Seedlings start

Have been doing so for 40 years with no issues. How do you think the plants survived for thousands of years outdoors??

I would say, if they’re raised under the sun from day one, no problem – no room for softies in the garden. It’s natural selection time out there. But if you raise them indoors like little princesses, don’t be surprised if they need a slow transition. 😜

Normally I would say to move the container in and out of the direct sunlight slowly increasing time so you harden them off to the sun light If your transplanting in the ground and are unable to move the plants I would suggest putting some type of makeshift mesh roof over them for a couple weeks kinda like at a plant store outside they will have those mesh cloths over the plants so only a portion of the sunlight gets thru

Solid answer from m0use, I’ll just add: If your seedlings were under weak light or covered, give them a few days to harden off before full sun. Even tough genetics can get scorched if the jump is too fast. I also skip transplants with autos for the same reason you said less stress, more time growing. You’re thinking the right way, just ease them into the elements.

I grow autos outdoors. I plant directly in the dirt and they do fine. Some times seeds don't like to grow cuz the soil has a bunch of life in it. I call them seeds weak. Some do very well others do ok. Anything with gorilla in the mix tends to be a beast. Transplanting should be ok. just be extra gentle as it can set them back a bit.