BREAKING: The much-anticipated list of award-winning flowers and vegetables for 2026 has just been revealed by the All-America Selections (AAS), marking a significant moment for gardeners everywhere! This annual announcement, a tradition since 1932, highlights exceptional new varieties that promise to enhance gardens across North America.
These AAS winners are not just visually stunning; they boast improved performance and resilience, making them must-haves for any gardener eager to elevate their green spaces. The AAS logo—a familiar emblem in seed catalogs—signifies these top-tier selections, assuring quality and uniqueness.
Here are the standout varieties for 2026:
Coreopsis SunGlobe: Judges raved about its vibrant golden yellow blooms, which last from early summer through fall. Standing at just 12 inches, it’s perfect for borders and containers, thriving in Zones 3 and 4.
Dianthus Supra Cherry Picotee: This annual dazzles with dark cherry centers and soft pink edges. Its compact size and heat tolerance mean it’s a reliable choice for stunning flower beds, growing to 12 inches high.
Heliopsis Sole Giatto: A perennial gem, this plant features bright yellow blooms that attract pollinators while resisting deer and rabbits. At 20 inches, it’s a robust option for perennial gardens.
Rudbeckia Claire Orange: With a tidy height of 12 inches, this early-flowering beauty boasts a vibrant orange hue and outstanding heat tolerance, making it ideal for containers.
Sedum Spectacular: This winter-hardy perennial grows to about 14 inches and produces light pink flowers, thriving in hot, dry conditions. Its compact form is a highlight for any garden landscape.
Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved: This zinnia stands out with its pure white flowers that resist fading, making it a stunning addition to any flower bed. Compact and disease-resistant, it grows to 14 inches high and 20 inches wide.
Kale Rubybor: Uniquely awarded in both ornamental and vegetable trials, this kale features deep purple foliage and non-bitter leaves, perfect for continuous harvesting.
Tomato BadaBing: This cherry tomato variety is larger than most, measuring 1.5 inches in diameter, prized for its rich flavor and disease resistance.
Winter Squash Butter Lamp: A mini butternut squash with a sweet, buttery flavor, this plant requires less space than traditional varieties, making it ideal for compact gardens.
The AAS winners not only promise to beautify gardens but also offer solutions for gardeners facing challenges such as heat and drought. As we kick off the 2026 gardening season, these selections are set to transform landscapes and inspire creativity in gardens worldwide.
Stay tuned for further updates as these award-winning varieties become available in nurseries and garden centers. Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your garden with these exceptional plants!
