By Scout Nelson
North Dakota's unique climate challenges gardeners to choose the right vegetable varieties for success. In 2024, the North Dakota Home Garden Variety Trials involved 365 families in testing different vegetables to find those that perform best in local conditions.
The trials began in 2008 and have become a crucial guide for selecting garden vegetables in North Dakota. This year's testing was especially pivotal due to the cold, wet spring, which provided a perfect scenario for testing super sweet corn varieties like Bolt. Bolt corn was notable for its robust germination and early, high-quality yields.
Carrots were also a focus, with the red varieties falling out of favor due to their bitter taste. Instead, two orange varieties, Caravel and Naval, stood out for their sweet, crunchy roots and ease of harvesting.
Cucumbers were another success story, with Asian variety Summer Dance and Green Light providing crisp, delicious fruits perfect for fresh consumption without the need for peeling.
Lettuce varieties were tested for heat tolerance, which is crucial for maintaining productivity through the summer. Varieties like Muir and Nevada excelled, producing crisp leaves ideal for summer salads.
Romaine lettuce, often seen as challenging to grow, proved to be quite manageable with the right varieties such as Fusion and Sunland, which are both heat-tolerant and yield thick, crunchy leaves.
Even okra, typically difficult in North Dakota due to its need for hot weather, saw success with the Buffalo Bill 91 variety, which received unanimous approval from participating families.
Noteworthy mentions also include the Abominable pumpkin, known for its stunning white pumpkins, and the high-yielding Madonna orange winter squash.
The highest-rated variety, Bright Lights Swiss chard, was celebrated not only for its nutritional value but also for its spectacular visual appeal with vibrant red, orange, and yellow stems.
These results highlight the importance of selecting the right varieties for your garden's success. To participate in future trials or to learn more about the best vegetable varieties for North Dakota, visit the North Dakota Home Garden Variety Trials website. Here, you can also sign up for the 2025 seed catalog to enhance your gardening experience.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zbynek-pospisil
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables