Did the old flowers look like they were forming seeds?

Some shows want proof it is blooming. A well cultured plant that is old enough to bloom should bloom. Some plants that are overfed get pumped up with N and don't bloom as well. Judges are aware of what a normal plant will look like, and if it bloomed, they want to know.

I know that at the Philadelphia flower Show, they break most classes into blooming and non-blooming, meaning if they are in bloom or not. Plants with wilted flowers are not accepted: you do not see cacti with dead flowers, no exceptions for seeds.

The CSSA rules are "Dead blooms should be removed, unless they have been left on the plant for the purpose of setting seed." (Like written in wantonamara's post.)

Some shows do not allow for the plant to be turned, so you can put the 'flat side' (the Charlie Brown part) against the wall. Some shows allow the judges to turn the plant. You gotta know the rules before you enter.

The old flowers were way down the plant just kind of hanging there. Maybe what I saw was not a CSSA show and they were just display. I'll have to go back and look up the site I saw them on. It was some where in CA.

Bob