Damping off on large seedlings

[Labradors2]

I've had some problems with large seedlings (which should have been planted out, but I have been saving them for a friend who is still getting her garden prep'd).

Both plants (Little Lucky and Prudens Purple) seemed very healthy and vigorous and I had potted them up (in Promix) into 1 Litre waxed cartons with holes in the bottom and they had been sitting outside in a large container along with other (smaller) seedlings.

High winds caused both of them to flop, but on closer inspection, it appeared that the stems were narrower at the soil line. PP broke off and I was able to root the top and re-pot her. She is now doing well.

LL flopped last night. I took it inside, removed the flower buds, staked it, added a little more soil and watered well, but it didn't revive much overnight.

I think the best thing would be to get it into the ground and plant it deep if it is to have a chance.

I'm just curious to know if it is normal for a seedling that has been a bit wind- battered to have a thinner stem at the soil line or whether it is damping off that is the problem.

I will try to get a picture.

Linda