Dianthus Hardy Tropical Butterfly Question

[mpdjulie]

Having moved house 4 weeks ago our front garden was full of weeds in the beds and in between the paving slabs.  I have been gradually pulling them and generally tidying up.  I have ordered some low lying perennials from T & M.  Today some of the above arrived with a cultural instructions leaflet.  It mentioned to pot them up upon arrival if they are plug plants but there are other instructions for planting them out and into a hanging basket or hanging pouch.  I know this sounds stupid but I don't know whether they are plug plants or are garden ready.  They came in a root trainer style green box.  They are about 4 inches tall (not including the root system).  I have gone for it and planted them straight outside, should I have done this?
Any advice?
Julie

[mpdjulie]

[ACE]

Nope. To early and frosts are still about.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Get some 3 inch pots (or plastic cups will do as long as you make holes in the bottom), dig them up again - you won't do them any harm if you water them well - an replant them, preferably in compost not soil. Grow them on till the danger of frost is past - say a month's time. You can still get the odd slight frost after that - I had one on June 16th a few years ago - but you can protect them simply by covering them with newspaper if one is forecast.