All-America Selections (AAS), with over 90 years of trials and award winners, is the only national, non-profit plant trialing program in North America. Reiman Gardens is proud to be both a trial site for ornamentals, edibles, and perennials showcased as both in-ground and containerized trials and a display garden highlighting recent winners. Check out the AAS website for trial and display sites, winners, blogs, and so much more!
AAS Winners receive recognition for a reason; good genetics stand the test of time. We focus on new and improved all the time, but what about some of those winners from not just 5 or 10 years ago, but even over 80 years ago?
Spinacia oleracea 'Bloomsdale': Perfect for starting in these cooler days, 'Bloomsdale' was declared an AAS Winner in 1937 and is still widely available today. Direct sow and plant every 7-10 days for succession, harvest in 3-5 weeks depending on the weather and your preferred stage of harvest. This would also be a great option for fall plantings.
Daucus carota 'Thumbelina': 'Thumbelina' is just as sweet and cute as the name implies. This carrot is small and round, which makes this a great choice for folks growing in heavy soils who have trouble with traditional carrots. You could also grow these in a patio container; 'Thumbelina' won an AAS award in 1992, so she is ahead of the edible pot production trend. You're just two months away from the most adorable veggie you'll grow this season!
Petunia hybrida 'WaveⓇ Purple Classic': Did you know May 3 is Wave Day? 'WaveⓇ Purple Classic' came to garden centers in 1995 and completely changed the landscape; now almost every gardener knows a Wave Petunia as soon as they see that pink pot on the bench. 'WaveⓇ Purple Classic' grows up to 4 feet wide but stays under 6 inches tall. Great in pots, in bedding spaces, or even a small garden with a trellis.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Yard and Garden, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on May 20, 2025. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.