VITIS amurensis seedling care

[Schier]

Hello all,

A break from the rain, so I thought I'd have a look at my seedlings and see what needs transplanting, etc., especially since I see it's going to rain again soon, - here it is, anyway!
Ok, I purchased VITIS amurensis seed from Gardensnorth earlier this year, and thought that it was too late for cold stratification, and with any luck, might find seedlings next spring... well, the seeds surprised me and  I now have at least three healthy little seedlings, yes, they are small, but the root system isn't. So, here's the thing, they are in a small pot, and I know they need to be transplanted. Should I pot them up to individual larger pots, or, considering the root system, should I put them directly in the ground. I'm wondering which would give them the best chance of over - wintering.
I know this Vitis isn't an alpine! but I'm quite new at growing shrubs and woody vines, and would appreciate any advice you could give me.

( if all else fails, I'll pot them up in larger pots and put them in a plunge bed for the winter , will also put out more seeds this fall in larger pots! )

Faith

[Lori S.]

Hi, Faith,
Good going on the germination!  You know, I think it purely depends on your way of doing things... I would plant them directly out, as is my habit - hardy plants have hardy seedlings, and to me, whether it's hardy or not is what I want to know.  (Plus, I have no interest or patience for taking care of things in pots.) 
I'm sure other people will advise you to keep them in pots and to possibly provide protection for overwintering. 
It's up to you!
Best of luck whichever you choose. 
Lori

[RickR]

Well, if you keep them in pots, you will certainly need to give them more winter protection than if they are in the ground.  Even with your short summers, I think I would plant them out.

[Martin Tversted]

I sowed this species 2 years ago. I transplanted them out in their final place in the fall after their first season. They are now 5 meters +.

Martin

[Schier]

Good stuff - and thanks to you Lori, Rick and  Martin - I will definitely plant them out! I don't like pampering plants in pots over the winter either if I don't have to. Rainy again today, so a good day to do it, most of my various seedlings do go directly in the ground, and this year and last year have been perfect for it, with all the wet, overcast days. ( although I must admit, I wouldn't mind a bit more sunshine and heat once in awhile... )

Faith