What are some of the best-performing flowers, herbs, and vegetables for our region? Minnesota Master Gardeners weigh in with their top picks in today’s Plant Exchange Blog.
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Seed Trials
Minnesota Master Gardeners have been testing seeds for their gardeners since 1982. In blind tests, they monitor six varieties of each plant for disease and insect intolerance, growth and germination rate. They rate flowers for bloom color, size, and fragrance; vegetables are rated for taste, flavor, and productivity.
Other winners were Surrey arugula, 3-root Grex golden beets, licorice mint, and Indian Chief nasturtiums.
“Minnesota Winner” varieties are featured each year at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Teaching Garden in Chaska, Minnesota.
| Year | Trial | Winner |
| 2019 | Tall Yellow Snapdragons | Aromas Fresh Lemon |
| 2019 | Red / Orange Nasturtium | Indian Chief |
| 2019 | Mint | Licorice Mint |
| 2019 | Early Tomatoes | 4th of July |
| 2019 | Snap Peas | Sugar Ann |
| 2019 | Red Cabbage | Ruby Perfection |
| 2019 | Golden Beets | 3-Root Grex |
| 2019 | Arugula | Surrey |
| 2018 | Sweet Pea | Millenium |
| 2018 | Edamame | Chiba Green |
| 2018 | Salvia | Victoria Blue |
| 2018 | Large Leaf Basil | Nufar |
| 2018 | Yellow Bean | Gold Rush |
| 2018 | Yellow Tomato | Valencia |
| 2018 | Small Yellow Squash | Sweet Dumpling |
| 2018 | Bunching Onions | Feast |
| 2017 | Yellow Carrots | Yellow Bunch |
| 2017 | Currant Tomatoes | White Current |
| 2017 | Brussel Sprouts | Gustus |
| 2017 | Purple Cauliflower | Depurple |
| 2017 | Broccoli | Green Magic |
| 2016 | ||
| 2016 | Rudbeckia | Irish Eye |
| 2016 | Snapdragon | Chantilly Cream Yellow |
| 2016 | Salvia | Coral Nymph |
| 2016 | Sunflower | Lemon Queen |
| 2016 | Marigold | Bambino |
| 2016 | Zinnia | PopArt Red and White |
| 2015 | Romano Bush Beans | Navarro |
| 2015 | Asian Greens | Spicy Greens |
| 2015 | Black Heirloom Tomatoes | Cherokee Purple |
| 2015 | White-Headed Cauliflower | Terzola |
| 2015 | Patty Pan Squash | Benning’s Green Tint |
| 2015 | Thyme | Pro-Easy |
| 2015 | Flowering/Ornamental Kale | Pigeon Pink |
| 2015 | Red/Pink Morning Glories | Dolce Vita |
| 2014 | Spinach | Olympia |
| 2014 | Carrots, Orange | Sugarsnax & Touchon |
| 2014 | Squash, Summer, Yellow | Cube of Butter |
| 2014 | Tea, Herbal | Citronella Balm |
| 2014 | Pepper, Bull Horn Sweet | Goccia d’Oro |
| 2014 | Tomatoes, Patio Container | Tumbling Tom |
| 2014 | Daisies, Shasta | Snow Lady |
| 2014 | Alyssum, White | Snow Crystals |
The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners have just released their annual list of top picks, based on seed trials carried out in 2019. Among the winners? Ruby Perfection red cabbage, Sugar Ann snap peas, Surrey arugula and Fourth of July early tomatoes. Search the article “Sugar Ann, Sugar Bon or Sugar Sprint?” at www.extension.umn.edu
Do comment on your favorite plant and its growth in your area below.
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