Seedlings outside

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beelady13 Sabattus, ME Apr 30, 2013

I am in zone 5 - Maine - and am wondering about bringing my seedlings outside. They are all flowers - calendula, morning glories, poppies, rudbeckia, candytuft, borage, sunflowers, bachelor buttons and more - and am wondering if it is safe for the seedlings. They just sprouted this past week in solo cups. I was thinking about placing the solo cups in the ground where I will be transplanting them when bigger. Any advice is helpful. Thank you

Post #9502870
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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Apr 30, 2013

always wait to harden seedlings off after getting 2nd set of real leaves, then you have to gradually introduce them to the elements, you can't place them in full sun right away, they will fry
aren't you still getting below freezing at night in Maine???

usually start the process about 10 days before planting them out, and I think your date in ME to plant out is late May

Post #9503528
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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Apr 30, 2013

I find that setting seedlings in the shade for a week or so hardens them off perfectly - no need to haul them in and out of sunlight.
I don't see any point to putting the solo cups in the ground - just get them outdoors (bring them in at night whenever there is chance of frost or wait until risk of frost has ended) and plant them in the ground when they are well-established and large enough to handle easily. Small containers will need to be watered daily.

Post #9503571
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beelady13 Sabattus, ME May 02, 2013

thank you!!

Post #9505476
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Pfg (Pam) Warren, CT(Zone 5b) May 04, 2013

Be careful about planting when it is still too cold and there is a chance of a late frost. My frost date is late May/June 1, that's when it's safe to plant tender annuals- petunias, basil, sunflowers, etc. Half-hardy annuals, like snapdragons, and most perennials can go out now in my zone, but should still be hardened off first.

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