The purpose of Horticulture is to encourage participants to start and maintain vegetable and herb gardens. In addition, 4-H members can participate in planting, growing, and caring for flowers and houseplants. 4-H members may also participate in the special gardening project which changes annually. For more resources and materials in this category refer to https://go.unl.edu/ne4hhorticulture
Floriculture, Educational Exhibits & Houseplants
Rules
1. Classes 1-23 – Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials – 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis.
2. Classes 30-46 – Cut Flower Perennials – 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis
3. The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. If potted container with several cultivar or varieties, identify each individually within the pot. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will drop the entry one ribbon placing. Keep your seed package or identification label at planting time. Proper identification is the responsibility of the exhibitor not the Extension staff or office personnel.
4. For Floriculture, punch hole in the top center of the entry tag and use a rubber band to securely attach entry tag to containers.
5. Exhibits entered under an incorrect class number or containing an incorrect number of stems will be dropped one ribbon placing. In classes 23, 45 & 46, do not duplicate entries from the already listed classes or entry will be dropped one ribbon placing. For example:
4-H members with two cultivars or varieties of marigolds can only enter the marigold class and cannot enter the other cultivar or variety in any other class. A perennial is defined as a plant of which the crown over winters. An annual is a plant that grows from seed each season, whether self- seeded or planted by the gardener. A biennial is a plant that germinates, grows and over winters as a crown, blooms the following year and dies. Foliage will be considered when exhibit is judged.
6. All 3 or 5 stems of cut flowers should be the same cultivar and color, do not mix cultivars and colors. Containers will not be judged; however, they should be clear glass containers that won’t tip over (no plastic containers at State Fair) and of adequate size to display blooms. Any exhibit not in a clear glass container will be dropped one ribbon placing. No screw on lids or screw on rings and flats may be used. To hold flowers in place it is suggested to use tin foil or a type of plastic wrap with holes poked into it or frog lids. Containers may not be returned from State Fair.
7. Youth may enter a maximum of 10 entries in classes 1-46 (cut flowers) and 50-53 (educational exhibits), but only one per class number.
Floriculture
Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials - 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. Classes 1-23 – (SF106)
SF) G770001 Aster
SF) G770002 Bachelor Buttons
SF) G770003 Bells of Ireland
SF) G770004 Browallia
SF) G770005 Calendula
SF) G770006 Celosia (crested or plume) (3 stems)
SF) G770007 Cosmos
SF) G770008 Dahlia
SF) G770009 Dianthus
SF) G770010 Foxglove
SF) G770011 Gladiolus (3 stems)
SF) G770012 Gomphrena
SF) G770013 Hollyhock (3 stems)
SF) G770014 Marigold
SF) G770015 Pansy
SF) G770016 Petunia
SF) G770017 Salvia
SF) G770018 Snapdragon
SF) G770019 Statice
SF) G770020 Sunflower (under 3 inch in diameter – 5 stems; 3 inches or more in diameter – 3 stems)
SF) G770021 Vinca
SF) G770022 Zinnia
SF) G770023 Any other annual or biennial (under 3 inch in diameter - 5 stems, 3 inches or more in diameter - 3 stems) (Do not duplicate entries in classes 1-22.)
Cut Flower Perennials - 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. Classes 30-46 – (SF106)
SF) G770030 Achillea/Yarrow
SF) G770031 Chrysanthemum
SF) G770032 Coneflower
SF) G770033 Coreopsis
SF) G770034 Daisy
SF) G770035 Gaillardia
SF) G770036 Helianthus
SF) G770037 Hydrangea (3 stems)
SF) G770038 Liatris (3 stems)
SF) G770039 Lilies (3 stems) (Not Daylilies)
SF) G770040 Platycodon
SF) G770041 Rose (3 stems)
SF) G770042 Rudbeckia/Black-eyed Susan
SF) G770043 Sedum
SF) G770044 Statice
SF) G770045 Any other perennial (under 3 inch in diameter – 5 stems; 3 inches or more in diameter – 3 stems) (Do not duplicate entries in classes 30-44.
