Hyperspectral imaging for high-throughput vitality monitoring in ornamental plant production

•Maintaining plant vitality is a major challenge in ornamental heather production.•Hyperspectral sensor measurements allow managers to have overview of plant vitality.•PLSR facilitated classification of heather health status with an accuracy of >98%.•Spectral reflectance from 519 to 575 nm is most important for classification.•The data and modeling procedures will be directly applicable for further research.