The first lesson is long stems. Judges like to see tall daffodils. The longer stems suggest better grown and will win.

The next rule is uniformity, meaning the same size for all the daffodils to be used in that category. This generally does not apply to single stem entries, but it does apply to three stems or more shown together. Uniformity is subjective, but one should strive for it anyway.

A good rule to live by is that the collection should look nice, with it's color balanced throughout. Judges will tell you that "looking nice" has no point value, but a favorable impression will never hurt. And, if all other "points" are equal... I'd rather have the best looking collection.

Use daffodils that are symetrical. Meaning the fan of the petals and sepals combined are even all around, giving a "circle" look to the fllower. Some say the sepals should look like a triple triangle. Insure that the cup is round and the stem is straight.

The best advise is to always use freshly bloomed daffodils.

Here are some key points to remember when showing daffodils.

Three daffodils shown together:

• In a vase or collection of three stems, the three flowers that you are using should be the same size (uniform). Assure that the judges can see the entire bloom of each daffodil. If the daffodils are not the same size, stage them in such a way that the difference isn't the first thing that strikes you when you look at them.

Collections of Five:

• Always put the largest daffodils in the back row.
• In a collection of five, try to stage the daffodils so that you will have three daffodils in one line and two in the other. Avoid showing them five across, if possible.
• The near daffodils should be slightly lower than the ones farther in back.
• Uniformity in size would be best, however, a collection of five is an ideal category to stage different size flowers and make them look neat and well balanced.
• Make the daffodils in back as tall as possible. The ones in front should be placed below the ones in back so that the judges have full unobstructed view of all five daffodils in the collection.
• If you have one daffodil that is bigger than all the others, it should go in the middle of the back row if possible. When you do this, be aware of the color pattern. Always assure that the collection is attractive.
• Balance is vital. All five daffodils being the same color is best. When that is not possible, look at both the color and the size of the five daffodils that are being shown. When staged properly the differences in size or color should be an apealing factor.
• If there is one small daffodil, put it in front.
• If you have one color that is totally different than the other four, try to put it in the middle of the rear row. If that doesn't work, put it on the rear right. You don't want it on the rear left as judges most often work from left to right. An odd daffodil as the first to be judged is not a good way to get started.

Collection of 12, 15, and 24

• Always put the largest daffodils in the back row.
• Put your very best daffodils on the back rear corners. Get the judges off to a good impression.
• Keep each row in your collect as standard in size as possible.
• Balance the color in the collection so that the presentation will be the best possible.
• Keep all the smaller daffodils together, e.g., the upper divisions. I'd recommend the front row.
• In collections of 12 or 24 make sure you have the proper number of divisions represented as required by the show category.
• Count the daffodils in the entries. Make sure you have the right total number of daffodils as required for that entry category.
• If you want to win a Quinn Award of 24, assure that each daffodil used would win its class in the single stem categories.
• On the Throckmorton Award or collections of 15 stems. Insure that you personally look up the color code on each and every daffodil and insure the codes are correctly recorded on the labels. The judges will be checking each detail. The Throckmorton Award is where the judges are required to be "super" critical. No mistakes are allowed.

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For more information, e-mail me at Clay Higgins.