SF) G770046 4-H Flower Garden Collection of 5 differentcut flowers – Flowers are to be cut not potted. Each flower in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for classes 1-45. Display in a box or other holder not more than 18” in any dimension. (Boxes may not be returned from State Fair.) Do not duplicate entries in classes 1-45 with any in the group collection.
C) G770901 Outdoor Hanging Flower Basket – Any type of flowering plant(s) in a hanging basket. Must have been planted by the 4-H member. Requires some type of hook/hanger to display.
C) G770902 Outdoor Planter Display – A collection of outdoor plants-blooming/non blooming or a combination. Must have been planted by the 4-H member
C G770903 Unique Container – Use your imagination- An antique item, recycled container or specially designed one of a kind used for a potted plant, cut flowers, or dried arrangement.
C) G770904 Buckets of Bloom - Plant whatever you want in a 5 gallon bucket with drain holes and add beauty to the Cedar County Fairgrounds.
C) G770905 An Original Arrangement made with flowers from your gardening project. NO PURCHASED FLOWERS ACCEPTED. No larger than 12” x 12”.
C) G770906 An Original Arrangement made with a combination of native grasses, flowers, vines or other nature materials. No larger than 18” x 18”.
C) G770907 An Original Arrangement made with a combination of materials such as vegetables or flowers from your gardening project or native materials, etc. NO PURCHASED FLOWERS ACCEPTED. No larger than 18” x 18”.
C) G770908 County Only Display – Any item completed as part of this project.
Educational Exhibits
SF) G770050 Flower Notebook (SF100) – Exhibit a notebook containing pictures of flowers grown in Nebraska. There must be least 10 different species of annuals and/or biennials and 10 different species of perennials hardy to Nebraska. Bulbs may be included in a separate section. 4-H members may show more than one cultivar of the same species, but they will only count as one species. The notebook must be the result of the current year’s work. Pictures from garden catalogs, hand drawn pictures, or photographs may be used. Each species/cultivar must be labeled with the correct common name and scientific name; the height and spread of the plant and the growing conditions (for example: needs full sun and dry sandy soil) the species prefers. In addition to this information bulbs should also be labeled as spring or summer flowering. Give proper credit by listing the sources of pictures and information used. The 4-H member’s name, age, full a, county and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the notebook.
SF) G770051 Flower Garden Promotion Poster (SF103) – Individual poster promoting flower gardening, size 14” x 22” either vertical or horizontal arrangement. Poster may be in any medium: watercolor, ink, crayon, etc. as long as it is not 3-dimensional. Posters using copyrighted material will not be accepted. Entry card must be stapled to the upper right hand corner. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
SF) G770052 Educational Flower Garden Poster (SF104) – Prepare a poster no larger than 14” x 22” x 2” (3-dimensional if needed) either vertical or horizontal arrangement illustrating a skill or project you have done or learned about in a 4-H flowers or houseplant project. One might show a special technique used or equipment incorporated in the garden. Refer to 4-H horticulture project manuals, but use your own creativity. Entry card must be stapled to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
SF) G770053 Flower Gardening History Interview (SF105) – Neatly handwritten or typed account of a gardening history interview whose flower garden has inspired you. Maximum of 4 pages of text and 2 pages of pictures (include 1 picture of the person you interviewed) of their flower garden if the individual is still gardening. Protect with a clear report cover. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover.
C) G770909 County Only Display – Any other item completed as part of this project.
Houseplants
Rules
1. Container Grown Houseplants (SF107) – The choice of container and soil quality will be considered in judging. Each houseplant must be identified by listing the names on the entry tag or on a card attached to the container. Identify each plant individually if more than one cultivar or variety. Houseplants should be grown in the display container for a minimum of six weeks. Plants grown as houseplants must be used. NebGuide G2205 “Guide to Growing Houseplants” and Neb Guide G837 “Guide to Selecting Houseplants” includes a listing of common houseplants. Containers of annual flowers or annual plants (i.e. petunias, geraniums, impatiens), will be disqualified and will not be judged.
2. Entries in Classes 60-66 must have been designed and planted by the 4-H member.
3. Any container plant, (flowering or foliage potted houseplants, dish gardens, fairy or miniature gardens, desert gardens, or terrariums) shall be in containers no larger than 12 inches (use inside opening measurement) in any dimension of length or width. No combination of pots may be used. All potted plants are to be in one pot container. Any container grown plant in Classes 60-66 that does not follow these guidelines will be dropped one ribbon placing.
