To become an AAS winner, a plant must stand up to trials in gardens across the United States and Canada. Professionals in the horticulture field evaluate plants that are grown in test gardens. The plants are also compared with similar plants that have been grown for a long time, many of which are themselves AAS winners. Sometimes, a particular plant may be outstanding in part of the country, but not the whole area. Regional awards may be given in such cases. Award winners are announced three times each year.
So far, only two edible selections have been awarded national AAS status in 2024. Broccoli Purple Magic, bred at Sakata Seed America, is described as an outstanding purple broccoli. It has tight, uniform heads and growers state it has great flavor. It stands up to stress and tolerates heat. The other winner is a bell pepper, Red Impact. Trial gardeners say it is very sweet, even when green. The peppers have thick walls. The sturdy, up-right plants produce a lot of peppers per plant. Red Impact was bred at Seminis Home Garden.
Six ornamental plants have been awarded national AAS status this year. Celosia Burning Embers is described as a tough plant, sporting bronze foliage with pink veins. The veins reflect the vibrant pink flower plums, which have good staying power. This Clover Seed Company introduction has been found to do well in hot, humid weather.
A geranium (pelargonium) described as low-maintenance has also been selected. Big EEZE Pink Batik has been found to keep the mottled pink flowers coming all season. It is also disease resistant. Drummen Orange produced this plant, which performs well in the ground or in containers.
Another versatile flowering plant is Impatiens interspecific Solarscape XL Pink Jewel. This Pan American Seed introduction starts well from seed. Vibrant pink, satiny blooms cover the mounding plants all summer. It can be used as a groundcover or as a filler plant in mixed contaitners.
If you want a great cutting flower, try Marigold Siam Gold from Thai Home Seeds. Large, fully-double, gold blooms are produced all summer on stems that do not need to be staked.
Petchoa En Viva Pink is a petunia relative and may be a good alternative to petunias in the garden and in containers. The plants have a mounding habit, and the flowers are bright, iridescent pink, with a yellow throat. One plant will fill the average hanging basket. It was submitted by Selecta One North America.
The final national selection is Verbena Sweetheart Kisses. Trial gardeners say this plant is easy to grow, whether in the ground, as a spiller in mixed containers or in a hanging basket. It produces blooms ranging from red to rose to pink, all blushed with white. Applewood Seed submitted this plant for trial.
There was one flower selected as a regional AAS winner for the Great Lakes Region. Petunia Sure Shot White also performed well in the west and northwest regions. It tolerates various weather conditions. Vibrant white blooms that are slightly scented will cover the plant all season. Ball Flora Plant submitted this plant. It will not be available as seed, but transplants will be available for growers.
Since these are new plants, they may be in short supply the first few years. The AAS website will list companies that will be offering these selections when they become available. Try something new with the assurance that professional gardeners have found them to be good plants for gardeners.