AMA-Gütesiegel –
AMA Seal of Quality –
for flowers and
ornamental plants
The AMA quality label for flowers and ornamental plants identifies bedding and balcony flowers, potted and house plants, perennials and shrubs, young vegetable plants and potted herbs of special quality. The designation of origin indicates the origin of the plants. All quality criteria are checked by independent bodies.
The AMA quality label for flowers and ornamental plants - criteria and meaning
The AMA quality label for flowers and ornamental plants stands for independently controlled plants of special quality.
Regional origin as well as location-appropriate and resource-saving production are the central criteria of the label. They are at the centre of comprehensive controls that are carried out along the entire production and marketing chain.
Regional origin
Plants with the AMA seal of quality and the AUSTRIA designation of origin have been grown in this region. They were verifiably potted, cultivated, sorted and packaged here.
Grown according to location
Flowers and ornamental plants with the AMA seal of quality are grown under the climatic conditions of the respective region. Plants adapted to their location are particularly vigorous.
Higher quality
The requirements of the AMA guidelines guarantee higher quality standards than those required by law. Plants with the AMA seal of quality must be as free as possible from pests, diseases and injuries.
A good root pattern and sufficient stability are also required. Dead plant parts must be professionally removed. An optimum supply of fertiliser ensures that the plants develop well at home.
Did you know, ...
... that around 16 companies currently participate in the AMA quality seal for flowers and ornamental plants?
Grown in an environmentally friendly way
The careful and sparing use of resources is the basis for the production of flowers and ornamental plants. Nurseries must record where and for what energy is consumed and derive measures from this to ensure the best possible energy efficiency.
The same applies to the careful use of water. A concept must also be in place for this. Specialists support the businesses in water and energy management, which helps to conserve resources.
Use of pesticides
The use of pesticides is strictly regulated and regularly monitored. They may only be used if absolutely necessary. Even then, strict conditions apply.
Plant protection products must be stored safely and their use must be precisely documented. Drift during application must be minimised. Participants must be able to provide evidence of relevant training and further education.
Independent controls
Mandatory labelling and documentation along the entire value chain ensure complete traceability. All production steps are regularly checked by independent and professionally trained inspection bodies.
Which flowers and ornamental plants can bear the AMA seal of quality?
The AMA guideline for flowers and ornamental plants includes criteria for various plant categories.
Cut flowers and Christmas trees are excluded from the scope of application. For these, there is currently no sufficient possibility of complete traceability of origin.
- Bedding and balcony flowers
- Potted and house plants
- Perennials and woody plants
- Young vegetable plants
- Potted herbs
Which companies can be awarded the AMA quality seal for flowers and ornamental plants?
Ornamental plant cultivation
All non-hardy plants with ornamental value (flower, leaf, fruit) are called "ornamental plants" in horticulture. This includes the common bedding and balcony flower assortment as well as cut flowers and houseplants.
Ornamental plant companies are the strongest branch of Austrian horticulture. Most nurseries sell to end consumers. In addition to gardeners, these businesses also employ florists who process the plants and flowers produced in the nursery into attractive floral arrangements.
Tree nurseries
Tree nurseries specialise in the propagation and cultivation of woody plants for outdoor cultivation. They mainly cultivate shrubs and trees. As perennials (non-woody, perennial plants) are also planted outdoors, most nurseries also offer a range of perennials.
Many of these production companies also sell to end consumers. Some have also specialised within the sector: For example, there are rose nurseries, avenue nurseries, forest nurseries, fruit tree nurseries, etc.
Perennial nurseries
This type of business is closely related to tree nurseries. However, perennials are not woody and therefore belong more to the ornamental plant sector. Perennials for the home garden must be frost-hardy and are produced in the open ground, just like nursery plants.
Perennial nurseries are specialised businesses that usually offer a very extensive range of plants for a wide variety of garden locations. Customers can find plants for a wide variety of light and soil conditions, rock gardens, steppe and desert gardens, swamp and pond areas, underplanting of woody plants, ...
