Discover 10 best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes Discover 10 best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes
1. A Top Tropicals Garden Journal post.
Discover 10 best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes
Tropical fruit collage
🏆 Discover 10 best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes
Do you forget to water houseplants? It's your perfect plant! Do you forget to water houseplants? A Top Tropicals Garden Journal post.
Do you forget to water houseplants? Its your perfect plant!
Chlorophytum orchidanteroides - Mandarin Plant
❤️ Do you forget to water houseplants? It's your perfect plant!
🍊 Chlorophytum orchidanteroides - Mandarin Plant - is one of the most popular and colorful house plants and a shade garden favorite.
🍊 It forms a gorgeous rosette of shiny, dark green pointed leaves with a glowing orange center. Sometimes the rich hues shift to pink or orange up the leaf's midrib, giving this plant a truly eye-catching look.
🍊 A colorful cousin of the familiar Spider Plant, it can be grown in pots, mixed containers, or as a specimen shrub in shady tropical landscapes, tolerating similar indoor conditions as a Spider Plant.
🍊 For the brightest colors, remove any basal sprouts that appear, so they don't crowd out the vivid growth.
🍊 This plant doesn't like full sun, and prefers its soil to dry slightly before watering, making it an easy-care and stunning choice for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their indoor collection.
How to Grow Jackfruit: Practical Guide How to Grow Jackfruit: Practical Guide
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tropical tree that produces the largest fruit in the world, weighing up to 80 pounds and reaching 36 inches in length. A Top Tropicals Garden Journal post.
How to Grow Jackfruit: Practical Guide
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) tree
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit at the base of the tree
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit at the base of the tree
🫡 How to Grow Jackfruit: Practical Guide
🍈 Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tropical tree that produces the largest fruit in the world, weighing up to 80 pounds and reaching 36 inches in length. The trees thrive in frost-free, humid climates with plenty of sunlight. They require well-draining soil rich in organic matter and regular watering to flourish. Despite their reputation as ultra-tropical, mature Jackfruit trees can tolerate light frost for a few hours without significant damage. Additionally, they can be grown in containers in colder areas with proper care and pruning.
🍈 What Climate is Essential for Growing Jackfruit Trees?
Jackfruit trees require a tropical or subtropical climate, with temperatures ideally between 60-95°F. While young trees are frost-sensitive, mature trees can withstand light frost for short periods. However, cold winters can reduce fruit production. Frost-free temperatures are crucial for optimal growth and fruiting.
🍈 How Often Do Trees Need Fertilizing, and What is the Best Type of Feed?
Jackfruit trees are heavy feeders. Fertilizing them regularly is key to their health and productivity. During the active growing season (spring to fall), apply a balanced dry fertilizer once a month. Liquid amino-acid-based fertilizers, such as Sunshine Boosters, can be used year-round with every watering. These fertilizers help maintain healthy growth and encourage abundant fruiting. Supplement with organic matter like compost, manure, or peat moss to enrich the soil.
🍈 How Important is Pruning, and When is the Right Time to Prune?
Pruning is essential for maintaining a manageable tree size and promoting healthy fruit production. Jackfruit trees produce fruit at the base of the trunk, allowing them to be pruned annually to a height of 7-12 feet. This practice not only makes harvesting easier but also encourages more fruiting. Prune after the fruiting season or in late fall to remove excess growth and shape the tree. Regular pruning also improves air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.
🍈 Key Tips for Successful Jackfruit Production
· Climate: Ensure frost-free temperatures and adequate humidity.
· Soil: Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
· Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging.
· Pruning: Keep the tree under 7-10 feet for easier management and better yield.
· Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizers and supplements regularly.
🍈 Jackfruit facts
· The fruit consists of large, edible bulbs of yellow, sweet, banana-pineapple-flavored aromatic flesh.
· Seedlings start fruiting within 3-4 years, with fruit ripening 4-6 months after flowering.
· A mature tree can produce up to 200 pounds of fruit annually.
· For colder regions, growing Jackfruit in containers is an option, provided the tree is regularly pruned and topped.
👍 Jackfruit trees grow fast and fruit abundantly with proper care, making them an exotic addition to tropical fruit collections.
Six most desired perfume plants Six most desired perfume plants Cananga fruticosa - Dwarf Ylang-Ylang, Chanel No 5 Tree. A Top Tropicals Garden Journal post.
Six most desired perfume plants
🥰 Six most desired perfume plants
🕊 Cananga fruticosa - Dwarf Ylang-Ylang, Chanel No 5 Tree. One of the most desired and sought after rare fragrant plants. Elegant flowers are responsible for creation Chanel #5 perfume. Perfect small tree for a container.
🕊 Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka. The most sacred tree of India and tropical Asia. Divine fragrance exceedingly pleasing to the Gods... The flowers are used to make the world's most expensive perfume 'Joy' and smell like fruity bubble gum, you can't stop sticking your nose in this flower!
🕊 Artabotrys - Ylang Ylang vine - Woody climber with strong fragrance of flowers resembling lemon candy and melon.
