All-America Selections names 2009 winners

Viola ‘Rain Blue and Purple’

Cool Season Bedding Plant Award Winner

‘Rain Blue and Purple’ flowers change from purple and white to purple and blue as they mature. This results in a spreading pool of cool blue shades. ‘Rain Blue and Purple’ plants, bred by Tokita Seed Co. Ltd., spread 10-14 inches, which is perfect for container plantings or spaces between stepping stones. ‘Rain Blue and Purple’ exhibited heat and cold tolerance in trials.

Eggplant ‘Gretel’

Vegetable Award Winner

This is the earliest white eggplant. Glossy, pure-white fruit are produced in clusters and can be harvested in 55 days. The mature plant reaches 3 feet tall and wide. ‘Gretel’ was bred by Seminis Vegetable Seeds.

Melon ‘Lambkin’

Vegetable Award Winner

‘Lambkin’ was bred as a gourmet breakfast or dessert melon. It is a specialty Piel de Sapo (Christmas-type) melon. Its distinctive visual feature is the smooth yellow skin with green mottling. The oval-shaped melon matures early, 67-75 days from transplanting. It was bred by Known-You Seed Company Ltd.

Squash ‘Honey Bear’

Vegetable Award Winner

‘Honey Bear’ is a compact bushy plant that has powdery mildew tolerance. These traits enable gardeners to grow this winter acorn squash in smaller-space gardens and expect high yields. The winner was bred by University of New Hampshire.

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To order AAS winners, contact your favorite seed or plug supplier.

June 2008