DOWNERS GROVE, IL – All-America Selections, the only non-profit trialing organization for plants that demonstrate great garden performance throughout North America, presents 8 more exciting new AAS Winners. Each of the following varieties was trialed in North America by professional, independent, volunteer judges who grew them next to comparisons that are considered best-in-class.
This new group of AAS Winners for 2017/2018 includes:
Bean, Pole Seychelles (National)
Pepper Aji Rico F1 (National)
Pepper Chili Pie F1 (National)
Pepper Sweetie Pie F1 (Regional-Heartland, Northeast, Southeast)
Petunia Evening Scentsation F1 (Regional-Heartland, Greatlakes, West/Northwest)
Squash Sugaretti F1 (Regional-Southeast)
Tomato Midnight Snack F1 (National)
Watermelon Gold in Gold F1 (National)
The previously announced AAS Winners for 2017 are:
Celosia Asian Garden (National)
Dianthus Supra Pink F1 (National)
Fennel Antares F1 (National)
Geranium Calliope® Medium Dark Red (National)
Okra Candle Fire F1 (National)
Pea Patio Pride (Regional-Southeast)
Penstemon Twizzle Purple (Regional-Heartland and Southeast)
Pepper Mad Hatter F1 (National)
Squash Honeybaby F1 (Regional-Heartland)
Tomato Chef’s Choice Yellow F1 (Regional-Southeast)
Tomato Patio Choice Yellow F1 (National)
Verbena EnduraScape™ Pink Bicolor (National)
Vinca Mega Bloom Orchid Halo F1 (National)
Vinca Mega Bloom Pink Halo F1 (National)
Watermelon Mini Love F1 (National)
Zinnia Profusion Red (National)
Links on each breeding company name below lead to an email address for ordering immediately from those companies. Retailers and consumers will find these AAS Winners for sale as supply becomes available through the distribution chain. Garden communicators are free to begin writing about these varieties now. Each AAS Winner will be marketed through an extensive Social Media and public relations campaign. * A list of AAS trial judges can be found here. AAS Display gardens can be found here. * PowerPoint presentations are available on SlideShare or on the AAS website. * Bench cards and variety markers can be downloaded from the AAS website; posters can be ordered from GardenCenterMarketing.com.
Bean, Pole Seychelles
AAS 2017 Edible Winner
National Winner
A Dutch breeder developed the Seychelles pole bean to produce long (5-6”), uniform, straight stringless pods with an excellent flavor. This AAS Winner produces high yields in multiple crops over the growing season and is easy to maintain. Whether grown in the garden or in a pot on the patio, Seychelles grows 7-9 feet tall on vigorous dark green vines and should be grown on supports, thus, its classification as a pole bean. Foodies, vegetarians and vegetable-lovers will all enjoy this productive bean that is fast-growing and early-to-produce crisp delicious pods.
From Bakker Brothers/Pure Line Seeds, Inc.
AAS® Winner Data
* Genus species: Phaseolus vulgaris
* Common name: Pole bean
* Fruit flavor: Crisp, fresh bean flavor
* Fruit size: 5-6 inch pods
* Fruit shape: Elongated pods
* Fruit color: Dark green
* Plant type: Annual
* Plant height: 7-9 feet
* Plant habit: Climbing, requires staking or supports
* Garden location: Full sun
* Garden spacing: 6-12 inches
* Length of time to harvest: 55 days from sowing seed
* Closest comparisons on market: Kentucky Blue, Stringless Blue Lake
Pepper Aji Rico F1
AAS 2017 Edible Winner
National Winner
Aji Rico is the first of its kind: a hybrid hot pepper from the Capsicum baccatum species that matures early for short-season production or early summer enjoyment. The large plant produces many thin-walled, crunchy fruits which have a narrow conical shape. Fruit matures from green to red and can be eaten at any stage. “Ají” is the term for chili in South America. These fruits have a refreshing citrus flavor and warm heat level, perfect for eating fresh or cooking into salsas or hot sauces. Simply incorporate the desired number of seeds from the pepper to add some heat. Aji also dries well for a flavorful homemade paprika.
