Final answer:
The most effective lighting periods for a long-day plant that will flower in February are short lighting periods. Red light is the most effective color of light for promoting flowering in plants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most effective lighting periods for a long-day plant that will flower in February are short lighting periods. This is because long-day plants require a certain period of darkness to trigger the flowering process. Short lighting periods will ensure that the plant receives the necessary amount of darkness to initiate flowering.
As for the color of light, the most effective choice would be red light. Red light is rich in the wavelengths that promote flowering in plants. It stimulates the production of flowering hormones and helps regulate the plant's development and timing of flowering.