What’s New in the Garden World for 2008?
Every year All-America Selections (AAS) is the place to go to find the best flowers and vegetables that are being introduced by the seed companies. How can we say these flowers and vegetables are the best? Because AAS folks have sent the seeds out to be tested by a network of independent judges who determined their garden performance was superior. Here are two of the 2008 AAS winners.
Osteospermum F1 ‘Asti White’ AAS Bedding Plant Award Winner
Pure white daisy flowers with blue centers are the main attraction for ‘Asti White.’ The large blooms, 2 to 2-1/2 inches across are borne on stems that gracefully wave in the wind. The thick fleshy leaves indicate its drought tolerance, which makes this a preferred annual in any area subject to dry conditions. ‘Asti White’ is the first white Osteospermum, or Cape Daisy, propagated from seed. The flowers will remain open under cloudy conditions, unlike other daisy flowers originating from South Africa, which close. ‘Asti White’ plants will flower uniformly about 17 weeks from seed. Gardeners have the choice of growing from seed or purchasing plants depending upon their resources.
‘Asti White’ plants will bloom and recover from a slight frost. These plants can be placed in the spring or fall garden, weeks earlier than other tender annuals. The uniform plants thrive in a sunny garden, reaching about 17 to 20 inches tall and wide. ‘Asti White’ plants adapt perfectly to growing in containers, preferably 6-inch pots or larger. Bred and produced by Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
Eggplant F1 ‘Hansel’ 2008 AAS Vegetable Award Winner
Best described as a miniature eggplant, ‘Hansel’ is a smaller-sized plant with finger-sized clusters of fruit. The strong plant, reaching less than three feet, produces clusters of three to six fruit. They mature early, about 55 days from transplanting into warm soil. This is about 10 days earlier than the comparison eggplant.
If the 3-inch fruit clusters are left on the plant, they grow in size, but remain tender and non-bitter, unlike other eggplant. This trait offers gardeners flexibility in harvest such as when taking a much-needed vacation. If you prefer to garden in containers, ‘Hansel’ is highly recommended for your shopping list. ‘Hansel’ adapts perfectly to container growing conditions. The diminutive plant fits on smaller patios or decks but provides high yields of shiny purple eggplants ready to marinate and grill. ‘Hansel’ will be available as seed and young bedding plants. This AAS Winner was bred by Seminis Vegetable Seed.
Source: All America Selections Web Site at http://www.all-americaselections.org/