Jackie, How long from when I received them until I plant depends on when I get them and the weather. Usually I can plant the early or mid-April, so I order them to arrive about then. If the weather cooperates I can usually plant them directly in the garden since it's still pretty cool here but not freezing or snowing anymore, and the sun isn't very intense yet. But since the weather didn't cooperate this year I've had some of them potted up for 3 weeks now. I have nice windows in the garage so they get good sunlight in there and I just leave them there. I bring them outside into a shady place that gets a little sun during the day for about a week before I plant them. The only reason I keep them in the garage or house at all is if I can't plant them out right away. If you can find a place outside where they'll stay dry, but get some sun, they'll be happiest until they're well rooted. Once outside I don't do anything to protect them until the hottest part of the summer, and then I use shade cloth. I'm going to be planting mine in the ground this weekend.
Some people grow theirs in pots for a while before planting outside. I think it's really a matter of preference or trial and error. Whatever works best for you.
