I sprouted some Baptisia seeds indoors. Can I plant them out now (zone 5), or will they perish?

Question

I would feel pretty good if I could keep these 2 week old sprouts turn into mature plants, but I fear my indoor conditions won't do it for them.

I also fear putting them outside would kill them, since we have already experienced frosty mornings. Would it survive in a protected area?

I dont have a green house or anything fancy, but would love to hear some of your crazy ideas on this.

I have some more seeds for spring, so I am willing to be chancey with these fall upstarts.

Thoughts, comments, rude noises?

Answer 1

I like 'Gardeningfool42's' answer... sort of. If you've got a spot, protected in the garden, I'd try my luck there. Plant them in the ground. Get those plastic milk gallons and cut the bottom off. Secure them in the ground over the seedlings. Pray.

I'd take the top off during the day at least. It's going to get really warm in there, the converse is true at night. The plastic will trap some of the warm in there overnight, just enough to protect them from frosting. Oddly enough, I'd recommend, once the plant has gone dormant, that you leave the lid off for the rest of the winter. You don't want to force it to grow too early in the spring. The whole thing should be off by the end of March or mid-April at the latest. Keep an eye on the weather.

Collegekid and Phil bring up good points too.

Good luck-

Answer 2

They are a perennial in your zone so winter shouldn't kill a mature plant. However. a 3 week seedling is another story. You are on the border line. If we have a mild fall and they have a few weeks to get established you'd probably be OK. If we get some harsh cold, probably not. I would probably try to keep them inside this winter and plant them outside in the spring.

Get a grow light and don't let it get below 50 degrees and don't overwater. Good luck.

Answer 3

There are 2 things you can try. Go ahead and plant them outside but use a root booster/stimulator ( not a rooting hormone) to encourage the roots to establish more quickly and to lessen transplant shock. I would also cover them with a plastic milk jug to make a temporary greenhouse. Cut off the bottom of milk jug and set over your plants. You can remove the cap during the day for better air circulation.

Answer 4

No dont put them outside because the seeds will freeze and die.