URGENT UPDATE: Home gardening enthusiasts, get ready! New plant varieties are set to transform your gardens in 2026, with exciting new vegetables, herbs, and fruits ready for pre-order and spring planting. As the gardening season inches closer, it’s time to plan your plots with these innovative selections.
Latest reportsAll-America Selections (AAS) has announced groundbreaking new edibles, including the award-winning Rubybor kale. This first-of-its-kind plant has garnered acclaim as both an edible and ornamental, boasting vibrant purple leaves that are not only visually striking but also delicious with a tender taste and excellent heat tolerance. Garden experts hailed Rubybor as a “showstopper,” earning it the coveted AAS Gold Medal for its dual usage in landscapes and kitchens.
In addition to Rubybor, the compact and resilient Basil Treviso has made waves in AAS trials across 80 U.S. locations. This variety stands out for its mildew resistance and an extended post-harvest window, allowing for a longer period of fresh basil availability. Treviso reaches maturity in just 60 days and is perfect for container gardening.
Another noteworthy introduction is the unique Butter Lamp butternut squash, resembling a mini-pumpkin. This early-maturing variety thrives in full sun, producing four to six sweet, yellow-fleshed fruits per plant within 90 to 100 days after planting. Its resistance to pests and diseases positions it as an ideal choice for home gardeners looking for reliable yields.
A game-changer in the tomato world, the Purple Tomato, which made headlines following its 2023 debut, is now joined by three new bioengineered varieties. These include the Dark Hollow, with a savory umami flavor; The Beta, packed with beta-carotene; and The Eleven, showcasing striking yellow and purple stripes. These varieties are priced at $15 for 10 seeds, while the original Purple Tomato, now named Althea, is available for only $5.
The latest tomato innovations from Syngenta also deserve attention. The Partyball and Akoya tomatoes earned accolades for their exceptional yield and compact growth, making them perfect for smaller spaces. Both varieties scored a perfect five-star rating in trials at Penn State Trial Gardens, with fruits ready for harvest in just 55 to 65 days.
Looking to the fruit side, the Sweet Sensation columnar peach tree offers a solution for gardeners with limited space, growing only 10 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. This self-pollinating tree produces sweet, mid-size fruits and is a top pick for its beauty and practicality.
The new Bountiful Belle blueberry bush is another must-have, combining stunning foliage with delicious berries. Compact in size, it thrives in full sun and produces a bountiful harvest, making it ideal for edible landscaping.
Finally, say hello to the Yellow Submarine cucumber, designed to grow larger without compromising flavor. This variety boasts a smooth light-green skin and is ready for picking in just 45 days, making it an exciting addition for picklers and fresh eaters alike.
As gardening season approaches, these new varieties are available for pre-order and will soon hit garden centers. Don’t miss the chance to cultivate these cutting-edge edibles that promise to enhance your home garden in 2026.
Ensure your gardening plans are set and take advantage of these innovative introductions to make your garden the talk of the neighborhood. Stay tuned for more updates on the best new plants hitting the market!