4. Classes 60-65, exhibitors must have and provide a saucer to catch drainage water. The 4-H members name, age, county and years in the project(s) must be on the bottom or back of the container and saucer.
5. Youth may enter a maximum of 4 entries in classes 60-66, but only one per class number. For example, “G770063 Dish Garden” is a class.
SF) G770060 Flowering Potted Houseplant(s) that are blooming for exhibition. Container may have one or more houseplants in container. Label with name for each plant. Non-blooming plants will be disqualified.
SF) G770061 Foliage Potted Houseplant – one variety of tropical or cacti or succulent plant. Label with name of plant.
SF) G770062 Hanging Basket of flowering and/or foliage house plants. Container may have one or more houseplants in container. Label with name for each plant.
SF) G770063 Dish Garden – An open/shallow container featuring a variety of houseplants excluding cacti and succulents. Label with name for each plant.
SF) G770064 Fairy or Miniature Garden –A miniature “scene” contained in an open container and featuring miniature or small, slow growing houseplants. The garden needs to have an imaginative theme and miniature accessories, i.e. bench, fence made from tiny twigs, small shell for a bathtub, etc. Label with name for each plant.
SF) G770065 Desert Garden – An open/shallow container featuring a variety of cacti and/or succulents grown as houseplants. Label with name for each plant.
SF) G770066 Terrarium – A transparent container, partially or completely enclosed; sealed or unsealed. Label with name for each plant.
C) G770910 County Only Display – Any other item completed as part of this project
Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits & Educational Exhibits
Rules
1. The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will lower the entry one ribbon placing. Keep your seed package at planting time. Proper identification is the responsibility of the exhibitor, not the Extension staff or office personnel. Exhibits entered under an incorrect class number or containing an incorrect number of vegetables will be lowered one ribbon placing. In classes 252, 255, 268, 269, 285 and 286 do not duplicate entries from any of the other classes or entry will be lowered one ribbon placing. For example: 4-H members with two cultivars or varieties of red tomatoes can only enter the red tomatoes class and cannot enter the other cultivar or variety in any other vegetable class. Score Sheet SF108
At State Fair, plates will be provided for the exhibitor. (SF108)
2. Vegetables (Classes 1-56) Class, Vegetable, Number’s to Exhibit
3. Youth may enter a maximum of 10 vegetable, 5 herb, and 3 fruit entries.
Vegetables
Class Vegetable Numbers to Exhibit
SF) G773201 Lima Beans 12
SF) G773202 Snap Beans 12
SF) G773203 Wax Beans 12
SF) G773204 Beets 5
SF) G773205 Broccoli 2
SF) G773206 Brussels Sprouts 12
SF) G773207 Green Cabbage 2
SF) G773208 Red Cabbage 2
SF) G773209 Carrots 5
SF) G773210 Cauliflower 2
SF) G773211 Slicing Cucumber 2
SF) G773212 Pickling Cucumbers 5
SF) G773213 Eggplant 2
SF) G773214 Kohlrabi 5
SF) G773215 Muskmelon/Cantaloupe 2
SF) G773216 Okra 5
SF) G773217 Yellow Onions 5
SF) G773218 Red Onions 5
SF) G773219 White Onions 5
SF) G773220 Parsnips 5
SF) G773221 Bell Peppers 5
SF) G773222 Sweet (Non-Bell) Peppers 5
SF) G773223 Jalapeno Peppers 5
SF) G773224 Hot (Non-Jalapeno) Peppers 5
SF) G773225 White Potatoes 5
SF) G773226 Red Potatoes 5
SF) G773227 Russet Potatoes 5
SF) G773228 Other Potatoes 5
SF) G773229 Pumpkin 2
SF) G773230 Miniature Pumpkins (Jack Be Little type) 5
SF) G773231 Radish 5
SF) G773232 Rhubarb 5
SF) G773233 Rutabaga 2
SF) G773234 Green Summer Squash 2
SF) G773235 Yellow Summer Squash 2
SF) G773236 White Summer Squash 2
SF) G773237 Acorn Squash 2
SF) G773238 Butternut Squash 2
SF) G773239 Buttercup Squash 2
SF) G773240 Other Winter Squash 2
SF) G773241 Sweet Corn (in Husks) 5
SF) G773242 Swiss Chard 5
SF) G773243 Red Tomatoes (2 inch or more diameter) 5
SF) G773244 Roma or Sauce-type Tomatoes 5
SF) G773245 Salad Tomatoes (under 2-inch diameter) 12
SF) G773246 Yellow Tomatoes (2 inch or more diameter) 5
SF) G773247 Turnips 5
SF) G773248 Watermelon 2
SF) G773249 Dry Edible Beans 1 pint
SF) G773250 Gourds, mixed types 5
SF) G773251 Gourds, single variety 5
SF) G773252 Any other vegetable 2, 5 or 12 (do not duplicate entries in classes 201-251) that doesn’t fit in any other class.
