Judging Horticulture
Things to Keep in Mind:
Distinction: A distinctive horticulture specimen has something that sets it aside from the competition.
Form: is basically shape. Is the spectrum true to its variety? Are the flower and stem characteristic of that particular species or variety?
Mature/over mature? 2/3 open and 1/3 bud
Distortion due to disease or insects
Flower Categories - Round, single, doubles
Spike form - The number of flowers are important. A drooping flower can be removed, but will be penalized, if detected, but the drooping flower will be penalized more. The spike must be straight and erect with the flowers uniformly spaced.
Spray form - Notice branching? It should have grace and vigor.
Color: Markings, patterns, and contrasts should be clear and clean. The color blending should be smooth and pleasing. Uneven fading and streaking will be penalized. Other considerations are freshness, clarity, and purity.
Texture: Uniform is the first thing that comes to mind. If the specimen is smooth textured, then it must be that way throughout the plant or cutting. As with all the considerations, the specimen must have a texture that is characteristic, normal, or typical of the named variety.
Size: Large is better. It should not be too large for the variety. Remember proportion.
Substance: Substance has to do with conditioning.
Cultural Perfection: Here the judge evaluates the effort, ability, and knowledge of the exhibitor as a grower. Perfection starts with good seeds or plants, grown in properly prepared soil, watered, staked, divided, fed, sprayed, cut and conditioned. If the grower has accomplished the tasks listed above, their plant should be "happy" and will look "happy". Thought must be given to shade, sun, humidity, food, water, and protection from insects and disease.
Educational Value: This is correct labeling. A clear legible label is a must. This can go under grooming if labeling is not listed.
Condition: Substance is condition. Is the plant wilted? How is the physical appearance? Any bruising or weather damage? A specimen must be turgid (full of water).
Grooming: is the plant clean? Check for dried flowers, pollen, dirt, careless labeling, spray residue, bugs, disease, spots, etc. Be aware of over grooming. Leaf polish is not permitted. Too much trimming will be penalized. A good rule of thumb is "taking nothing away… adding nothing" unless otherwise specified above.
- Distinction
- Form
- Color
- Texture
- Substance
- Cultural Perfection
- Condition and Grooming
- Educational Value
Distinction: A distinctive horticulture specimen has something that sets it aside from the competition.
Form: is basically shape. Is the spectrum true to its variety? Are the flower and stem characteristic of that particular species or variety?
Mature/over mature? 2/3 open and 1/3 bud
Distortion due to disease or insects
Flower Categories - Round, single, doubles
Spike form - The number of flowers are important. A drooping flower can be removed, but will be penalized, if detected, but the drooping flower will be penalized more. The spike must be straight and erect with the flowers uniformly spaced.
Spray form - Notice branching? It should have grace and vigor.
Color: Markings, patterns, and contrasts should be clear and clean. The color blending should be smooth and pleasing. Uneven fading and streaking will be penalized. Other considerations are freshness, clarity, and purity.
Texture: Uniform is the first thing that comes to mind. If the specimen is smooth textured, then it must be that way throughout the plant or cutting. As with all the considerations, the specimen must have a texture that is characteristic, normal, or typical of the named variety.
Size: Large is better. It should not be too large for the variety. Remember proportion.
Substance: Substance has to do with conditioning.
Cultural Perfection: Here the judge evaluates the effort, ability, and knowledge of the exhibitor as a grower. Perfection starts with good seeds or plants, grown in properly prepared soil, watered, staked, divided, fed, sprayed, cut and conditioned. If the grower has accomplished the tasks listed above, their plant should be "happy" and will look "happy". Thought must be given to shade, sun, humidity, food, water, and protection from insects and disease.
Educational Value: This is correct labeling. A clear legible label is a must. This can go under grooming if labeling is not listed.
Condition: Substance is condition. Is the plant wilted? How is the physical appearance? Any bruising or weather damage? A specimen must be turgid (full of water).
Grooming: is the plant clean? Check for dried flowers, pollen, dirt, careless labeling, spray residue, bugs, disease, spots, etc. Be aware of over grooming. Leaf polish is not permitted. Too much trimming will be penalized. A good rule of thumb is "taking nothing away… adding nothing" unless otherwise specified above.
