After bringing the daffodils up from the garden and before taking them to a show, the flowers have to be groomed again. They also have to be culled into those that will go into the show and those that will be eliminated.
Culling
The method I use for selecting flowers requires another step to eliminate those flowers that are not show worthy. A large number of flowers may be picked quickly in the garden. They may not all be show flowers, and as soon as possible, after returning from the garden, give the flowers a long look (or judging), one at a time, to determine if the flower is show quality. If it is nicked or damaged, has five or seven petals, has loss of substance, sun burned, or other defect, it goes into the reject bucket for home decoration. If the bloom is adjudged to have potential, it is groomed and kept for the show.
Grooming
Final Grooming is the process of dressing the blooms and correcting the pose. The ideal daffodil has a flat perianth segment, with the exception of Division 6, which has reflexed perianths. To insure that we are using common definitions:
- cupped perianth segments means that the petal segments form small bowls,
- while reflexed perianth segments means bent backwards.
- When a daffodil is called "hooded," it means that the perianth segments reflex forward toward the cup or corona.
Recently, there has been a movement to show flowers as they grow in the garden, and the concept of the flat perianth segments has not been as emphasized. A flat perianth is one that the perianth segments are at right angles to the neck or 90 degrees from the stem, and in a flat plane. Also, a broad, soft, artist's paint brush can be rolled across each perianth segment to encourage it to stand properly. If the perianth segments are cupped, gentle rubbing with the finger of the inner surface can help with some flattening. However, the edges are very delicate and the most likely thing that happens when you stroke the edges is that it will cause a tear on the edge of the petal.
Reflexed perianth segments can be made flat my gently stroking the petal with the finger and thumb, while holding it in the correct position. Another technique is to apply pressure to all six segments at one time (this is best) on the backs of the petals and push them away from the neck toward the cup. Hold them in place for a couple of minutes and they should respond well.
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