I always cut off the side buds very early. Makes for larger blossoms plus the small side buds are usually of poorer quality. Helps make more healthy roots for the next year by conserving plant energy. I also deadhead the blossoms as quickly as they begin to deteriorate to prevent wasted energy in making fake seed pods. My Kansas had measured 7 inch blossoms this year. Others were almost as large from leaving just one bud per stem.
