ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS

1311 Butterfield Road, Suite 310, Downers Grove, IL 60515-5625 P: (630) 963-0770 www.all-americaselections.org

All-America Selections Introduces Six Limited ReleaseAAS Winners for the 2016 Garden Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DOWNERS GROVE, IL – January 30, 2016 – Six more new, never-before-sold varieties join the ranks of wearing the prestigious All-America Selections Winner badge of honor. All of the following new varieties were trialed during the 2015 growing season and exhibited outstanding garden performance as noted in each of the following descriptions. With an announcement at this time of year, these AAS Winners will be available in limited supply for the 2016 gardening season but will be readily available for 2017.

This grouping of AAS Winners for 2016 includes:Ornamental Pepper Black Hawk F1 (Regional: Southeast and Heartland)Cabbage Katarina F1 (National)Kale Prizm F1 (National)Kohlrabi Konan F1 (NationalPepper Flaming Jade F1 (Regional Heartland and Great Lakes)Pumpkin Pepitas F1 (National)

With this announcement, these varieties become available for immediate sale to the commercial market. Brokers and growers can purchase these varieties immediately. Retailers and consumers will find these Winners for sale for the 2016 gardening season as supply gradually becomes available throughout the chain of distribution. Garden communicators are free to begin writing about these varieties now.

The rest of the AAS Winners for 2016 are now readily available:Bunching Onion Warrior (Regional Winner Southeast, Mountain/Southwest)Geranium Brocade Cherry Night (National)Geranium Brocade Fire (National)Mizuna Red Kingdom F1 (National Winner)Pepper Cornito Giallo F1 (National)Pepper Escamillo F1 (National)Pumpkin Super Moon F1 (Regional: Southeast and Great Lakes)Radish Sweet Baby F1 (Regional Winner Southeast, Great Lakes)Salvia Summer Jewel™ Lavender (Regional: Southeast, Heartland, Great Lakes)Strawberry Delizz® F1 (National)Tomato Candyland Red (National)Tomato Chef’s Choice Green F1 (National)

A complete list of trial grounds and the judges behind our awards can be found here.

A complete list of all AAS Winners since 1932 can be found here. Note that this list of AAS Winners can be sorted by Flowers from Seed, Flowers from Cuttings, and Vegetables.

All-America Selections® was founded in 1932 and continues as the oldest independent testing organization in North America. Every year, new, never-before-sold in North America varieties are trialed in our Trial Grounds and professional horticulturists determine which varieties will be deemed winners based on their garden performance. AAS relies upon a public relations program to inform gardeners about AAS Winners that are announced three times each year.

Ornamental Pepper Black Hawk F1AAS 2016 Ornamental from Seed WinnerRegional Winner: Southeast and Heartland

If you are looking for a plant with adorable little ornamental peppers that start off black and change to a beautiful, head-turning red, you'll be over the moon for our newest AAS regional ornamental pepper winner, Black Hawk F1. This newest in our ornamental pepper winners is a very early flower and fruit producer that keeps up production through fall. The consistent plant habit and well branched fullness of the dark green, purple black foliage make it an excellent addition to any mixed container, flower bed or cut flower design. The red conical shaped fruit are edible but not recommended as they are very spicy.

Bred by Seeds By Design

AAS® Winner Data

Genus species: Capsicum annuumCommon name: PepperUnique qualities: Compact hybrid ornamental hot pepper with dark black purple conical fruit. Leaves are also purple. Plants cover quickly and last from summer to the first frost. Excellent performance in the Sunbelt.Flower color: PurpleFoliage color: Purple BlackFlower size: 1/3 to 1/2 inchPlant height: 10-12 inchesPlant type: AnnualGarden location: Full sunGarden spacing: 7-8 inchesClosest comparisons on market: Black Olive, Black Pearl

All-America Selections® was founded in 1932 and continues as the oldest independent testing organization in North America. Every year, new, never-before-sold in North America varieties are trialed in our Trial Grounds and professional horticulturists determine which varieties will be deemed winners based on their garden performance. AAS relies upon a public relations program to inform gardeners about AAS Winners that are announced three times each year.

