By Jinga
United Kingdom 
I grow Cosmos from seed for sale in aid of the local hospice. I have grown 3 different varieties this year, some of which are in bud now. Should I nip the buds off to encourage the plants to branch out from the bottom. The weather isn't suitable yet for them to be potted on, and some of them have a single stem with the buds at the very top.
14 May, 2011
Answers
Yes nip them. I accidentally halved a cosmos seed a 2 weeks ago and decided to put it in a glass of water to see if it would root - it rooted profusely within a week. I know have a small bushy seedling and a small well rooted one from one cosmos seedling. If you can get a decent stem from your cosmos then try and double your seedling count that way - you gain a bushy seedling and a nothing to lose part that will probably root.
14 May, 2011
Thanks very much, Seaburngirl and Kildamorie, for your prompt replies to my questions. I will do what you say, so by the time they get to the sale there should be many more buds on them and they will sell well. Jinga
14 May, 2011
Previous question
yes if you nip the buds/tips they will bush out nicely.
14 May, 2011