UPDATE: Growers are gearing up for an exciting gardening season in 2026 as new edible varieties are set to hit the market, offering home gardeners innovative options. With planting season nearly three months away, enthusiasts can start planning their gardens NOW, as seeds can be ordered immediately.
Among the most anticipated new arrivals is Rubybor, a groundbreaking purple-leafed kale that has earned the prestigious AAS Gold Medal—the first plant in nearly 100 years to win as both an edible and ornamental. This kale features deep purple foliage and is praised for its tender leaves and exceptional heat tolerance, making it a versatile choice for both landscape design and culinary use.
Another top contender is Basil Treviso, which has captured attention in national trials for its compact growth, mildew resistance, and slow-to-flower nature. Judges noted that this variety is less attractive to pests like Japanese beetles and maintains its flavor longer after harvest. Treviso is ready for harvest in just 60 days after transplanting, making it perfect for small gardens and container growth.
Butter Lamp, a unique butternut squash resembling a mini-pumpkin, has also made waves in the gardening community. This variety is recognized for its heat tolerance and disease resistance, producing four to six sweet, yellow-fleshed fruits per plant in 90 to 100 days post-seeding. Its compact size and early maturity make it a valuable addition for limited spaces.
Adding to the excitement, Norfolk Healthy Produce is set to launch three new bioengineered tomato varieties in 2026, following the success of The Purple Tomato. These include Dark Hollow, with a savory umami flavor, The Beta, rich in beta-carotene, and The Eleven, which features striking yellow-and-hazel stripes. Each of these tomatoes will be priced at $15 for 10 seeds, while the original Purple Tomato is now available for just $5.
Innovations in tomato cultivation continue with two super-compact varieties, Partyball and Akoya, which earned accolades at the recent Cultivate ’25 trade show. These determinate varieties yield cherry-sized fruits in record time—55 days for Partyball and 65 days for Akoya, both ideal for container gardening enthusiasts.
Home gardeners seeking fruit will be thrilled with the introduction of Sweet Sensation, a columnar peach tree that grows 10 to 12 feet tall but only four to five feet wide. This self-pollinating tree produces sweet, pink fruits, making it perfect for small spaces. Bountiful Belle, a colorful fruit bush, will also grace gardens, offering large blue berries and vibrant foliage.
In the cucumber category, Yellow Submarine stands out with its impressive size and minimal seed core, making it an excellent option for pickling. This variety is ready for harvest in just 45 days after direct seeding.
As gardeners prepare for the upcoming season, these new varieties promise to enhance home gardens and excite culinary enthusiasts alike. The 2026 gardening year is shaping up to be one of the most innovative yet, with home growers encouraged to secure their seeds now to take advantage of these exciting developments.
