Entering Lily Horticulture
Official North American Lily Society Scale of Points for Evaluating Specimens
| Condition | 30 |
| Vigor | 20 |
| Placement on Stem | 20 |
| Substance of Flowers | 10 |
| Form of Flowers | 10 |
| Color of Flowers | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Modified Lighty System for Evaluating Seedlings
| Vigor | 20 |
| Placement on Stem | 20 |
| Substance | 20 |
| Form | 20 |
| Color | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
Condition: includes the stage of maturity. Generally it is considered that a spike of lilies is in the best condition when the lower flowers are open but not faded and the upper ones still in bud. The larger the number of open flowers the better, provided the old ones have not begun to fade. The flowers should not be bleached in the sun, wilted or otherwise in poor condition. The plants should also be free from disease and injury of all kinds. The anthers should be present although it is recognized that if open flowers are to be shipped the anthers may be removed rather than have the petals stained with colored pollen.
Vigor: refers to the length and strength of the stem, the number and size of the flowers and the size and attractiveness of the foliage. In cutting lilies, leave about one-third of the foliage with the bulb.
Placement of flowers: refers to their arrangement on the stem. In general, separation on the stem vertically in a spiral arrangement rather than crowded at the same level or in whorls is an advantage. Flowers should also be spaced in such a way that the individual blooms do not interfere with each other. In the case of hybrids competing against hybrids, the separation of the flowers and the attractiveness of their appearance as related to the angle on the pedestal may be considered.
Substance of flowers: refers to the thickness or apparent thickness of the petals. Firm texture that withstands exposure is desirable.In placing the entries in collections, the quality of flowers, the number of species shown, (except where the number is limited) and the horticultural difficulty of raising the kinds of lilies will be considered.
Form of the flower: judged on the basis of conformity with that typical of the species or variety, or with attractiveness of form in comparing different species or varieties.
Color of flowers: should be clear and attractive rather than muddy. This is particularly important in hybrids that have no recognized typical color.
