how important is pure dark for 12/12?

[dt3ks]

Hey everyone, I was wondering how important pure darkness is for the 12/12 light dark cycle. I would like to begin flowering but I won't be able to get my flower camber for 3 more weeks...

They are in a spot that is practically dark, is that sufficient or would it mess with the plants too much? I'm asking because with things like the moon and town lights and what not it's not totally dark outside either.

I'm just looking for an opinion. i appreciate any input.

[Davy Jones]

I have found in my experience that it will take a bit longer to bud if its not completely pitch dark.

[shivaganesha]

Excellent question... and i can't remember how many extra hours of light moonlight contributes to a plants photosynthesis, but it has been reported that plants growing under a full moon do seem to have bursts of growth. Indeed to ancient growers the moon was very important from sowing right up to and including harvest.

The best thing for you to do now would be to make sure that your plants are in absolute dark. If you need a light on in the room they are in then this means they could easily be disturbed, and any flowering time gained easily lost as the plant reverts back to veg. This can add weeks to the flowering time, and increases rates of hermaphroditism. Play it safe and make sure they're absolutely in the dark, even if this means loosely covering them with a bin liner during the 12 off period.

Or you could even move your plants altogether... an attic or cellar, maybe.

[dt3ks]

Fair enough. Thanks for the advise guys!