like Garden Gnome said, you don't HAVE to transplant. Starting off in smaller plants is usually just for convenience, but u can totally start in your big pots. I have found tho, that my plants absolutely take off after transplanting- like they will grow an inch at least in 12 hours. That's just my personal experience tho so take it with a grain of salt. Anyways, must go, it's time to go chop down the first two of my flowering plants! whopee!!