Master Gardeners seed trials gives Minnesotans the inside edge on best picks

Looking for the ideal addition to your menu? Give Malbec a try…

That’s Malbec, the red carrot, although the Malbec red wine could be fine fare, too. The Malbec red carrot topped its category, as did the Derby butter daisy, which judges proclaimed was “definitely the most floriferous variety in the trial.”

Those are among the conclusions drawn by University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener in their 42nd annual seed trials.

This year, Master Gardeners from a record 56 Minnesota counties conducted trials seeking the best varieties in flowers and vegetables, growing hundreds of plants to find the top performing mustard greens, sauce tomatoes, pink cleomes, purple/red basil, small watermelons and green pole beans, in addition to red carrots and butter daisies. Participating gardeners do not know the identity of the varieties they’re growing.

“Every year reveals some unexpected results and 2023 was no exception,” said Sue Schleiss, a Hennepin County Master Gardener, who helps lead the tests. Master Gardeners discovered better alternatives to the most widely available pole beans, she noted. Other tests defied recommended practice, Schleiss said, citing mini-watermelons. Contrary to most recommendations, Master Gardeners found they should be started indoors in Minnesota.

To see what varieties earned kudos from Master Gardeners–and which what ones earned a thumbs down–-visit https://z.umn.edu/seedtrials23.