Hello, I’ve planted a lot of different chili seeds at different times, and now its starting to be hot enough for them to be in the greenhouse ☺️
I live in Denmark and the last Frost should be over by now ☺️
My question is, do I need to harden my chili seedlings off, eventhough they have been in the window sill of a South facing window, where they have gotten about 5 hours of direct sunlight everyday for weeks now? ☺️
If people say I still need to harden them off, could I maybe start with 1 hour the first Day and then jump to 3 hours, 9 hours, 14 hours and then leave them outside overnight or what? 😋
by NalleWii
2 Comments
A lot of solar energy is blocked by windows – it’s going to be more intense for them outdoors. There’s also wind and varying humidity levels. Smaller pots dry out quicker outdoors.
I start with 2 hours in the afternoon shade. If they handle it well, I go to 4 hours of afternoon shade the next day. Depending on their condition, I go to partial sun and then full sun, and then more full sun.
I don’t leave my plants outside overnight until they’ve been transplanted into larger containers. In small pots, the roots will get colder, faster.
Yes. Any medium between your plants and light source will filter/reduce the amount of light the plant receives.
I started hardening off my peppers a few days ago in direct sun. 30 minutes first day, an hour the next, 1.5 the next, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, etc. As long as you’re increasing the duration in the sun daily, they will safely adjust. The quicker and bigger you make those jumps, you risk sunburn.
Got to baby them a bit and keep an eye on them for signs of stress like flimsy droopy leaves, to full on burning/yellowing. If you have the time to spare, take it slow.
Good luck!