Azalea - flowers (when to remove)

Horticulture
1

H everyone,

just watched few Q&As with azaleas and flower topic appeared.
Ryan mentioned that flowers are not wanted while in development phase - when we are building ramification, backbudding and healing so my question is:

Can I remove flower buds now or is it too late, and I can leave it and appreciate it this season?

Any advice here?

Cheers,
Michal

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2

I like to enjoy the flowers for 2 weeks then remove all flowers and buds. Then to thank them for blooming fertilize. I use Dr Earth azalea fertilizer. If you prefer chemical I would use Miracid.

3

Most of the energy associated with flowering is now already spend in the buds.

4

I allow it to flower and then remove the flowers as they wilt.