Sakata Seed Corporation’s Zinnia “Profusion Double White Improved” has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for the 2026 season by All-America Selections, or AAS, the most authoritative horticultural trial organization in the United States. This marks the first time in AAS history that a series under one name—Profusion and Profusion Double—has earned five Gold Medals.
“Profusion Double White Improved” features a larger flower diameter and more petals than the previous variety, with enhanced flower longevity, allowing for impressive displays over an extended period. In the AAS trials, these improvements were recognized alongside its pure white color, earlier flowering, and higher bloom count compared to competing varieties, exceptional heat tolerance, strong plant vigor, and outstanding uniformity of earliness and plant habit.
The Profusion and Profusion Double series offer a wide range of colors in both single- and double-flowered types. Known for superior disease resistance, heat tolerance, and consistent plant habit, these zinnias have earned global trust among professional growers and home gardeners alike.
Founded in 1932, AAS is a non-profit organization that conducts impartial trials of new flower and vegetable varieties across North America. Varieties that perform exceptionally well are recognized as ‘Regional Winners’ or ‘National Winners,’ and only the most outstanding among the National Winners are awarded the Gold Medal—a rare honor given only in years when a truly exceptional variety is identified.