Minnesota gardeners proved once again that they’re both adventurous and resilient during the 2025 Master Gardener Seed Trials. Each year, volunteers across the state test new varieties for flavor, germination, productivity, and overall performance. This season, 255 Master Gardeners from 48 counties evaluated eight crops, from mini bok choy to rudbeckia, while navigating a growing season marked by dramatic weather swings.
The trials were planted in home gardens, 16 community gardens, two school gardens, nine teaching gardens, and one urban farm. To keep results unbiased, each variety was labeled only with a two-letter code.
Weather played a major role. May swung between midsummer heat and spring chill. June brought heavy storms, hail, and high winds, followed by warm, wet weather in July and August. September and October turned warm and dry again, producing a season that challenged nearly every plant on the list.
Mini Bok choy emerged as the standout vegetable.
Mei Qing Choi led the pack with strong germination, high yields, and continued harvests well into October. Even lower-performing varieties earned praise for their attractive white stems and green leaves, and bolting plants still attracted pollinators.
Nasturtiums added color and culinary flair.
Cherry Rose ranked first, producing nonstop blossoms and a mild peppery bite, though its vigorous vines surprised some gardeners. Jewel Cherry Rose followed closely with vibrant blooms and strong growth.
Orange cauliflower struggled.
Rich in beta-carotene and striking when fully developed, all four varieties faced weather-related setbacks, including poor head formation. Clementine performed best, but only 35% of growers said they would plant it again.
Parsley and parsnips provided steady success.
Plain Leaf parsley topped its category with sweet flavor and reliable production. Warrior parsnip won the root-crop category, with 81% of gardeners willing to grow it again thanks to its excellent cooked flavor.
Beets delivered dependable harvests.
Merlin led with high marks for sweetness and consistency, while Red Ace posted the strongest germination rates.
Rudbeckia and tomatoes brightened gardens despite challenges.
Cappuccino rudbeckia impressed with large, colorful blooms and high “grow again” ratings.
Campbell 33 tomato topped the slicing tomato trial, though all varieties felt the effects of the season’s heat and storms.
The Seed Trials Committee extends warm thanks to every volunteer who planted, observed, tasted, and recorded data, all helping Minnesota gardeners make informed, successful choices in seasons to come.
For more information about the seed trials, visit: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/master-gardener-seed-trials
By Robin Trott, University of Minnesota Extension Douglas County
