More than 8800 blooms and plants were on display during last year's Outstanding Varieties Competition.

Entries are already coming in for the Outstanding Varieties Competition during SAF Palm Beach 2008, Sept. 17-20 in Palm Beach, Fla. Hundreds of retailers, wholesalers, growers and allied industry members are expected at SAF's 124th Annual Convention. The competition and subsequent three-day display offer growers "an excellent opportunity to showcase what we've been working on at the farm to people in the industry," says Michelle Castellano of Mellano & Company in San Luis Rey, Calif.

There are 12 different categories judged in the competition: Roses, Spray Roses, Dianthus, Chrysanthemum, Bulb Flower, Alstroemeria, Gerbera, other cut flower and decorative foliage, plus Potted Flowering Plant, Potted Foliage Plant and Bedding Plant. Judging teams — each made up of a wholesaler, retailer and grower — evaluate entries based on color and commercial appeal; stem and foliage; bloom form; bloom size; and overall quality/presentation.

Best in Class and Blue Ribbon winners are announced during the General Business Session at the convention and are featured in the November issue of SAF's Floral Management Magazine. They will also be invited to display their winning entries in the 2009 SAF Outstanding Varieties Special Exhibit during the AIFD Symposium. 

Growers interested in participating can download the 2008 Outstanding Varieties Entry Form or contact Krissy Doyle at (800) 336-4743 or krissydoyle@safnow.org.

 

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