we never take the the buds off..........we have been picking for 3 weeks. We have them growing on a fence it is easier to find them. If you cut of blossoms it will make the other cucumber longer wider and the taste is not as sweet as the 6 to 8 inch ones. They big ones that are missed once in a while you can clean & wash them dry them , slice them longways 1/4 inch thin & dip them in flour egg wash and italian bread crumbs just like eggplant and fry them. You also can take off the skins.....save them to keep bugs away in your garden.....cut the cucumber small, grate a little onion, add some chopped parsley, some sour cream...2 drops of vinegar.....a pinch of sugar and a great drip for fresh carrots & celery.