Cabbage Katarina F1AAS 2016 Edible WinnerNational Winner

Coleslaw and summer go hand-in-hand and this year, you will be able to enjoy your own fresh, homemade coleslaw with our 2016 AAS Winner Cabbage Katarina F1. This new winner has a perfect smaller head size (4”) and shape to be grown successfully in containers on patios, decks or in-ground beds, possibly as an ornamental/edible border. Judges noted that Katarina matured as much as 1-3 weeks earlier than the other cabbage comparison varieties so harvest and enjoy early in the year. Once the main head was removed, the plant continued to grow smaller side heads as well. The taste is less bitter and sweeter than conventional varieties; it might just convert even those who think they are not fond of cabbage!

Breed by Bejo Seeds

AAS® Winner Data

Genus species: Brassica oleracea, Capitata groupCommon name: CabbageFruit flavor: Sweet, crisp Fruit size: 4 inchesFruit shape: RoundFruit color: GreenPlant color: GreenPlant type: AnnualPlant height: 12-14 inchesPlant habit: Compact, depending on spacingGarden location: Full sunGarden spacing: 6 – 8 inches apart; 12 inches between rowsLength of time to harvest: 55 days from sowing seed, 45 days from transplantClosest comparisons on market: Gonzales F1, Crystal Vantage F1

All-America Selections® was founded in 1932 and continues as the oldest independent testing organization in North America. Every year, new, never-before-sold in North America varieties are trialed in our Trial Grounds and professional horticulturists determine which varieties will be deemed winners based on their garden performance. AAS relies upon a public relations program to inform gardeners about AAS Winners that are announced three times each year.

Kale Prizm F1AAS 2016 Edible WinnerNational Winner

Dreaming of growing the popular superfood kale but think you don’t have room? Look no further than our newest 2016 AAS Winner Kale Prizm F1. When grown, Prizm produces attractive short, tight ruffle edged leaves that are content to be grown in containers as well as in-ground beds. Their easy to maintain, almost stemless stalks are quick to re-leaf so harvest early and often for a continual supply throughout the season. The excellent tasting, almost nutty flavored leaves are tender enough to enjoy in fresh salads but also hold up well when cooked. Prizm is a foodie gardener’s dream come true!

Bred by Syngenta Vegetable Seeds

AAS® Winner Data

Genus species: Brassica oleracea, Acephala GroupCommon name: KaleFruit flavor: Leaves have great texture and maintain flavorFruit size: 3.5 – 4.0 inchesFruit shape: Curly leavesFruit color: Bright medium green leavesPlant color: Medium GreenPlant type: AnnualPlant height: 15+ inchesPlant habit: UprightGarden location: Full sun, Partial sunGarden spacing: 4-8 inchesLength of time to harvest: 50-60 days from sowing seed, 35-45 days from transplantClosest comparisons on market: Starbor F1, Winterbor F1

All-America Selections® was founded in 1932 and continues as the oldest independent testing organization in North America. Every year, new, never-before-sold in North America varieties are trialed in our Trial Grounds and professional horticulturists determine which varieties will be deemed winners based on their garden performance. AAS relies upon a public relations program to inform gardeners about AAS Winners that are announced three times each year.

Kohlrabi Konan F1AAS 2016 Edible WinnerNational Winner

Been meaning to try Kohlrabi in your garden? Our new AAS Winner Kohlrabi Konan F1 is the perfect choice for first-time kohlrabi growers as well as those kohlrabi die-hards. Konan was selected for it smooth, globe-shaped bulbs that can grow up to 6” in diameter and are the perfect upright size and shape for container gardening and garden plots. The upright, uniform leaves resist insect damage meaning the plant stays healthy all season long. Of course, the best part is the sweet flavorful bulb that has an excellent texture making it easy to slice and dice. It’s time to try kohlrabi!

