Budding Cosmos

[workhorse]

I have a number of Cosmos starting to bud up. These are in pots, and still in the greenhouse. Should I take any action, such as de-budding, or should I leave them.
I have been putting them out during the day to harden off.

[roitelet]

I would pinch the tops out and sacrifice the first flower. Then get them into the ground as soon a possible and they may be OK. Pinching them out will make them side shoot and you will get more flowers. They should get to about 4ft high.

[workhorse]

Isn't it a bit early for planting out, especially as we are still getting frosts?