With so many people displaying their green thumb talents these days, flower shows with prizes for amateur plant lovers are booming, too.
The shows range from those sponsored by neighborhood or statewide garden clubs and urban horticultural societies to larger exhibitions at state and county fairs.
Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran at entering and winning flower show prizes, here are tips that may help you become the proud possessor of a prize award.
Tips To Grow Award-Winning Flowers
Obtain Exhibitors’ Rule Book.
This will give you all the information about entry dates, classes, labeling, etc. Follow the rules carefully. Experienced flower show judges say more entries are disqualified for this reason than for any other factor.
Select Your Flower Or Plant.
Even though you have specialized in African violets, gloxinias, or some rare variety of tropical fern and have had success, it is a good idea to get hold of a book on the culture of your specific plant.
Your local bookstore, library, or garden center will be able to make helpful suggestions. Then, after acquainting yourself with your plant’s needs, you can get underway with the fun of growing it.
Start Growing Early
And here’s a tip that is often overlooked. Start growing early. This will give your plant the time it needs to develop into a show specimen.
Know The Point Scale In Judging
Judging at most shows is based mainly on the principle that blooms on show plants must be at the peak of their beauty. Also, the more blooms, the better.
A point scale is used in judging—make sure you know what it is. Foliage, plant form, and labeling are just some of the points which should be considered.
Insect Control
To raise prize winners, you must prevent insect damage. Waiting until insects start their invasion is too late—the plant will already be scarred.
For prevention, use an all-around spray regularly every week or ten days, even if your plant looks perfect.
There are insecticides in handy aerosol containers if you are growing African violets or other potted house plants. Spray all sides of plant stems and leaves.
There are bombs containing chemicals that wipe out mealybugs, mites, aphids, thrips, and other insects that will enjoy a hearty meal on your plants if they are not controlled.
If cut flowers such as gladiolus, iris, and chrysanthemums from the garden are your specialty, they need special care in spraying to prevent insect damage. Insects multiply rapidly during the first hot days of summer, so they regularly spray about once a month in warm weather.
How To Transport Your Entry
Here are helpful hints for moving plants to the show without bruising them: grocers’ cardboard cartons make acceptable carriers for potted plants.
Make a hole in the bottom of the carton, just large enough to allow the pot to rest on its rim, and set the pots far enough apart, so the leaves do not touch.
Close the cover if possible without damage to foliage, or use crumpled tissue paper as a lightweight protection. Water and feed your plants the night before so they will be in the best condition to withstand the trip.
Label Each Plant
Be sure each plant is labeled with its full name. Most shows subtract points for insufficient or inaccurate labeling, for they want visitors to learn about the plants on display as much as possible.
A small card of black waterproof paper is practical and good-looking. Print the full name with white ink or paint. A label holder is easily made by winding copper wire three or four times around a broom handle to form a coil, leaving a stem of wire to stick in the soil.
Your printed card will slip easily into this coil. This label holder has a neat, modest appearance and does not damage plant roots.
When you arrive at the show, find where your entries will be placed. Then set up your display as attractively as possible.
Sometimes a simple trick like tilting the plant toward the viewers can give your entry a big advantage—and may make a difference in your prize. After all, judges are human, too.
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