Are these seedlings ready to start hardening off?

gilla.walmsley

These are Eschscholzia californica (Californian Poppy). Think they germinated about 5 weeks ago?? Not sure whether to start hardening them off or not - any advice? Thank you!!

punkdoc

Yes, they can be outside now.
Mine self sow from year to year, so never see the indoors.

gilla.walmsley

Thanks very much - I'll give it a go!

nutcutlet

Outside but I wouldn't plant out til thoroughly established in the pots. I think these are better direct sown

gilla.walmsley

Hmm the advice I was given by the supplier was not to sow direct! I'm planning on planting them in a pot on my patio. So you think I should harden off but not plant in their final (pot) destination yet? Thanks for all your help! This is the first time I've grown anything from seed, in case you couldn't tell

Lyn

I wouldn’t plant them out yet until they are bigger, they don’t like being transplanted but if they have a bigger root system they will  stand more chance of growing. Also if they’re bigger they’ll stand more chance of surviving slug damage. 

gilla.walmsley

Great, thanks Lyn. These pots they're currently in are Cow Pots so in theory when they're ready I could just plant them in one big pot in the containers they're in and they will compost down..... 

Lyn

Perfect 🙂

Nanny Beach

yes, Lyn is correct also tiny seedlings like this are perfect slug food

gilla.walmsley

Thanks very much - I'm planning on planting them in a pot with some verbena which are still quite small seedlings so will wait a while anyway. Pesky slugs!