Heres what Id do, considering its 4 years after this thread started, and its late Feb, and not Apr 30.
Depends on how big you want them, when set out. Heres what Id do for a pretty big plant. Depending on strain/genetics of course.
I usually sex plants in 32oz Uline Deli containers, and then veg, in 7 gallon Fabric containers. I use Fabric, so I can cut them off, next up-pot.
I aaso dont spare light. They get blasted outside from day one. I see no reason, to use lower light levels, when outside, they get full sun, from the start.
It is also Vital that they have a great deal of fresh air exchange, or they wont be able to use igher light levels. I would also keep a slight breeze on them, so they are all, slightly moving. Ive never had to use supports on my plants, in 47 year on indoor growing, because Ive always used a fan, and strong light.
When they first came out with HID for growing, 1000w HID, is all they had, and what was recommended, in a 4 x 4 area.
Also consider, the first bulb, came from the Navy Nuclear Sub program, where they grew veggies in their subs. So they too, were starting seeds, under 1000w HID. And of course Ive also started seeds under Fluroescent ect. But the healthiest plants Ive ever started, were all under very strong light.
I also dont grow in a tent.
I either use a 1000w
Hortilux Blue 5500k-HID, in a 4 x 4 area. Either a 1000w
Hortilux Blue, or a 1000w
Hortilux HPS. At 24 inches, and 78f-86f. Box fan, pointed between canopy, and bulb. Start on low, and slowlly increase as they get bigger. Fan also makes water evaporate faster.
I myself would veg the crap out of them, 24/0, until 1st of April.
April 1st, I would cut them back to 18/6, for 2 weeks. Then Id cut them back to 14.5-9.5, and put them out, Mid May. This would give them a month to adjust, and see if they are going to start flowering.
Ive also put them out at 18/6, but have also had more early flowering/reveg doing this. It is Strain Dependent.
I would also BEND, them over, and train all secondary branches, to grow vertically. Dont mess with growing tip. May not be able to bend, if the plant is stiff.
Dont let them get rootbound.
Im in Ky, and I put mine out in Mid April-Mid -May. Though last threatening day of killing frost, is May 15th.