Thank you Elaine for your response and good advice. Generally i wait until a plant is well-established before transplanting it as you suggest. This plant though has a taproot and is a deep-rooted plant. I worried the taproot was about to hit the bottom of the seedling pot and also thought if i waited, the taproot might be too long to allow for a successful transplant.
I live at an elevation of 1800' (545m) in the foothills of the Colima Volcano, about half way between the Volcano and the Pacific Ocean. Year around temperatures vary from about 60 to 70 degrees F at night to high 70s to mid 80s during the days. Occasionally in December/January the temps can dip down to as low as 50 degrees F for a couple of nights (in which case we declare a national emergency and look for mittens :). About half the year is rainy, humid, and warm and half the year is dry and warm, generally described as tropical savanna with a some jungle mixed in. There is no desert here. Gardening is a year round activity.
I will be growing this plant in a tree-sized container because the roots are deep enough to cause structural problems and also due to the potential for root rot. The plant is solidly tropical (usda zones 9 - 11) and requires excellent drainage which it will not get with such deep roots during the rainy season if it is planted in the ground. This morning was fresh and somewhat overcast, perfect transplant weather, so i have already transplanted it into the large container i had prepared. The taproot was straight and had not reached the bottom of the seedling pot and the transplant was so quick and easy, i doubt the seedling noticed the difference. I have it under a shade screen which will allow some gentle morning sun but be protected from afternoon sun and it has soil with super dooper drainage. Now i will hope for the best. This is the first seedling that has germinated but i expect during the next few weeks a few more seeds may germinate. I think this little guy is going to make it though. I appreciate so much your input.
