UPDATE: The highly anticipated list of new award-winning flowers and vegetables for 2026 has just been revealed by the All-America Selections (AAS) organization, igniting excitement among gardeners everywhere. This year’s winners promise to enhance gardens across the nation with their unique characteristics and robust growth.
The AAS, which has been awarding exceptional plant varieties since 1932, announced the winners today, January 3, 2026. These selections, marked by the distinctive red, white, and blue AAS logo, are recognized for their superior performance and aesthetic appeal, making them must-haves for this gardening season.
Among the standout winners is the Coreopsis SunGlobe, celebrated for its vibrant golden yellow blooms that last from summer to fall. Judges noted its compact, tidy form, ideal for borders or container gardening, thriving in Zones 3 and 4.
Also making waves is the Dianthus Supra Cherry Picotee, with its striking, fringed blooms featuring dark cherry centers and soft pink edges. This annual is praised for its heat and drought resistance, ensuring stunning displays without the need for deadheading.
The Heliopsis Sole Giatto, a perennial reaching 20 inches, is another highlight, boasting long-lasting bright yellow blooms that attract pollinators, while its resistance to deer and rabbits makes it a perfect landscape choice.
The Rudbeckia Claire Orange comes as a compact beauty, producing clear orange flowers that withstand heat and disease. With a height of just 12 inches, it’s perfect for smaller gardens or containers.
Gardeners will also be thrilled by the Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved, which maintains pristine white blooms throughout the hottest summers, coupled with disease-resistant foliage. This compact plant is expected to spread beautifully in flower beds.
On the vegetable front, the Kale Rubybor marks a significant achievement, winning awards in both ornamental and vegetable categories. Its stunning purple foliage not only adds color but also offers a continuous harvest of tender greens.
The newly introduced Tomato BadaBing is set to impress with its larger-than-average cherry tomatoes, offering exceptional flavor while resisting cracking.
Additionally, the Winter Squash Butter Lamp and Pole Bean Majesty are expected to be game-changers for gardeners aiming for high yields in limited spaces, showcasing resilience against pests and environmental stressors.
As the gardening season approaches, these award-winning plants offer a beacon of hope and creativity for enthusiasts eager to cultivate vibrant, productive gardens. The AAS winners are available through seed catalogs and garden centers, so be sure to check for these remarkable varieties as you plan your garden layout for 2026.
Stay tuned for updates on gardening trends and tips to make the most of your planting this year!
