At this time of the year I would leave the buds on the mums. You will have earlier blooms on taller plants, but you won't have to worry that an early frost might destroy the flowers if you pluck the buds for a late fall display. If you prefer larger flowers, you can remove the side buds, leaving just one bud per stem. Enjoy your summer mum display, and don't forget these perennials make long lasting cut flowers as well. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti