Show off your green thumb
Flowers & Horticulture
Open to all residents of Indiana at time of the Porter County Fair.
Department superintendents shall be appointed to supervise each particular department.
Department superintendents shall, when called upon by the judge or an exhibitor give an explanation of the rules governing an exhibit, and shall also decide all questions of disputes.
The department superintendent shall prevent anyone from interfering with the judges while judging an exhibit, and they are empowered to enforce rules governing the exhibits.
Superintendents shall refrain from expressing an opinion as to the merit or demerit of any exhibit when talking in the presence of a judge.
All exhibits must remain in place throughout the fair or as released by the superintendent.
A faithful observance of all rules governing the exhibits will be required and when in doubt as to the application or intent of a rule, the department superintendent shall clarify the rule.
No distribution or posting of advertising shall be allowed.
The Porter County Fair will not act as a selling agent and no article can be shown with a "For Sale" sign in view.
1The Fair Board is not responsible for loss or damage to any exhibit or display.
In the event of conflict between general and department rules, the latter shall govern.
There is to be no entry fee assessed in any department. Ribbons and premiums will be awarded for first three placings and honorable mention for projects deemed worthy by the judge.
Judges shall not award prizes to unworthy exhibits.
General Rules
Vegetable Entries Deadline: THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2024
Entries received between 8am and 10am. To accommodate working gardeners, exhibits will be accepted Wednesday Evening July 17, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Judging Thursday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m.
Open to all residents of Indiana over 18 years of age and not participating in 4-H.
Exhibitors cannot enter more than one item per section.
All exhibits must be grown by the exhibitor or his/her family.
Some vegetables will not keep in good condition during the entire fair. The superintendent reserves the right to discard any exhibits whenever they do not make a good appearance.
Fair Board will furnish trays for exhibits.
Entries should be brought to Expo East - East Door
Exhibits released Saturday, July 27th between 8 - 9 p.m.
The Superintendent shall discard any exhibits not picked up by 9 pm.
Vegetable RULES
Tallest Corn Contest
Enter one stalk of corn grown from a recognized seed variety for grain purposes. Stalk should be entered with root system intact - in a 5 gal. bucket. Entries due Thursday, July 18, - 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Expo East, East Door.
SCORE CARD FOR VEGETABLE EXHIBITS POINTS
CONDITION - Freedom from dirt, disease and blemishes, proper degree of edible maturity: 25 points
QUALITY - Crispness, firmness, flavor, etc.: 20 points
TRUENESS TO TYPE : 20 points
UNIFORMITY - All specimens should be same size, shape & color: 20 points
SIZE - Should conform to market demands: 15 points
5th. Tallest Stalk .... $20.00
6th. Tallest Stalk .... $20.00
7th. Tallest Stalk .... $20.00
8th. Tallest Stalk .... $10.00
1st. Tallest Stalk ....$100.00
2nd. Tallest Stalk .... $80.00
3rd. Tallest Stalk .... $60.00
4th. Tallest Stalk .... $40.00
NOTE: THERE WILL BE A “BEST OF SHOW” AWARD AGAIN THIS YEAR
Vegetables
Section No., Vegetables, Quantity Required
701 Green Beans, 20
702 Wax Beans, 20
703 Red Beets, 5
704 Broccoli, 3
705 Brussell Sprouts, 5
706 Green Cabbage, 1
707 Red Cabbage, 1
708 Carrots, 5
709 Cauliflower, 1
710 Corn - Sweet, 5 (In husk any type)
711 Cucumbers (slicers,) 5
712 Cucumbers (pickling), 5
713 Egg Plant, 1
714 Kale, 3
715 Kohlrabi, 5
716 Mushmelon, 1
717 Onions - Yellow, 5
718 Onions - White, 5
719 Onions - (any other), 5
720 Peas (10), 5
721 Peppers (Hot), 5
722 Peppers, 5 (green - Bell Type)
723 Peppers, 5 (mild-any type)
724 Potatoes - white, 10
725 Potatoes - red, 10
726 Pumpkin, 1
727 Rhubarb - Stalks, 6
Section No., Vegetables, Quantity Required
728 Squash - Acorn, 1
729 Squash - Butternut, 1
730 Squash - Patty Pan, 1
731 Squash - Spaghetti, 1
732 Squash - Zucchini, 3
733 Squash - Yellow Summer, 3
734 Tomatoes - Reg., 5
735 Tomatoes - Roma Type, 5
736 Tomatoes - Cherry, 12
737 Turnips, 5
738 Largest Cabbage, 1
739 Largest Tomato, 1
740 Largest Red Beet, 1
741 Largest Squash, 1
742 Freak Vegetable, 1
743 From Garden to Table Plate, with five Vegetables. Large Size 1, small size 5 each
744 Tallest Sunflower (Stalk should be entered with root system in tact, in 5 gal. bucket)
745 Longest Diameter Head (Heads must be entered with a stem at least 6” long)
746 Head with Most Seeds (Heads must be entered with a stem at least 6” long)
747 Watermelon, 1
HORTICULTURE RULES
Pick up entry tags at the Fair Office prior to the fair. Horticulture entry tags will be available on the day of placement; however, exhibitors should allow time to fill out these tags. Address labels may be used. A full name is required, address is not.
It is the responsibility of each exhibitor to properly fill out entry tags. Variety/cultivar names are required in all classes. Cultivar means a cultivated variety of a plant. Entries with complete botanical names will be given more points.
Flower Show Superintendent and/or staff WILL NOT help with writing entry tag.
Entries will be placed by the Flower Show Staff based on the information on the entry tag.
All horticulture specimens must be fresh plant material GROWN BY THE EXHIBITOR.
All entries shall be placed in a clear glass vase of water, not soil.
Cut specimens should not have any foliage below the water line.
Cut specimens can be wedged with clear plastic wrap, but it must not appear above the neck of the container.
Fresh plant material may not be treated in any manner, no sprays on leaves, wash with water only.
Exhibitors may enter as many classes as desired, but only ONE ENTRY PER CLASS or sub class.
Containers will be provided. Exhibitors may provide their own containers, but they must be clear glass, suitable in size for the specimen, and have an address label with exhibitors name on the bottom of the container. Any container not properly marked will become the property of the Porter County Fair. We are not responsible for your container.
Exhibitors from the same family and/or using the same garden may exhibit in the same class but CANNOT ENTER SPECIMENS FROM THE SAME PLANT.
Classes may be subdivided.
No ribbons will be awarded unless the entry is worthy, even if it is the only entry in the class.
Best of Section and Best of Show may or may not be awarded.
Trees, shrubs, and perennials must be grown on your own property for at least ONE YEAR.
Annuals should be cultivated in your garden for at least 45 days, need not be grown from seed.
DESIGN RULES
Designs must be created by the exhibitor. Exhibitors must fill out their own entry tag and place entry in location designated by superintendent.
An exhibitor may enter as many design classes as desired, but only ONE ENTRY PER CLASS is permitted.
No artificial plant material of any kind is permitted.
Fresh plant material cannot be dyed or otherwise treated by application of any substance. It may be clipped, stripped, bent or otherwise manipulated.
Accessories are permitted.
Religious symbols used must be displayed in a respectful manner and in accordance with local church policy. American Flags and other national flags must be displayed according to proper flag etiquette.
Best of Section and Best of Show may or may not be awarded.
Design will be viewed from the front only.
Flowers may be grown by exhibitor or purchased.
All entries shall be placed in water, not soil.
We are not responsible for your container.
Entries Deadline: THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2024
Entries received between 7am and 9am. Please allow time to fill out your entry tags. Entries will not be accepted after 9am.
DIVISION 1: DESIGN
Designs are displayed on white shelves, exhibitor please use an under cloth. Space allowed includes the undercloth. Cultivar names not required.
SECTION A: MINIATURE DESIGN
Class 1: A creative design. Space allowed 6”L x 6”W x 6” H.
Class 2: A creative design using herbs. Space allowed 8”L x 8”W x 8” H.
Class 3: A creative design using one kind of flower. (May use one or many of the exact same flower). Space allowed 8”L x 8”W x 8”H.
Class 4: A design in a wicker basket. Space allowed 8”L x 8”W x 8”H.
SECTION B: STANDARD DESIGN
Class 5: A creative design in a Campbell Soup can (leave the label on the can). Space allowed 12”L x 12”W x 12”H
Class 6: A creative design using flowers of one color. Space allowed 12”L x 12”W x 12”H.
Class 7: A creative design using ONLY FOLIAGE of different shades and textures. Space allowed 12”L x 12”W x 16”H.
Class 8: An arrangement using uncultivated plant. Space allowed 14”L x 14”W x 14”H.
Class 9: A creative design using all fresh plant material. Space allowed 12”L x 12”W x 12”H.
DIVISION 2: HORTICULTURE
Section C – BULBS, TUBERS, AND RHIZOMES
Class 10: HOSTA (Liliaceae) Only the leaves are exhibited. One leaf.
A. GREEN (all shades) solid color
B. BLUE (all shades) solid color
C. YELLOW (all shades) solid color
D. WHITE MARGINED (center color distinct from margin color) Green to blue center
E. YELLOW MARGINED (center color distinct from margin color) Green to blue center
F. GREEN OR BLUE MARGINED
1. Yellow, white, or chartreuse center
2. Green to blue center (distinct from margin color)
G. STREAKED OR MOTTLED
H. HOSTA FLOWER ONLY (one stem)
I. COLLECTION – five different specimens, each in its own container, named and tagged
1. Mini - small leafed collection
2. Medium - large leafed collection
Section D – BULBS, TUBERS, AND RHIZOMES (one stem)
Class 11: HEMEROCALLIS Daylily
A. Yellow
B. Peach
C. Orange
D. Bronze
E. Red
F. White or cream
G. Pink
H. Purple
I. Bi-color
J. Other color not above
K. Bouquet of three stems of the same daylily in a clear vase
L. Bouquet of five different daylilies in a clear vase
Class 12: GLADIOLUS
Class 13: CROCOSMIA
Class 15: BEGONIA GRANDIA
Class 16: LILIACEAE Lily
A. Oriental or Asiatic
1. Stargazer
2. Other
B. Tiger
C. Calla Lily
D. Elephant Ears
Class 17: CALADIUM
Class 18: ANY OTHER WORTHY BULB, TUBER, OR RHIZOME NOT ALREADY NAMED IN SECTION D
Class 19: SEED POD FROM A BULB, TUBER, OR RHIZOME
SECTION E – GRASSES, SEDGES, AND RUSHES (Three detached stems)
Class 20: Ornamental Grasses (Poaceae)
A. Small (Under 18” blade length on plant)
B. Medium (18” to 36” blade length on plant)
C. Large (Over 36” blade length on plant)
D. Grass with bloom (3 stems with 3 plumes)
Class 21: Sedge Family (Cyperaceae)
A. Cyperus
B. Carex
Class 22: Rushes (Juncaceae)
SECTION F – ROSES (open bloom, one stem, with foliage)
Class 23: HYBRID TEAS, GRANDIFLORAS & THEIR CLIMBING DERIVATIVES
Class 24: FLORIBUNDA AND THEIR CLIMBING DERIVATIVES
Class 25: CLIMBING ROSES (must have three or more blooms)
Class 26: POLYANTHIAS
Class 27: MINIATURE
Class 28: FRAGRANT (only the smell is judged)
Class 29: SHRUB ROSES
A. Single
B. Spray
OTHER
Class 30: CATCH ALL - enter anything that doesn’t qualify for a class today. Not eligible for a top award.
ENTRIES WILL BE RELEASED BETWEEN 6PM AND 7 PM ON SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2024.
Superintendent reserves the right to remove all entries NOT CLAIMED during the designated release times.
Entries Deadline: MONDAY, JULY 22, 2024
Entries received between 7am and 9am. Please allow time to fill out your entry tags. Entries will not be accepted after 9am.
DIVISION 2: HORTICULTURE
SECTION G – SHRUBS & TREES (one stem with foliage attached)
Class 31: BUDDLEIA Butterfly bush
Class 32: HIBISCUS (with bloom)
A. H. moscheutos
B. H. syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
Class 33: HYDRANGEA
A. Arborescens
B. Macrophylla
1. Blue
2. Pink
C. Paniculata
D. Quercifolia
E. Bouquet of three different hydrangea in a clear vase
Class 34: CONIFERS (no longer than 20")
A. Needled
B. False Cypress (threadleaf)
Class 35: BROADLEAF EVERGREENS
A. Holly (Ilex)
B. Other
Class 36: DECIDUOUS SHRUB
Class 37: DECIDUOUS TREE
A. With fruit
B. Without fruit
Class 38: NATIVE TREE OR SHRUB
Class 39: TREE OR SHRUB SEED POD
SECTION H –HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS (one stem with foliage attached and bloom)
Class 40: ACHILLEA Yarrow
Class 41: ALCEA Hollyhock
Class 42: ASCLEPSIA Butterfly Weed
Class 43: CAMPANULA Bellflower
A. White
B. Blue/purple
Class 44: COREOPSIS
A. Single Stem
B. Spray (multiple branches and 3 or more blooms)
Class 45: CROCOSMIA
Class 46: DIANTHUS
Class 47: ECHINACEA Coneflower
A. Purple
B. White
C. Orange
D. Red
E. Yellow
F. Other
Class 48: FERN
A. Painted
B. Broadleaf
C. Fern with spores
D. Other
Class 49: GAILLARDIA Blanket Flower
Class 50: HELIOPSIS
Class 51: HEUCHERA Coral bells (leaf and flower, flower does not have to be attached to the leaf)
A. Green
B. Purple
C. Other
Class 52: HEUCHERELLA (leaf and flower, flower does not have to be attached to the leaf)
Class 53:KNIPHOFIA
Class 54: LEUCANTHEMUM
Class 55: LIATRIS
A. White
B. Purple
Class 56: LOBELIA
Class 57: NEPETA
Class 58: PEROVSKIA
Class 59: PHLOX
A. Pink
B. White
C. Purple
D. Other
Class 60: PLATYCODON Balloon Flower (one stem)
A. Blue
B. White
Class 61: RUDBECKIA
Class 62: SALVIA
Class 63: SEDUM
Class 64: STOKESIA
Class 65: TIARELLA
Class 66: VERONICA
Class 67: VINES (not longer than 20") can have support in water
A. Flowering
B. Non-flowering (must not ever flower)
C. Clematis
D. Fruiting vine
Class 68: GROUNDCOVERS evergreen
Class 69: PERENNIAL SEED POD
Class 70: ANY OTHER WORTHY PERENNIAL NOT ALREADY NAMED IN SECTION H
Class 71: BOUQUET OF FIVE DIFFERENT CULTIVARS FROM SECTION H IN A CLEAR VASE WITH NAMES
OTHER
Class 72: CATCH ALL - Enter anything that doesn’t qualify for a class today. Not eligible for a top award.
