Entry numbers growing for Hot Off the Potting Bench at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2026

With the show season fast approaching, the team behind Hot Off the Potting Bench at BBC Gardeners' World Live, which takes place at the NEC 18th – 21st June 2026, are issuing a timely reminder to plant breeders and growers to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their latest introductions.

As one of the anchor exhibits within the Floral Marquee, Hot Off the Potting Bench offers a platform for breeders and growers to present brand new plants directly to the people who matter most - the plant-buying public.

© BBC Gardeners' World

Now in its fourth year as a standalone feature, the exhibit highlights plants set to reach the market in 2027. There has already been significant interest with a record number of plants at this stage now confirmed, but organisers are keen to expand the display further and are encouraging additional submissions to create the most exciting showcase yet.

Entries are welcomed across five categories, those being Ornamental shrubs and trees; Edibles; Tender, conservatory and houseplant; Annuals and bedding plants; and Perennials, including bulbs and tubers.

A panel of expert judges will select the best new plant in each category, with the overall winner receiving the Peter Seabrook Best New Plant Award.

© BBC Gardeners' World

The exhibit consistently attracts attention from both trade and consumer horticultural press, offering exposure for participating breeders. In addition, plants featured have appeared on the BBC Gardeners' World television programme each year, further amplifying visibility.

Visitors to the show also have their say, with a public vote providing exhibitors with feedback from gardeners who will ultimately be buying and growing these plants.

Kevin Campbell, Production Director at Allensmore Nurseries, said: "Hot Off the Potting Bench has become a key destination for breeders and growers to showcase their new plants. It has a unique place in the world of new plants in that it generates real interest and gives us invaluable feedback from the gardening public. 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."

Neil Gow, organiser of the event 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."