Plant breeders and growers are being invited to submit their latest introductions to the “Hot Off the Potting Bench” exhibit at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2026, as organisers look to expand the display.
Staged within the Floral Marquee at the National Exhibition Centre from 18–21 June, the feature enters its fourth year as a platform for plants scheduled for commercial release in 2027. It offers participants both high-profile exposure and the opportunity to gather early consumer insight.
Hot Off the Potting Bench enables breeders to present new plants directly to a large public audience ahead of launch. Visitors are invited to vote for their favourites and indicate purchase drivers, providing qualitative feedback on plant appeal and market potential. In addition to public engagement, entries typically attract media interest, with selected plants featured on BBC Gardeners’ World in previous years.
Organisers report that submissions for 2026 are already at a record level, but are encouraging further entries to broaden the display. Plants can be entered across five categories: ornamental shrubs and trees; edibles; tender conservatory plants; houseplants; and perennials, including bulbs and tubers. Each category will be judged by an expert panel, with winners progressing to compete for the Peter Seabrook Best New Plant Award.
Kevin Campbell, Production Director at Allensmore Nurseries, said: “At Allensmore we found that the publicity generated was amazing and helped us to create more interest and sales of all the plants we entered, but particularly Dahlia Velvet Crush which won the Peter Seabrook Best New Plant Award in 2025.”
Event organiser Neil Gow, added, “Anyone with a new plant should be entering – the process is straightforward, and we can accommodate updates or additional entries right up to the last minute.”
For entry details, contact Neil or Nicci Gow at [email protected].
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25 Apr 2025
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