mums' bloom time

 Here's my situation. I live in northern Illinois. I have wonderful
hardy mums growing on the south side of my house. I've had them for
about 3 years and they've been great each year. However, I have a bit
of a problem with their bloom time. As of right now there are many
buds forming and a few of them have opened enough that I can see the
color of the blooms. I know I have to pinch them and I did a couple
weeks ago. Should I have pinched them again to keep these buds from
forming? Should I pinch them now? If I pinch off buds will they get
new buds later on?  One other note is that they are only 4 or 5 inches
tall and very full and leafy. For that reason I didn't think pinching
again was necessary because I thought pinching was primarily used to
make the plant bush out and stay compact. Your advice is appreciated.

 
The rule I have alwasy gone bu is to keep them clipped (no buds) until
the 4th of July. I am in North Carolina so maybe where you are leaving
them alone at this point would be fine. When do they bloom in the
fall? Here they are not at their peak until O(ctober. Then oc course
you could clip one plant and leave the others to see what happens.
Could help for nexr year.

MJ