Bred by PanAmerican Seed
AAS® Winner Data
* Genus species: Capsicum baccatum
* Common name: Pepper
* Fruit size: 3-4 inch x 1.25 to 1.75 inch
* Fruit shape: Narrow, conical
* Fruit color: Red
* Plant type: Annual
* Plant height: 30-36 inches
* Plant habit: Bushy
* Garden location: Full sun
* Garden spacing: 2-3 feet
* Length of time to harvest: 50-55 days from transplant to mature green; 70-75 days from transplant to ripe red
* Closest comparisons on market: Aji Cristal, Mayan
Pepper Chili Pie F1
AAS 2017 Edible Winner
National Winner
A unique miniature Bell Pepper that is mildly hot when fruits turn red. These peppers are compact, easy to grow and adapt well to container or small garden planting. Another plus is their dark green foliage and ability to set fruit even under hot humid conditions. Each plant yields 25 to 30 fruit and can be eaten fresh or cooked. “A word to the wise,” cautioned one judge, “plant these opposite side of your garden from your sweet bells – I only absentmindedly confused the two once!”
Bred by Clover Seed Co., Ltd.
AAS® Winner Data
* Genus species: Capsicum annuum
* Common name: Pepper
* Fruit size: 2 inches by 2.5 inches
* Fruit shape: Bell
* Fruit color: Green or red
* Plant type: Annual
* Plant height: 18–32 inches
* Plant habit: Upright
* Garden location: Full sun
* Garden spacing: 2-3 feet apart
* Length of time to harvest: 65-70 days from transplant
* Closest comparisons on market: Cajun Belle F1, Mexi Belle F1 Pepper Sweetie Pie F1
AAS 2017 Edible Winner
Regional Winner NE, SE, HL
A miniature bell pepper that is easy to grow with excellent fruit set even under hot and humid conditions. An attractive plant that is well-adapted to container and small garden growing. Fruits can be harvested 60 to 70 days from transplanting either in green or red. These small 3 oz cuties are 2.5 inches x 3 inches in size and are thick walled, sweet and flavorful. These peppers can be eaten fresh, grilled, stir fried or stuffed. The possibilities are endless. As one judge said, “A cute way to introduce bell peppers to kids.”
Bred by Clover Seed Co., Ltd
AAS® Winner Data
* Genus species: Capsicum annuum
* Common name: Pepper
* Fruit size: 2.5 inches x 3 inches
* Fruit shape: Bell
* Fruit color: Green or Red
* Plant type: Annual
* Plant height: 24–28 inches
* Plant habit: Upright
* Garden location: Full sun
* Garden spacing: 28–36 inches
* Length of time to harvest: 60-70 days from transplant
* Closest comparisons on market: Cute Stuff Red F1, Right On Red F1 Petunia Evening Scentsation F1
AAS 2017 Ornamental from Seed Winner
Regional Winner HL, GL, W/NW
Evening Scentsation is the first petunia to receive an AAS award for its lovely fragrance and stunning color. This is “One of the best blue petunias I have seen, nice mounding and spreading habit. Excellent fragrance too!” wrote one judge. Evening Scentsation’s fragrance has notes of hyacinth, sweet honey and rose. As the name implies, the scent is stronger in the evening hours, though it can be experienced throughout the day as well. Scent is perceived differently by each individual. Evening Scentsation is a medium-sized multiflora type, reaching a height of 5-8 inches, and a width of 30-35 inches and will work well in containers, hanging baskets and in mass.
Bred by Takii & Co., Ltd.