SF) G773255 4-H Vegetable Garden Collection – of five kinds of vegetables. Display Garden Collection in a box not more than 24 inches in any dimension. (State Fair – Boxes may not be returned.) Showmanship will be considered in judging, but plastic grass, cotton, figurines, etc. should not be used in exhibit boxes. Each vegetable in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for individual class (201-252). Do not duplicate entries in classes 201-252 with any in the group collection.
SF) G773256 4-H Cultivar Vegetable Collection – Vegetables entered in the collection are 5 cultivars from a single exhibit; for example, 5 cultivars of all types of peppers or squash or onions or tomatoes, etc. Display in a box not more than 24 inches in any dimension. (State Fair – Boxes may not be returned.) Showmanship will be considered in judging; but plastic grass, cotton, figurines, etc. should not be used in exhibit boxes. Each vegetable in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for individual class (201-252).
C) G773901 Summer or Fall Display – Using vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, grasses, crops, etc. to promote horticulture with an agricultural emphasis. Creativity is encouraged.
C) G773902 Garden Sign - (made and designed by the exhibitor) must be made of weather resistant material. May be for a theme garden, a personal garden, or for one plant.
C) G773903 Garden Stepping Stone – (made and designed by exhibitor) May be made from concrete or other material that will stand up to use outdoors. Marbles, stones, shells, tile pieces may be used in the design. Stone should be no smaller than 8” diameter and no larger than 16” diameter.
C) G773904 County Only Display – Any other item completed as part of this project
Herbs
Herbs (Classes 60-69) will be judged using the same general criteria for vegetables. Those grown mainly for their seed, such as dill and caraway, should be exhibited on a plate. Those grown for their leaves such as basil, parsley, etc. should be exhibited in a CLEAR GLASS CONTAINER of water (no plastic containers at State Fair). Any exhibit not in a clear glass container will be dropped one ribbon placing. NO SCREW ON LIDS OR SCREW ON RINGS AND FLATS MAY BE USED. To hold herb leaves in place it is suggested to use tin foil or a type of plastic wrap with holes poked into it or frog lids. Containers may not be returned from State Fair. Potted herb plants will be disqualified and will not be judged. (SF108) Limit of 5 herb entries.
SF) G773260 Basil 5
SF) G773261 Dill (dry) 5
SF) G773262 Garlic (bulbs) 5
SF) G773263 Mint 5
SF) G773264 Oregano 5
SF) G773265 Parsley 5
SF) G773266 Sage 5
SF) G773267 Thyme 5
SF) G773268 Any other herb 5 (Do not duplicate entries in classes 260-267)
SF) G773269 4-H Herb Garden Display of 5 different cut herbs. Herbs are to be cut not potted. Displayed in a box or other holder not more than 18 inches in any dimension. Boxes may not be returned from State Fair. Each herb in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for classes 260-268. Do not duplicate entries in classes 260-268 with any in the group collection.
C) G773906 Window Sill Herb Garden – A group of 3 to 5 pots of herbs that were planted for use as indoor windowsill herb gardens. Display in a box. Box will not be judged. Include cultivar of each plant.
