We talk with Diane Blazek, the executive director of All-America Selections (AAS), exploring the newly announced 2025 winners of top-performing garden plant varieties.

Each year, AAS winners undergo rigorous trials, evaluated by expert judges, to ensure they will thrive in diverse U.S. and Canadian climates. Diane highlights standout varieties like the high-yielding tomato variety, “Tonatico”, the sweet and crunchy “Pick-N-Pop” pepper, and the visually striking “Murasaki Fioretto” cauliflower. We also cover herbs and flowers, including the resistant “Piedmont” basil and the vibrant Zinnia, “Zydeco Fire”. This episode is rich with advice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking the latest quality varieties for their gardens.

Previous episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Transcripts and episode chapters also available at Buzzsprout..Now on YouTube (audio)

Pictured: AAS 2025 National Award Winner, Celosia "Flamma Pink"

Links:

“Beyond the Garden Basics” Newsletter

Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

All-America Selections 2025 Garden Plant Winners

Scoville Scale for Peppers

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