[barbarella]

I raised my Dwarf Sonata cosmos from seed and now have lots of healthy plants in pots ready for planting out.   They are quite upright and I was wondering whether to pinch them out to encourage bushiness.  Is this generally a good idea for other half hardy annuals eg French Marigolds and Tagetes?

[Trillium]

Yes, you can pinch out cosmos and marigolds (tagetes is another name for marigolds) But not something like sunflower.

[barbarella]

Thank you Trillium 

[compostqueen]

Be aware that they don't like frost

[barbarella]

They are still in the greenhouse but should be in the cold frame by now but I am really pushed for space - I always sow to many things!

[Elaine G]

Sorry to hijack your question but is it preferable to pinch out or leave to grow upright if you are growing for cut flowers?
I am not good at knowing when to pinch out 

Elaine

[Nadlen]

Me neither but I would guess you need to pinch side shoots for big pretty cut flowers from the tip.