Flowers & Gardens

Welcome to the Flowers & Gardens Competition Department!

Below you will find information regarding the Competition Gardens, which open for registration prior to the General Entries registration timeline later in July.
Information regarding the other Flowers & Gardens general competitions are listed further down on this page.
The 2026 Flowers & Gardens Premium Book rules and regulations will be posted before registration opens July 1st, 2026.

Registration Opens: May 1st, 2026 at 9 AM
Registration Closes: June 15th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Open to adults, professionals, organizations, or schools.
Those who wish to participate must register online to be placed in a lottery to receive a garden plot.
The online registration link will be posted on this page.
You must provide a valid SSN or EIN at the time of registration. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of any earned premiums. This number cannot be provided at a later time.
Please review the rules and guidelines below for more information.

Registration Opens: Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
Registration Closes: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
The Flowers and Gardens competitions are open to all residents of North Carolina.
The NC State Fair General Fair Rules for Exhibitors apply.
You may enter as many exhibits as desired, however, you may submit only one entry, per class, per show.
Container-grown plants must have been in exhibitor’s possession at least 90 days,
Premiums will be paid only from the judges’ books and not from the ribbons or entry tags.
Entry Take In Schedule:
- First Show - Saturday, October 10th, 2026 from 8 AM-6 PM - Flower House
  Sunday, October 11th, 2026 from 8 AM-6 PM - Flower House
- Second Show - Sunday, October 18th, 2026 from 8 AM - 2 PM - Flower House
- Third Show - Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 from 8 AM - 2 PM - Flower House
- See Competition Information for full schedule and deadlines.