Leaving 'em to stunt wasn't a good idea. Twas an easy fix, and gives him a better chance of keeping 'em than if left in a tougher to maintain situation.

Plants, as with kids, have growth spurts.

Patience is a big part of successful gardening. I suggest you find some somewhere, somehow, and back-off from the panic.

Always give a minimum of a week or two of recovery time before transplanting or messing with the roots again.