From seed, light cycle?

Hi I'm new. My first grow.
I've been reading a lot and watching a lot of videos. Starting from seed for my first grow before I spend $$ on clones. I've germinated lots of seeds before (from tomato and basil to chia and corn) so I'm not worried about that, but once I plant the seeds (I am going with soil) do I immediately go to the 18/6 light cycle?
I'm thinking of using clfs for the first couple of weeks to save on the electric bill, keeping the bulb about an inch from the seedlings and once I transplant to bigger pots moving them to a more powerful lighting.

So
A) what light cycle as soon add they are planted (considering CLFs)
B) does this plan seem reasonable?

Thanks,
Joel

18/6 from seed is fine. That's the vegatative phase. Switch to 12/12 for flowering once the plants reach 1/3 of your total grow area. CFL's are great for clones/seedlings but you'l probably want a HPS for flowering (way more buds). Your plan sounds great, lets have some pictures!

I did 18/6 on MH this route. a lot faster sprouting than my previous 24/7 T8 6500k I did last time.

Thanks for clarifying. Fallow up question. Once sprouted, can I leave them outside (this time of year, NorCal) for a few weeks and then bring them inside once they've gone to their first transplant?

hillbillybuddha said:

Thanks for clarifying. Fallow up question. Once sprouted, can I leave them outside (this time of year, NorCal) for a few weeks and then bring them inside once they've gone to their first transplant?

Click to expand...

Sure plants like natural sunshine. As long as they have sufficient light to stay in the vegetative state you will be fine. Keep in mind that with outdoors can come pests.

Just don't throw them out under full sun right away if you can help it. Harden them first.

I just started 4 seeds in direct sun and its been running 95' average, they are doing great.

If possible I would keep your outside as long as possible. Free light Then move them in to flower.

Any thing over 18 hours of light is a waste