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 step up to test new varieties for flavor, productivity, germination rates and overall performance. During 2025 testing, 255 University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteers from 48 counties evaluated eight crops while navigating a growing season marked by dramatic weather swings.
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.
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.
Curious gardeners can see how each variety placed in 2025 (and view previous winners); a full 2025 report provides comments on each variety in the trials.
2025 winners
Mini bok choy
Mei Qing Choi variety
The Mei Qing Choi variety led the pack with strong germination, high yields and continued harvests well into October. Lower-performing varieties earned praise for their attractive white stems and green leaves. An overall side benefit of this crop was that the bolting plants attracted pollinators.
Nasturtium
Cherry Rose
Cherry Rose ranked first, producing nonstop blossoms and a mild peppery bite, though its vigorous vines surprised some gardeners. Testers said: “Most flowers all season long,” “easy to care for, tasted great, with no disease or insect issues” and “healthy plant, loved the color of leaf and flowers.” The Jewel Cherry Rose variety followed closely behind Cherry Rose with vibrant blooms and strong growth.
Orange cauliflower
Clementine
Rich in betacarotene and striking when fully developed, all four varieties faced weather-related setbacks, including poor head formation. The Clementine variety performed best, but only 35% of growers said they would plant it again.
Parsley
Plain Leaf parsley
Plain Leaf parsley topped its category with sweet flavor and reliable production; 80% of testers said they would grow it again.
Parsnip
Warrior
Warrior won the rootcrop category, with 81% of gardeners willing to grow it again thanks to its excellent cooked flavor.
Tomato
Campbell
Campbell 33 topped the slicing tomato trial, though all varieties felt the negative effects of then season’s heat and storms in 2025.
Plants tested in this category came from the Dwarf Tomato Project, a cooperative project between breeders Carig LeHoullier in the United States and Patrina Nuske-Small in Australia. Started in 2006, the project’s goal is to create delicious, heirloom-quality tomatoes on compact, sturdy plants that are only 3-4 feet high.
Beet
Merlin and Red Ace
Merlin led with high marks for sweetness and consistency, while Red Ace posted the strongest germination rates.
Rudbeckia
Cappuccino
Cappuccino impressed with large, colorful blooms and high “grow again” ratings.
Take a look at past Minnesota Winners
Every year, trial results are posted on the Extension website. Full reports from past years can be found in the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy.
Permission is granted to news media to republish our news articles with credit to University of Minnesota Extension. Images also may be republished. Check for specific photographer credits or limited use restrictions in the photo title.