---
title: "Does anyone know if you have to harden off/acclimatize plants to the…"
description: "Does anyone know if you have to harden off/acclimatize plants to the outdoors if you overwintered them with grow lights? I have saffron crocuses that never…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/reGnX7K3StqCfipC4Gtt2w/luTV3zay75RVe9R7Q2qv1v"
community: "Plant Pro Tips"
author: "Snowstorm"
published: "2025-04-17T17:29:24.370303Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/kbxreZo9tY3RlsyTziQUu7yH2oqcyZEbj4wNRx6BGuU/yHZQLVzhR9WRMUt9jW_7NA.webp?size=large"
---

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# Does anyone know if you have to harden off/acclimatize plants to the…

_Posted by Snowstorm on 2025-04-17_

Does anyone know if you have to harden off/acclimatize plants to the outdoors if you overwintered them with grow lights?

I have saffron crocuses that never wilted back so I was advised to over winter them with grow lights for 6hrs a day (and just a couple weeks ago I upped it to 12hrs with spring being eminent) it’s getting near our last frost date (zone 6B) so it’s time to bring them out but should I do it gradually? They never wilted back and got suuuuuuper long.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/kbxreZo9tY3RlsyTziQUu7yH2oqcyZEbj4wNRx6BGuU/yHZQLVzhR9WRMUt9jW_7NA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/kbxreZo9tY3RlsyTziQUu7yH2oqcyZEbj4wNRx6BGuU/evtSzW0fQoC34GaDry25PQ.webp?size=large)

## 2 comments

### LearningPlantMom commented on 2025-04-17

Yes you should harden it.

Start indoors: Keep the plants indoors under grow lights for a few weeks.  
Gradually increase outdoor time: Start with a few hours of outdoor time each day, gradually increasing the duration as the weather improves.  
Protect from harsh conditions: Ensure the plants are protected from strong winds, direct sunlight, and cold temperatures during the hardening-off process.  
Consider a cool location: A cool, shaded spot is ideal for hardening off saffron crocuses.  
Monitor for stress: Watch the plants for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves

#### Snowstorm replied on 2025-04-17

Ok thank you! I had them out for a few hours today as a test so I’ll continue to ween them up to full days.

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