UPDATE: The highly anticipated list of award-winning flowers and vegetables for 2026 has just been announced by the All-America Selections (AAS), a trusted name in horticulture since 1932. Gardeners everywhere can expect vibrant, resilient additions to their gardens that promise to enhance landscapes and home gardens alike.
With the new gardening season on the horizon, this announcement comes at a crucial time for gardening enthusiasts eager to plan their spring planting. The AAS winners are selected based on strict criteria, showcasing varieties that outperform existing options in both beauty and performance.
The highlights of the 2026 winners include:
Coreopsis SunGlobe: This perennial dazzles with its golden yellow, semi-double flowers. Judges praised its compact form and durability, making it perfect for borders and containers. It thrives in Zones 3 and 4.
Dianthus Supra Cherry Picotee: An annual standout, this plant’s striking dark cherry centers and soft pink edges are sure to captivate. Its heat and drought tolerance ensure vibrant blooms throughout the growing season without needing deadheading.
Heliopsis Sole Giatto: Known for its prolific yellow blooms, this perennial attracts pollinators while resisting deer and rabbits. Standing at 20 inches, it’s ideal for any garden looking for consistent color from late spring through fall.
Rudbeckia Claire Orange: This compact beauty features bright orange blooms with a central brown eye. Judges noted its impressive heat tolerance and uniform growth habit, making it a reliable choice for containers and flower beds.
Sedum Spectacular: A winter-hardy perennial that thrives in poor conditions, this sedum delivers with clusters of light pink flowers and a mounding habit that resists flopping.
Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved: This zinnia maintains its pure white color even in the hottest summers, making it a must-have for containers or flower beds. Its disease-resistant foliage keeps it looking immaculate all season long.
Vegetable enthusiasts will also find exciting new additions:
Kale Rubybor: Unique for its dual recognition in ornamental and vegetable trials, this kale boasts deep purple leaves and a compact shape, perfect for both aesthetics and taste.
Basil Treviso: This basil variety offers exceptional heat tolerance and a slower flowering habit, ensuring tender leaves late into the season.
Winter Squash Butter Lamp: This mini butternut squash features sweet, buttery flesh and compact vines, making it perfect for small gardens.
Tomato BadaBing: A cherry tomato that’s slightly larger than typical varieties, it delivers outstanding flavor and disease resistance.
Pole Bean Majesty: Notable for its high yield and insect resistance, this bean variety is perfect for vertical gardening in tight spaces.
As gardeners prepare for the 2026 growing season, these award-winning varieties promise to deliver not only beauty but also resilience against the challenges of nature. The familiar AAS red, white, and blue logo will soon be seen in seed catalogs and plant tags, signaling quality and innovation.
Stay tuned for further updates as these exciting new varieties become available in stores and online. Gardeners are encouraged to act fast to secure these coveted additions for their gardens this coming spring.
This announcement is a reminder of the joy gardening brings and the community spirit it fosters. As we embark on this new year, let’s celebrate the beauty of nature and the triumphs of horticulture together!
