Seedling Recovery After Frost: Onion, Pepper, and Herb Germination

Assessing Frost-Affected Seedlings

Onions are cold-hardy and will likely sprout eventually, even after frost exposure. Peppers are tropical—cold, wet conditions cause rot. Your covered pots in the shed created a damp, cold environment harmful to peppers.

Immediate Actions

• Onions: Leave outdoors; they'll germinate when soil warms.
• Peppers: Move indoors to sunny windowsill (70–80°F). Discard if no germination in 21 days.
• Herbs ("spices"): Variable cold tolerance; bring indoors for safety.

Proper Seedling Hardening Off

When seedlings emerge, never place directly in sun. Instead:

1. Days 1–2: Full shade, protected.
2. Days 3–4: 1–2 hours morning sun.
3. Days 5–7: Increase sun exposure daily.
4. Day 7+: Full sun ready for transplant.

This prevents sun scald and transplant shock. Your follow-up shows onions and one pepper sprouted—good signs! Keep peppers warm indoors until weather stabilizes.