Cosmos (Bipinnatus) should I pinch out seedlings.

[raisedbedted]

Hi Everyone,

I am growing some cosmos seedlings which are noe about 8" high nad look like mini palm trees, should I be pinching them out to make them bushy or will they do it of their own accord?  I cant really see how to pinch them out to be honest!

Thanks, oh and also are they non hardy?

POW

[raisedbedted]

[glow777]

they're non hardy - or so my packet says - i would like to know the answer to the pinching out question as well.

Also do they require support and what spacing is recommended

[Larkspur]

Hi, no don't pinch them out. Spacing depends on how big you want them to grow to some extent though they are quite capable of growing into 5 foot high substantial bushes when spaced only a foot apart. I think the recommended spacing is about two foot.

[simon404]

Sorry to disagree but I always pinch mine out to make bushy plants  :)

[Larkspur]

There you go two completely different answers. Thats growing for you :). I have never pinched mine out and they always make nice bushy (huge) plants on their own :D

[shirlton]

I have never pinched mine out either and they make huge bushy plants. They do sometimes need staking cos its such a shame if they fall over. I remember seeing them when I was very small peeping over a brick wall and I have loved them ever since. If I were you I would pinch a couple out and see if they do any better and show us the results. I will do the same just for an experiment.

[Lady Cosmos]

In most of the garden books the advice is to pinche them out but I never do it.
I sow them in big trays and when they are tall enough, about 10-15 cm, I put the whole lot in one go in one place in the garden, In that way I get a big, nice full set of colours. They don't like soil with too much manure/compost in, that makes them fall over easier.

[fluffygrue]

I don't pinch mine out, and they bush out anyway. They're better sown at low heat I find, as windowsill growing just makes them weak and leggy.

I sowed mine early March this year, and have some fairly weather-resistant stocky little plants. They can tolerate a bit of frost, but tend to keel over once it hits -4.

[Barnowl]

Hi Lady Cosmos,

Your message box is full.

In answer to your question,

What sort are you after? I can have a look.

Barnowl