Mar 2, 2007

All-America Selections Announces 2008 WinnersSource: AAS

Every year, All-America Selections tests new, unsold cultivars in various trials and informs gardeners about the winners. The newest winners were announced recently and will be available May 1, 2007. There are three 2008 winners:

Bedding plant award winner. Bred by Goldsmith Seeds in Gilroy, Calif., ‘Asti White’ is the first F1 hybrid white osteospermum propagated from seed. From plug to flowering, plants require 14-16 weeks in 4-inch pots or larger. ‘Asti White’ is bred for production during several seasons and should exhibit heat and drought tolerance during summer months.

Cool-season bedding plant award winner. Viola ‘Skippy XL Plum-Gold’ was tested in southern locations during the winter. Judges found it to be cold and heat tolerant. Propagated from seed, ‘Skippy XL Plum-Gold’ needs about 10 weeks from sow to bloom. It is recommended for 3- to 4-inch flowering pots or combinations planters with bulbs or annuals. This viola was bred by Kieft Seeds Holland.

Vegetable award winner. ‘Hansel’ is a miniature eggplant; its plant size is less than 3 ft. tall. Seminis Vegetable Seeds in Oxnard, Calif., bred it. During trials, ‘Hansel’ was productive under a wide range of growing conditions. Like all eggplants, ‘Hansel’ needs warm temperatures to thrive and blossom. The glossy, dark-purple fruit are borne in finger-like clusters of 3-6 fruit.

To learn more about All-America Selections, visit www.all-americaselections.org.