When do I plant sprouts?

15 years ago

This is the first year I've tried winter sowing. It's working! Most of the containers have sprouts. I planted snapdragons, columbine, calendula, blanket flowers, asters, and penstemon. When do I plant them in the garden? Is it based on how big the plants are or what?

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

phat_gardener86
15 years ago
from what I have heard it's best to wait until they get their "true leaves" this is basically the second set of leaves. I would wait and let them establish a good amount of roots first though just so they'll be strong when you transplant them. Hope this helps! ~Jamie~
jaggudada
15 years ago
from what I have heard it's best to wait until they get their "true leaves" this is basically the second set of leaves. I would wait and let them establish a good amount of roots first though just so they'll be strong when you transplant them. Hope this helps! ~Jamie~

What happens if you see true leaves in mid April or Late april? In zone 5, the last frost date is 3rd week of May..so will they ride through 3-4 weeks which is when whether really warms up.
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MicheleinNY
15 years ago
My first year wintersowing too! I have the same question about when to plant them out. Many have their first set of true leaves now. I have opened the containers on the warmer days so they don't fry in the mini-greenhouses(closing them if gets too cold at night). Watching them closely for drying out as it warms up. Will try to keep the seedlings growing in the containers until after last frost date. Good luck!
gardenweed_z6a
15 years ago
You can plant out WS seedlings once they have their "true" leaves but you don't have to plant them out by any particular date unless they're getting too big for the container. I plant out as and when I have the time and just do the same as Michele making sure they don't dry out. I have a large storage bin that will hold 8 or 10 milk jugs so that's what I use to bottom water when they need it. Last year we had so much rain drying out wasn't a problem.
Nancy Olsen-Harbich
15 years ago
You're going to have a great garden with those! But don't rush - you'd hate to lose them.

The only sprouts I've got that I really rush into the beds are poppy. Just as soon as they have two real leaves, they go in. They grow on a tap root and if you wait too long you lose too many in the transplanting because they don't like it.

Your selection - the first ones I'd get out there are the calendula and snaps. But wait till your last frost date unless you want to roll the dice.