Night scented stock seedlings (with pic)

[TwinklyTits]

Hi all I started these from seed and don't know how or when to transplant them? Want to add them to hanging baskets and window box.
The stems are so fragile they're like pieces of thread so afraid to touch them. Do I just need to wait a while? They are about 6 weeks old atm.
Tried Googling but can't find an answer so thought I'd ask the real experts

I would transplant them. Just handle them very carefully.

I'd probably thin them out so those left have more space and nutrients to grow stronger.

@MagnoliaXYZ thanks I'll give it try.. next week maybe.. my fat fingers worry me

@WheresMyClint I'm too invested in them to thin them out but know ur right. Love your username btw

They need repotting now- hold gently by the stem and use a pencil in the soil to ease them out

Tip the whole lot out of the pot, then start gently teasing them apart, either holding the soil ball or several seedlings together. Apply the gentlest of tension and shake gently. No need necessarily to completely separate them, Ok to pot them on in bunches of 3 or 4.

You may be able to do more separating when they're bigger and tougher, and even dividing that big group into 4 smaller groups will give them all more space to grow. So just take it as far as you feel confident at the moment.

Try to hold a single plant by holding together several leaves rather than grasping it by the stem.

Inevitably you will cause some root damage, so give all the seedlings a good watering once you have them potted up, and try no to put them in the sun until they're settled.

You guys are fab thank you so much

@MereDintofPandiculation those instructions are just what I need really appreciate that

I'm too invested in them to thin them out but know ur right

They should have been thinned out much earlier and you would have much stronger bigger seedlings by now.

Bad OP!

@TonTonMacoute haha wouldn't be me if it wasn't arse about face. Wish me luck

They always look a mess, we plant them in a big pot let them go rampant and put them below windows next to back door, the scent in the evening is heavenly, but lookers they aint.

Well, fingers crossed that now we actually have something looking like summer weather, they will soon beef themselves up.

I love night scented stocks, I hope enough of them make it so you get a good waft of scent

You're 100% right about not holding them by the stem. You should never do this as you could bruise or break the stems. Leaves grow back. Stems dont.