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13 Feb 17 Trevor (Australia - temperate climate)

I have just started cauliflower inside. The seedlings have popped up and I have the seedlings next to a bright window. They look like they are stretching/elongated but afraid to put them outside as it is too hot. Will they be ok until I put them out in 4 - 6 weeks? Or maybe find a shady spot outside? I have them growing in toilet rolls. Thanks

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14 Feb 17 John (Australia - temperate climate)

The legginess and leaning towards the light is a common feature of indoor grown seedlings. If you could find a light,airy spot outside that would be better. If you only have open places make a frame over them with some leafy branches or timber and an old net curtain. Keep the water up to them and they will 'harden off' as they grow. If they are still leggy when you are ready to plant them just plant them a bit deeper. Trust this helps.

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27 Jun 17 Mike (Australia - temperate climate)

I had this problem early this year. I replanted the seedlings so that they weren't so long out of the soil. Then I put my seedlings out in the open late arvo and brought them back in 8-9 am. A bit of work doing this and if you forget they could dried out with the midday sun. Or as suggested make a frame up and put some shade cloth over them. Some places have 50 -- 70 -- 90% shade cloth - put it over the top. A bit of time, effort and a few $$ will make it easier in the future. Or some people grow the plants indoors and use a light bulb over the top of them at night. Just a few inches above the seedlings.

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