lights ourselves.
Our picks by setup
Modern Sprout Smart Growbar
Best for a row of pots on a counter
- 15" x 2.3" flush-mount bar, stick-on install with no drilling
- 4000K natural white, 92+ CRI, 1480 lumens
- App schedules and brightness; needs 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, has a manual switch
- Maker suggests 10–16" above established plants; 3-year warranty
Barrina T5 2ft LED (6-pack)
Best for a rack or bookshelf of herbs
- Six 2-ft lights, 10W each, 5000K full spectrum
- 120° beam; on/off switch on each light
- Link up to 16 lights; tape, clips and cable ties included
- No built-in timer on this version; add a plug-in timer
SANSI PAR25 15W grow bulb
Best for a single pot under a lamp you own
- E26 screw-in bulb, 15W, 4000K
- PPF 27 µmol/s; maker lists 152.83 µmol/s/m² at 1 ft
- Maker suggests 30–50 cm (about 12–20") above plants
- Not for dimmable or fully enclosed fixtures; 5-year warranty (US/CA)
Soltech Aspect Gen 2
Best as a pendant over a plant group
- 36W, 3000K warm white, CRI 98, 3000 lumens
- PPF 50 µmol/s; 60° beam; dimmer 10–100%
- 18-ft fabric cord; outlet timer included in US/Canada
- Maker suggests 12–24" for full-sun plants; 5-year warranty
LetPot LPH-Air smart garden
Best if you want light and water handled
- 10 pods with a 24W full-spectrum light that raises to 14"
- App light schedule and low-water alerts
- Hydroponic: needs plant food; see nutrients explained
How to choose a grow light for herbs
- Match the shape to the setup: bars and strips light a row or shelf; bulbs and pendants light a circle below them that widens as you raise them.
- Real watts, not "equivalent" watts: compare the actual power draw (15W, 27W, 36W), not the "200W equivalent" claim.
- PPF if listed: PPF (µmol/s) is the plant-usable light a fixture puts out. Higher means more light, but distance matters as much as the number.
- A timer: herbs need 12–16 hours of light and a dark period (Iowa State). If a light has no timer, a cheap plug-in timer does the job.
- White light: full-spectrum white (3000–5000K) works for herbs and doesn't turn the kitchen purple.
How far should a grow light be from herbs?
Follow the maker's guidance first. Iowa State says fluorescent fixtures go about 6–12 inches from the leaves and LEDs often 12–24 inches depending on strength. Stretching or pale growth means move the light closer; bleached leaves mean move it further away. More detail in how much light indoor herbs need.
Growing basil? Read how to grow basil indoors. On a tight budget, see grow lights under $50; for dark winter kitchens, grow lights for winter herbs and growing herbs without sunlight.
Sources
- Iowa State Extension: Growing herbs indoors
- Modern Sprout: Smart Growbar specs
- Barrina: T5 2ft 10W specs
- SANSI: grow light specs
- Soltech: Aspect Gen 2 specs
- LetPot: LPH-Air
Frequently asked questions
What kind of grow light is best for herbs?
A full-spectrum white LED you can run on a timer for 12–16 hours a day, sized to your setup: a bar for a row of pots, strips for a shelf, a bulb for one pot.
How many hours a day should herbs be under a grow light?
Iowa State Extension recommends 12–16 hours a day on a timer, with a dark period each night.
How far should a grow light be from herbs?
Follow the maker's guidance. Iowa State says LEDs often sit 12–24 inches away depending on strength; the Smart Growbar maker suggests 10–16 inches for established plants.
Do I need a timer?
Yes, a timer keeps the 12–16 hour schedule consistent. If a light lacks one, such as the Barrina 10W strips or SANSI bulb, add a plug-in timer.
Is a grow light bulb enough for one basil plant?
For a single pot, a screw-in grow bulb such as the SANSI PAR25 15W in a lamp you own is a simple option; SANSI suggests hanging it 30–50 cm above plants.