Seedling Light Requirements: Shade Plants Still Need Bright Light When Young

Can deep-shade plants (e.g., African impatiens) be grown from seed with less light than sun-loving plants (e.g., tomato)?

Germination vs. Growing On

• Germination: Some seeds need light (pressed into soil, not covered)—impatiens, coleus, lettuce. Don’t assume shade plants’ seeds don’t need light.
• Growing on: Even shade-tolerant seedlings grow stronger with 8–12 hours of bright light (40-watt shop light or sunny south/east window). Artificial light works well for all seedlings.