Potted Plant Show
A longtime Minnesota State Fair tradition
The Minnesota Horticultural Society’s Potted Plant Show draws hundreds of entries and thousands of viewers, sparking interest in plants and giving the public up-close access to new varieties for home and garden.
Every August, plant lovers of all ages and backgrounds show off their star specimens in the iconic Agriculture Horticulture Building at the Minnesota State Fair. A team of trained judges crowns a grand champion and other winners in various categories. Whether you’re entering a plant or just wandering through, all are welcome to join the fun.
This competition cultivates aesthetic sense and artistic skills, highlighting excellent specimens and creative use of plant material. It also promotes improved horticultural practices in the home, garden and community.
Click below for a helpful instructional video on how to enter for the best chance at success.
Note: Individual competition applicants do not need to apply in advance. Simply stop by the State Fair Agricultural/Horticultural building on Wednesday, August 26th during the 12:00 – 5:30 PM open window to register.

2026 Show Schedule
Entries accepted: Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
Show dates: Thursday & Friday, August 27th & 28th, 2026
For more information, visit the link below.

Plant Drop-Off/Pick-Up Map
See where to bring your entries and then pick them up after the show.

Plant Tags
To make the registration process quicker, you can download and print your tags online and bring them when you drop off your plants at the fair. Tags will also be available at registration.
Photo Gallery
Sneak a peek inside past shows, where plant lovers of all ages and backgrounds gather to show off their prize plants every year.
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