[Ron]

Hi.
I will give it a try in answering.
1 It depends on a lot of factors, climate,
2 time of the year, spring and very early autumn are my prime times
3 Type of orchid species being grown on out of flasks.
4 I grow a lot of Cymbidiums from flasks, try to get them in spring if possible but can arrive in early autumn.
These I deflask into a small mix ( 5 to 10 mm) of pine bark (treated) into 48 mm sq pots.

These then grow like wildfire under 50% shade cloth.
see Photo 1.
Photo Number 2 is the same plant 12 months old and ready to go into 100 mm pot in spring.

5. Unless you live in a warm climate I would be carefull in trying some of the more tender variety of orchids such as Paphs, Phallie, Vandas etc.
There are a lot of other orchids that could start a life out in a S/h if conditions suited them.
Do not let me put you off, just check out the type of orchid you wish to grow
My 2 pennys worth
Cheerio
Ron