As a dedicated gardener, I have my go-to plants that I’ve nurtured for years and will continue to cultivate, such as the aromatic and delicious Big Boy tomatoes, broad Romano-type Italian flat beans, climbing zucchinis, and Queen Lime Mix zinnias. However, I also enjoy experimenting with new plant varieties.
It’s worth noting that each year, the All-America Selections organization, a non-profit group, engages over 80 horticulture experts from the U.S. and Canada to act as plant-trial judges. Their task is to grow new plants alongside existing varieties, assessing factors like performance, time to maturity, size of flowers or fruits, disease resistance, and other traits important to home gardeners. The standout plants are recognized as AAS winners for the upcoming year, coinciding with their launch in the market.
For 2025, a total of 20 plants – seven edible and 13 ornamental – have been crowned as national or regional winners.
**Edibles:**
*Basil Piedmont (Regional Winner: Great Lakes and Heartland)*
Renowned for its exceptional disease resistance, the new basil variety also stands out for its strong resistance to downy mildew, intense aroma, classic flavor, and a refined growth habit that prolongs its shelf life after harvesting. This dense, bushy plant is praised for its robust growth and health, even in challenging environments. (Developed by Garden Genetics and Seeds by Design)
*Cauliflower Murasaki Fioretto 70 F1 (National Winner)*
Translated as “purple” in Japanese, this long-stemmed cauliflower boasts vibrant purple florets and tender stems. Early to mature and easy to harvest, this mild-flavored brassica would make a stunning addition to any crudite platter. (Developed by Tokita Seed America)
*Kohlrabi Konstance F1 (National)*
This purple kohlrabi variety thrives in both spring and fall, yielding crack-resistant bulbs with smooth, vivid skin. It offers an extended harvest period compared to other kohlrabi types, and its leaves are also tasty. (Developed by Bejo Seeds)
*Pepper Pick-N-Pop Yellow F1 (National)*
These mid-size plants, known for their outstanding resistance to bacterial leaf spot disease, continuously produce sweet, snack-sized yellow peppers throughout the growing season. (Developed by Seminis Home Garden)
*Squash Green Lightning F1 (National)*
With a small seed cavity resulting in a higher proportion of edible flesh, the Green Lightning squash lives up to its name with early maturity. Judges were impressed by its appearance and taste, noting its unique color and pattern that can double as a decorative item. When cooked, this squash offers a robust flavor that complements various seasonings. (Developed by Joseph Stern; marketed by PanAmerican Seed)
*Squash Thriller F1
At harvest time, the Celosia Flamma Pink is a semi-dwarf variety known for its exceptional blooming and vibrant, long-lasting upright pink flowers. Judges praised its vigorous performance in hot and humid conditions, as well as its extended vase life as a cut flower. The Vinca Sphere Polkadot is a resilient and beautiful vinca variety with a compact, rounded habit that blooms throughout the summer. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and shows superior disease resistance and durability against harsh weather. The Zinnia Crestar Mix offers a blend of crested zinnias in various colors, ideal for mass plantings and continuous cut flower supply during the summer. The Dahlia Black Forest Ruby features ruby-red flowers against a black-foliage backdrop, impressing judges with its durability and disease resistance. The Dianthus Interspecific Capitán Magnifica thrives in summer heat, producing two-toned pink flowers suitable for bouquets. The Marigold Mango Tango boasts bi-color blooms on compact plants, providing nonstop color over an extended season. The Nasturtium Baby Gold, Baby Red, and Baby Yellow are compact nasturtium varieties with vibrant flower colors. The Petunia Dekko Maxx Pink is a low-maintenance petunia with non-fading pink blooms that last throughout the season. The Petunia Shake Raspberry F1 features a compact plant with heat resistance and long-lasting color. Finally, the Snapdragon DoubleShot Yellow Red Heart F1 is an early-blooming snapdragon with a candy-like scent.
Zinnia Zydeco Fire, bred by Hems Genetics, is a remarkable variety known for its robust health, vigorous growth, long-lasting flowers, and exceptional heat tolerance. This vibrant zinnia features fiery orange, fully double blooms that sit atop sturdy stems. Judges have noted that the blooms of Zydeco Fire are larger and more resilient compared to other plants. For more gardening stories and tips, check out Jessica Damiano’s weekly gardening columns for the AP and subscribe to the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest AP gardening news by visiting https://apnews.com/hub/gardening.
