generally they should be ready for transplanting when their second set of leaves are developed and the third set on the way. if leggy like most are even when bought i pinch off the first set of leaves that are produced from germination and plant burying up to 3/4 of the length of the stem this give more chance of more roots plus makes the plant stronger in the ground.

len

Here is a link that might be useful: lens garden page

You can transplant them into another container at anytime and plant them deeper when you do so. Many do 2-3 interim transplants and you'll find many discussions about this over on the Growing Tomatoes forum.

But without sufficient light provided, they will just get leggy all over again. Which is why fluorescent light fixtures no more than 1-2 inches above the plants is so strongly recommended in most all the discussions on growing seedlings.

Dave

I agree with digdirt. If it were me, i'd probably pot up to 16 oz plastic cups with drainage holes and place under some type of light. Put up almost to the cotyledons (baby leaves). I had the same thing happen to my Cherry Tomatoes this year. They were started in a Jiffy peat pellet tray. One morning I say that most of them had sprouted. Later that day when I got home from work, all the ones that sprouted were hitting the dome/cover of the Jiffy greenhouse! I immediate potted-up to 16 oz plastic cups and put them in a sunny windowsill. Now, at 4 weeks of age, I have the largest Cherry Tomato seedlings I have ever seen for that age. Keep in mind, most any seedling that's "potted-up" will be shocked somewhat from the transplant. They will re-root themselves over a few days to a week (this is when you're like, why aren't they growing any more???). Then, they'll take off again. I'd only pot up plants where the first set of leaves have already spread open & are forming their first true set (unless the plant is just wicked leggy). Meaning, if something just sprouted within the last day or so, leave it be for a little bit. It also wouldn't hurt to give them a "boost' either only if you are transplanting them...whatever fertilizer you prefer in a watered-down 1/4 strength or so form. Hope this helps. - Steve

Ah, I just put them on the floor in my kitchen and they get some indirect sun. Guess that is why they grow leggy. Will try to get them out in the sun after a transplant.

A local greenhouse grower advised me to give them plenty of sunlight, 50 degree temps at night and blow air on them with a fan. Low temp and fan are to encourage stockiness. By doing this, mine look the best ever. The downside is the peppers in the same house are growing slower than normal.

Keep in mind it's a gentle breeze from the fan. To strong of a wind will damage them. The fan will also help prevent any damping off that sometimes occurs.