AAS® Winner Data
* Genus species: Petunia x atkinsiana
* Common name: Petunia
* Flower color: Indigo Blue
* Foliage color: Green
* Flower size: 2.5 inches
* Bloom time: Late spring, summer to frost
* Plant height: 5 inches
* Plant type: Annual
* Garden location: Full sun
* Garden spacing: 12 inches
* Weather tolerance: Heat, rain
* Closest comparisons on market: Wave Blue F1
Squash Sugaretti F1
AAS 2017 Edible Winner
Regional Winner – Southeast
Sugaretti is a new spaghetti winter squash that prolifically produces a generous crop of mid-sized orange fleshed vegetables. These striped beauties are the perfect size for culinary gardeners who want to grow a great tasting, healthy fall treat on semi-bushy vines that spread only about two feet wide/long. The nutty sweet flesh (somewhat reminscent of a sweet potato) can be used as a pasta substitute simply roasted or blended in soups. Determinate vining plants have good disease resistance to powdery mildew and produce fruits slightly earlier than other similar varieties. Sugaretti produces so many fruits that it’s good that their hard shells protect the flesh for a long shelf life.
Co-Bred by Seeds By Design Inc. and Cornell University
AAS® Winner Data
* Genus species: Cucurbita pepo
* Common name: Winter Squash
* Fruit size: 9-10 inches
* Fruit shape: Elongated oval
* Fruit color: Green with white stripes
* Plant type: Annual
* Plant height: 9-10 inches
* Plant habit: Determinate, semi bush vines
* Garden location: Full sun
* Garden spacing: 2-3 feet apart
* Length of time to harvest: 90 days from direct sow
* Closest Comparisons on market: Stripetti F1, Tivoli F1
Tomato Midnight Snack F1
AAS 2017 Edible Winner
National Winner
Midnight Snack is a unique indigo-type cherry tomato that ripens to red with a beautiful glossy black-purple overlay when exposed to sunlight. This coloration comes from the accumulation of anthocyanin pigments, the same reason blueberries are blue and contain healthy antioxidants. The indeterminate growth habit means vines should be staked and, lucky for us gardeners, plentiful fruits will ripen all season long! Midnight Snack is great in salads or eaten straight off the plant…a guilt-free treat any time of the day or night. Judges commented on the improved taste of this indigo tomato and said this is a “Big improvement in purple tomatoes!” This novel AAS Winner matures earlier than the comparisons, is very easy to grow and will be a unique addition to any garden.
Bred by PanAmerican Seed
AAS® Winner Data
* Genus species: Solanum lycopersicum
* Common name: Tomato
* Fruit flavor: Traditional red cherry flavor that is well-
balanced and flavorful.
* Fruit size: 1.5 inches
* Fruit shape: Cherry
* Fruit color: Red with a blush of glossy black-purple
* Plant type: Annual
* Plant height: 60-72 inches
* Plant habit: Indeterminate, requires staking
* Garden location: Full sun
* Garden spacing: 18-36 inches
* Length of time to harvest: 65-70 days from transplanting
* Closest comparisons on market: Indigo Ruby F1, Indigo Cherry Drops
Watermelon Gold in Gold F1
AAS 2017 Edible Winner
National Winner
“Eye-catching and fun" was one judge’s comment about “Gold in Gold" Watermelon. The fruit’s outer color is yellow with golden stripes while the inner flesh is a lovely orange/gold. Crisp texture with high sugar contents is also an advantage. This winner is an early producing, high yielding, and improved disease resistant melon with a strong rind that resists cracking or bursting. The unique oblong shape of the 6-12 pound fruit makes it a perfect “icebox” watermelon and the tasty fruit is superior. Judges said, “We loved it!”
Bred by Asia Seed Co.
AAS® Winner Data
* Genus species: Citrullus lanatus
* Common name: Watermelon
* Fruit flavor: Sweet golden yellow flesh
* Fruit size: 8 x 12 inches; 8-12 pounds
* Fruit shape: Long oval
* Fruit color: Yellow with gold stripes
* Plant type: Annual
* Plant habit: Spreading, indeterminate
* Garden location: Full sun
* Garden spacing: 24-36 inches
* Length of time to harvest: 100 days from sowing seed; 70 days from transplant
* Closest comparisons on market: Faerie F1, Lemon Krush F1
Source: All-America Selections