ENTRIES WILL BE RELEASED BETWEEN 6PM AND 7PM ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024.
Superintendent reserves the right to remove all entries NOT CLAIMED during the designated release time.
Entries Deadline: THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024
Entries received between 7am and 9am. Please allow time to fill out your entry tags. Entries will not be accepted after 9am.
DIVISION 2: HORTICULTURE
SECTION I – HERBS (three separate stems, deflowered). Please provide cultivar name if possible.
Class 73: BASIL
Class 74: CHIVES
Class 75: CILANTRO
Class 76: DILL
A. With flowers
B. Without flowers (leaves only)
Class 77: FENNEL
Class 78: LAVENDER
A. With flowers
B. Without flowers
Class 79: LEMON BALM
Class 80: LEMON VERBENA
Class 81: PARSLEY
A. Curly
B. Flat
Class 82: MINT
Class 83: OREGANO
Class 84: ROSEMARY
Class 85: TARRAGON
Class 86: THYME
Class 87: SAGE
Class 88: FLOWERING HERB (flower to be judged, not herb, one stem)
Class 89: ANY OTHER WORTHY HERB NOT ALREADY NAMED IN SECTION I (3 stems)
Class 90: COLLECTION OF FIVE VARIETIES (three stems of each, named, and in five separate clear vases, each with their own tag)
Class 91: BOUQUET OF FIVE DIFFERENT HERBS IN A CLEAR VASE WITH NAMES (one stem each)
SECTION J – ANNUALS (one stem with foliage and bloom)
Class 92: AGERATUM houstonianum
Class 93: ANNUAL GRASS
A. with bloom
B. without bloom
Class 94: ANTIRRHINUM Snapdragon
Class 95: BEGONIA
A. Flowering
B. Non Flowering
Class 96: CALIBRACHOA
A. Solid Color
B. Bi- color
Class 97: CELOSIA
Class 98: CENTAUREA Dusty Miller no blooms
Class 99: CLEOME Spider Flower
Class 100: COLEUS
A. Flowering
B. Non-flowering
Class 101: COSMOS
Class 102: DAHLIA
Class 103: DIGITALIS Foxglove
Class 104: EUPHORBIA
Class 105: IMPATIENS
A. Solid color
B. Bi-color
C. Hawkeri (new guinea, sun)
D. Double
Class 106: HELIANTHUS Sunflower
A. Yellow
B. Other color
Class 107: LANTANA
Class 108: MARIGOLD
A. Solid color
B. Bi-color
Class 109: NICOTIANA Flowering tobacco
Class 110: PELARGONIUM Geranium leaf does not have to be attached
Class 111: PETUNIAS Solid color
A. Solid Color
B. Bi-color
C. Double
D. Spray (multiple branches on one stem and three or more blooms)
Class 112: SALVIA
A. Red
B. Blue
Class 113: VERBENA
Class 114: VINCA
Class 115: ZINNIA
A. Solid color
B. Bi-color
Class 116: ANNUAL VINE (no longer than 20")
A. Flowering (with flower)
B. Non-flowering
Class 117: ANNUAL SEED POD/HEAD (seed only)
Class 118: ANY OTHER WORTHY ANNUAL NOT ALREADY NAMED IN SECTION J
Class 119: BOUQUET OF FIVE DIFFERENT ANNUALS IN A CLEAR VASE WITH NAMES
Class 120: CATCH ALL- Enter anything that doesn’t qualify for a class today. Not eligible for a top award.
ENTRIES WILL BE RELEASED BETWEEN 9 PM AND 10 PM ON SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024 (The Last night of the fair).
Superintendent reserves the right to remove all entries NOT CLAIMED during the designated release time.