Can I use a flourescent light tube to grow seedlings?

Is a regular flourescent light tube bright enough to grow flowers from seeds? If so, how close should it be to the seeds?

Can I use a flourescent light tube to grow seedlings?
I beg to differ with "PB", a cheap fluorescent shop light fitted with one "cool white" and one "warm white" put out more light in the usable spectrum than two expensive "grow lights". The more light the better so use any available sunlight you can and keep the bulbs 2" to 4" from the leaves until they're ready for the great outdoors. I've been using this set-up for years but you need to replace the bulbs every season for good results. RScott
Reply:Last year I found something better



Daylight Bulbs have a better color spectrum





A 55 year Gardener
Reply:You need to make sure that it is providing full spectrum light. Regular flourescents do not do this.