Bred by Bejo Seeds

AAS® Winner Data

Genus species: Brassica oleraceaCommon name: KohlrabiFruit flavor: Mild radish/cabbage flavor.Fruit size: 4 inches diameterFruit shape: Round globeFruit color: Light greenPlant color: Dark greenPlant type: AnnualPlant height: 16 inchesPlant habit: BushyGarden location: Full sunGarden spacing: 8 inches apart; 18 inches between rowsLength of time to harvest: 50 days from sowing seed, 42 days from transplantClosest comparisons on market: Korist F1, Winner F1

All-America Selections® was founded in 1932 and continues as the oldest independent testing organization in North America. Every year, new, never-before-sold in North America varieties are trialed in our Trial Grounds and professional horticulturists determine which varieties will be deemed winners based on their garden performance. AAS relies upon a public relations program to inform gardeners about AAS Winners that are announced three times each year.

Pepper Flaming Jade F1AAS 2016 Edible WinnerRegional Winner: Heartland and Great Lakes

When you need Serrano peppers to help bring the heat to your recipes, look no further than Pepper Flaming Jade F1, our 2016 AAS Regional Winner for the Heartland and Great Lakes areas. Flaming Jade was praised for its disease resistant, upright habit and uniform plants making it perfect for gardening in larger containers. Each plant is laden with a heavy set of large, long, firm fruit throughout the entire growing season, especially in the cooler climates of North America. Serrano peppers are great in sauces and pico de gallo as they lend an extra kick of heat compared to jalapeno peppers.

Bred by Seminis Vegetable Seeds

AAS® Winner Data

Genus species: Capsicum annuumCommon name: PepperFruit flavor: Typical Serrano flavor Fruit size: 4 inches x 1 inchFruit shape: CylindricalFruit color: Green Plant color: GreenPlant type: AnnualPlant height: 3 feetPlant habit: BushyGarden location: Full sunGarden spacing: 1 footLength of time to harvest: 105 days from sowing seed, 75 from transplantClosest comparisons on market: Cocula F1, Sureno F1

All-America Selections® was founded in 1932 and continues as the oldest independent testing organization in North America. Every year, new, never-before-sold in North America varieties are trialed in our Trial Grounds and professional horticulturists determine which varieties will be deemed winners based on their garden performance. AAS relies upon a public relations program to inform gardeners about AAS Winners that are announced three times each year.

Pumpkin Pepitas F1AAS 2016 Edible WinnerNational Winner

The newest All-America Selections award winning pumpkin, Pepitas, is a winner in both the decorative and culinary arenas. Pepitas is named for its hulless or naked seeds (pepitas) that lack the tough outer hull making them easy to eat after slow-roasting. Pepitas are a delicious and nutritious treat, with many health benefits!

Each high yield plant produces numerous, uniform medium sized (9 – 12 lb) pumpkins on healthy, disease resistant vines. This confectionary type of pumpkin produces beautiful orange fruits that at maturity have decorative green stripes. What an interesting change of pace for your fall decorations.

Bred by Seeds By Design and W. A. Burpee

AAS® Winner Data

Genus species: Cucurbita pepoCommon name: PumpkinFruit flavor: Pale yellow flesh that can be eaten raw or bakedFruit size: 12-14 inches Fruit shape: Round Fruit color: Yellow/orange with green stripingPlant color: Dark GreenPlant type: AnnualPlant height: 15-16 inchesPlant habit: Requires space has trailing vinesGarden location: Full sunGarden spacing: 3-4 feetLength of time to harvest: 90 days from sowing seedClosest comparisons on market: Triple Treat, Kakai

All-America Selections® was founded in 1932 and continues as the oldest independent testing organization in North America. Every year, new, never-before-sold in North America varieties are trialed in our Trial Grounds and professional horticulturists determine which varieties will be deemed winners based on their garden performance. AAS relies upon a public relations program to inform gardeners about AAS Winners that are announced three times each year.