Lupins

[bettyfloormop]

I have some seedlings in a pot outside.

When can I plant them out? Do they need to get a bit bigger first?

You probably need to pot them up individually to grow on a bit first.

Thanks @Tambora

So not big enough to go into the ground yet?

They might fall prey to slugs and snails if they go out too early. You could always put a few in the ground and pot up the rest.

I moved some tiny seedlings into the ground and regretting it a bit as like pp said they are easier to keep protected in pots.

Pot them on into individual pots, put them somewhere sheltered to harden off. Make sure they’re watered.They will grow bigger with more leaves Over winter them in the sheltered spot that will be frost free. A cold frame would be ideal. Continue to keep moist. Next spring, after the last frost you can plant them out. They will flower that summer.

Thank you all x

When you pot them on out the pot, use the seed leaves to handle them by, rather than the true leaves or stems. The seed leaves are expendable, and young plants are very fragile. If the stems get damaged it is Game Over.

Whatever you prise out their plug of soil with, assume they have more roots than you think, and allow a generous amount of compost around them. The root tips are the point where the seedling takes up water, in minute root hairs, so if they lose too many root tips they will struggle to survive.