Each year, the best of new flowers, flowering the first year from seed, and new vegetables are chosen as winners of the America Selections (AAS) program. These winners are the result of trials in America, against the existing cultivars (cultivated varieties) where they exist. In this case, the introduction of new characters should show some new and improved. There are two winners and two vegetables, flowers ASA in 2012. All best grown in well-drained soil and full sun.

“Black Olives” is a winner of flowers, ornamental pepper. This ground floor only reaches a foot or more high, and about a foot wide. The bright, slightly elongated fruit starting purple and turns red at maturity. These contrasts nicely with the purple leaves. If you can not find or run yourself from seed, the same look “Pretty in Purple ‘or’ Black Pearl ‘. And yes, black olive fruits are edible and fiery hot.

Salvia ‘Summer Jewel Pink’ is another AAS winner of flowers this year. It is a kind of scarlet sage Salvia, with long stems about a foot and a half high with flowers along these more often above the leaves. The common name is misleading, because this cultivar has beautiful pink flowers of light rather than the species of scarlet, and its relative ‘Summer Red Jewel’. This series of salvia is more compact and earlier than the flowers of the species and other selections. The flowers, although pink, attract hummingbirds. Another common name is Hummingbird sage.

Cayennetta Pepper “is a new award-winning vegetables. It is a spicy pepper fruit that reach 3 to 4 inches long. The scope of conical and oblong fruit about 3 inches long, starting with red green and turning to maturity. One reason for the choice, in addition to its taste, is that it grows straight and branched, requiring no staking. Up to 24 inches tall and slightly less wide, it works well in gardens and patio containers. The dense foliage prevents sunburn on the fruit. This pepper is growing better than many in cold climates with good cold tolerance.

“Faerie” is the winners of other vegetables for the year 2012, an oval melon with fruit about 8 inches long and weighing only 4-6 pounds each due date. The fruit is unusual in color, and attractive, is creamy yellow with thin green stripes on the outside while staying inside the red watermelon. The fruits are also high in sugar and crunchy texture. The vines are vigorous, but only about 10 feet apart, making them good for small spaces. Another bonus to this selection is its tolerance to insects and diseases. With only 72 days from sowing to harvest in many areas, it would be nice to try watermelon in areas with shorter season.