C) G773907 County Only Display – Any other item completed as part of this project
Fruits
Fruits (Classes 80-86) will be judged using the same general criteria used for vegetables. Fruit will be judged for the stage of maturity normal for that season and growing location. Emphasis will be placed on how well fruit approaches market quality. (SF108)
Limit of 3 fruit entries.
SF) G773280 Strawberries (everbearers) 1 pint
SF) G773281 Grapes 2 bunches
SF) G773282 Apples 5
SF) G773283 Pears 5
SF) G773284 Wild Plums 1 pint
SF) G773285 Other Small Fruit or Berries 1 pint (Do not duplicate entries in classes 280-284)
SF) G773286 Other Fruits OR Nuts 5 (Do not duplicate entries in classes 280-284)
Educational Exhibits
SF) G773290 Garden Promotion Poster (SF103) – Individual poster promoting vegetable or herb gardening, size 14 inches x 22 inches either vertical or horizontal arrangement. Poster may be in any medium so long as it is not 3-dimensional. Posters using copyrighted material will not be accepted. Entry card must be attached to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
SF) G773291 Educational Vegetable or Herb Garden Poster(SF104) – Prepare a poster 14 inches x 22 inches x 2 inches (3-dimensional if needed) either vertical or horizontal arrangement illustrating a skill or project the 4-H member has done or learned about in a 4-H vegetable gardening project. One might show a special technique used or equipment incorporated in the garden (e.g., drip irrigation system, composting or special techniques learned). Refer to 4-H horticulture project manuals but use your own creativity. Entry card must be attached to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
SF) G773292 Vegetable and/or Herb Gardening History Interview (SF105) – Neatly handwritten or typed account of a gardening history interview of someone whose vegetable or herb garden has inspired you. Maximum of 4 pages of text and 2 pages of pictures (include 1 picture of the person you interviewed) of their garden if the individual is still gardening. Protect with a clear report cover. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover.
SF) G773293 Vegetable Seed Display (SF101) – Each display must include seeds representing the following families: Cucurbit, Brassica (cabbage), Solanaceous (nightshade) and legume (pea) families plus representatives from 5 other families. Group the seeds by family and type. Glue seeds or otherwise fasten clear containers of seeds to a board or poster mat board no larger than 22 inches x 24 inches. Label each group and each individual vegetable type with the common and scientific names. Use only one variety or cultivar of each vegetable, except for beans where several examples of beans may be shown. Attach a card to the back of the display explaining why and how it is important to know which vegetables are related and cite references on where the scientific name information was found. The 4-H member’s name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the display. Information on vegetable family members can be obtained from the Extension Office.
SF) G773294 World of Vegetables Notebook (SF102) – Choose a favorite foreign cuisine and learn what vegetables and/or herbs are common to it (e.g. Mexican, African, Chinese, Italian, etc.) Include a report describing a minimum of 5 vegetables and/or herbs from each country chosen. Include the scientific and common names; pictures of the plants from your garden or seed catalogs; tell how they are grown; and how the foods are used. Also list a source for buying the seed or plants. Favorite recipes using some or all the vegetables described may be included. Give proper credit by listing the source of pictures and information used. Protect in a clear report cover or 3-ring notebook. The 4-H member’s name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover or notebook.
C) G773908 County Only Display – Any other item completed as part of this project
Special Garden Project
The Special Garden Project Changes annually. 2026 is Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold
More information may be found at https://4h.unl.edu/special-garden-project
SF) G775001 Special Garden Project - Educational Exhibit (SF109) – Educational exhibit based on what was learned from the project. Present information on a poster 14 inches X 22 inches either vertical or horizontal arrangement or in a clear plastic report cover. The 4-H member’s name, age, and county must be on the back of the poster or report cover.
SF) G775002 Special Garden Project – Fresh Cut Flowers or Harvested Vegetables.(SF109)- The current year’s Special Garden Project fresh cut flowers, herbs, or harvested vegetables should be entered in this class. Refer to classes 1-45 for quantity to exhibit if Special Garden Project is a fresh cut flower. (SF106) Refer to classes 201-252 for quantity to exhibit if Special Garden Project is a vegetable (SF108) Flowers and herbs must be cut not potted.