JBP Decandling - time or physical indicators

[llamaX]

For a little more context, my candles looked like the summer candles in this members thread

Japanese Black Pine Decandle 2nd year

I started documenting this particular Black Pine last year. I thought it would be a great project to film and produce every year of its journey to becoming a bonsai. Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Decandle and Shoot selection 2nd year 2022 - YouTube

…but in October, mid spring. Should I have grabbed the scissors then?