HORTICULTURE, About Judging

Horticulture Judging

Horticulture judging covers many important aspects of each entry. In addition to plants being well grown and vigorous, having full compact form typical for the species, as well as standing free of damage, and dust—the ideal exhibits have sufficient maturity to be at their peak of bloom or growth. Horticultural qualities include form, inflorescence, color, texture, size, cultural perfection, uniformity, educational value, condition, and grooming. Substance—the thickness and toughness of floral parts, is also considered in horticultural judging.  Though these qualities are evaluated for each exhibit, weighted importance varies based on the plant’s purpose or the goal of the class. For example, color may be given more importance when judging roses and orchids which have a wide range of color varieties and less importance for gloxinias which bear a narrow spectrum of color presentations.