Greenhouse Grower names 2026 Industry’s Choice Award finalists for best new variety, including sunflower ‘Always Sunny Gold’
In a June 24, 2026 report, Greenhouse Grower published the finalists for the 2026 Industry’s Choice Award for best new variety. The award was described as a breeding award determined from feedback by a panel of growers who attended California Spring Trials.
Five entries were named as finalists: Agastache ‘Honeysticks Gold’ from Dümmen Orange, Helianthus ‘Always Sunny Gold’ from PanAmerican Seed, the Pentas Street Art Series from Benary, Rudbeckia ‘Claire Orange’ from Takii, and Sedum ‘Spectacular’ from PanAmerican Seed.
According to PanAmerican Seed’s official product page, ‘Always Sunny Gold’ is a Helianthus annuus variety and is listed in the trade as a “2027 New Variety.” The company describes it as an upright sunflower blooming from summer through autumn, with seed supplied as raw seed for production.
The same official material lists strong stems, branching, continued golden-yellow flowering in landscapes and gardens, 100% pollen-free blooms, and nectar for beneficial insects as key traits of ‘Always Sunny Gold’. The stated plant size is 40 to 62 inches in height and 30 to 40 inches in width.
Greenhouse Grower stated that the winner is scheduled to be announced during the Evening of Excellence at Cultivate’26 on July 13, 2026. Therefore, the confirmed news point is the June 24 announcement of the best-new-variety finalists, not the final award result.
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