Struggling Broccoli.

[Bry15]

Hi, I have been lurking here for a while now for bits of info, but need some advice now, I hope that I have posted this in the right place.

I am really quite new to this gardening business, and slowly learning from my mistakes

I sowed some Broccoli in the conservatory last month, its quite shady in there, gets warm during the day but frosty at night. The broccoli was doing well, 5/6 proper leaves on each plant. I planted them outside two days ago, and they look really ill now, some leaves a wilting back, and just look like they are about to die off.

I suspect I have been too keen and probably done everything far too early for where I live. Perhaps I didnt harden off thoroughly either.

Not sure what to do with them now though? My partner says dig them back up and bring them back in, but I cant help but think moving them again might not be such a good plan? I have grown quite attached to the little fellows so would prefer them not to die on me, but I have no idea what to do.

[WendyC]

Whilst brassicas are tough plants, you still do need to harden them off. They need to get used to the change in temperature but also I find the wind can be quite damaging to soft new leaves. I generally harden off plants with a week in the cold frame and then a week on the patio.
They need some kind of protection. Do you have any cloches to put over them, cut down pop bottles with the lid off would work. Could you make a tent with some fleece or even a little fence round them to protect them from the elements? You could bring them as I doubt the roots will have done much but you still need to harden off.
Are they purple sprouting brocolli for next winter/ spring or calabrese for the summer? Either way you still have time to sow more seeds.

[Scarlet]

I can't add anything to what Wendy has already said but welcome one to the Vine Bry - don't be shy, pop over and introduce yourself.