🕊 Nyctanthes arbor-tristis - Parijat. Small tree or shrub from India with highly perfumed flowers, one of the most desired fragrant plants. Mythology says the plant came to earth with God Krishna, shedding flowers like tears before dawn.
🕊 Jasminum sambac - the most popular and the most fragrant Jasmine for both indoor or outdoor culture. Varieties: Arabian Nights, Belle of India, Mangalore Malli, Grand Duke, Grand Duke Supreme, Gundu Malli, Maid of Orleans, Mali Chat, Mysore Mulli, Little Duke Supreme - Baby Duke.
🕊 Jasminum officinale - French Perfume Jasmine - Essential oil of this jasmine is one of the most important components in perfumery.
Six most desired perfume plants Six most desired perfume plants
Cananga fruticosa - Dwarf Ylang-Ylang, Chanel No 5 Tree. A Top Tropicals Garden Journal post.
Six most desired perfume plants
Cananga fruticosa - Dwarf Ylang-Ylang, Chanel No 5 Tree
Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka
Artabotrys - Ylang Ylang vine
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis - Parijat
Jasminum sambac Grand Duke
Jasminum officinale - French Perfume Jasmine
🥰 Six most desired perfume plants
🕊 Cananga fruticosa - Dwarf Ylang-Ylang, Chanel No 5 Tree. One of the most desired and sought after rare fragrant plants. Elegant flowers are responsible for creation Chanel #5 perfume. Perfect small tree for a container.
🕊 Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka. The most sacred tree of India and tropical Asia. Divine fragrance exceedingly pleasing to the Gods... The flowers are used to make the world's most expensive perfume 'Joy' and smell like fruity bubble gum, you can't stop sticking your nose in this flower!
🕊 Artabotrys - Ylang Ylang vine - Woody climber with strong fragrance of flowers resembling lemon candy and melon.
🕊 Nyctanthes arbor-tristis - Parijat. Small tree or shrub from India with highly perfumed flowers, one of the most desired fragrant plants. Mythology says the plant came to earth with God Krishna, shedding flowers like tears before dawn.
🕊 Jasminum sambac - the most popular and the most fragrant Jasmine for both indoor or outdoor culture. Varieties: Arabian Nights, Belle of India, Mangalore Malli, Grand Duke, Grand Duke Supreme, Gundu Malli, Maid of Orleans, Mali Chat, Mysore Mulli, Little Duke Supreme - Baby Duke.
🕊 Jasminum officinale - French Perfume Jasmine - Essential oil of this jasmine is one of the most important components in perfumery.
How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop. A Top Tropicals Garden Journal post.
How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop
Lychee fruit on a tree, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree in a pot with fruit, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree with fruit, Litchi chinensis
Lychee fruit, Litchi chinensis
🧳 How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop. Practical Guide to Growing Lychee.
🍑 Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is a tropical evergreen tree renowned for its delicious, aromatic fruit. Native to southern China, lychee trees can reach heights of up to 40 feet and are prized for their attractive foliage and bountiful fruit clusters.
🍑 Important factors to consider when planting a Lychee tree
💋Climate: Lychee trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with warm, humid summers and cool, dry winters. They require a period of winter chilling (100-200 hours between 32F and 45F) to induce flowering. Mature trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 25F, but young trees are susceptible to frost damage.
💋Sunlight: Plant lychee trees in full sun to ensure vigorous growth and optimal fruit production. They require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
💋Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter are ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils or areas prone to waterlogging, as lychee trees are susceptible to root rot.
💋Spacing: Ensure adequate space for the tree's mature size by planting at least 20 feet away from other trees or structures.
🍑 When and how do you harvest lychee fruit?
💋Lychee trees typically begin to produce reliably after 3-5 years, with the fruit ripening in early summer.
💋Timing: Wait until the fruit's skin turns bright red or pink, indicating full ripeness. Lychees do not ripen off the tree, so it's essential to harvest at the right time.
💋Method: Use pruning shears to cut entire clusters, leaving a short stem attached to each fruit to prolong freshness. Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising.
💋Post-Harvest: Consume fresh lychees within a few days or store them in the refrigerator to extend shelf life. The skin may darken when refrigerated, but the fruit's quality remains unaffected.
🍑 How to grow a Lychee tree?
💋Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering, as lychee trees are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
💋Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit development. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can inhibit flowering. Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus - natural liquid fertilizer - is the best choice, and is safe to use with every watering year around.
💋Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or diseased branches and shape the tree to maintain its structure. Pruning after harvest can encourage new growth.
🍑 More practical advice on propagation and harvest in next post 👇
How to protect tropical plants in Winter How to protect tropical plants in Winter Winter Care Tips for Tropical Plants Cut watering: Reduce watering to prevent root rot. A Top Tropicals Garden Journal post.
How to protect tropical plants in Winter
🥶 How to protect tropical plants in Winter
🧤 Winter Care Tips for Tropical Plants
· Cut watering: Reduce watering to prevent root rot. Cold + wet = dead roots.
· Water before frost: Thirsty plants are more vulnerable. Water them before a cold night to prevent damage.
· Wind protection: Wind is more harmful than temperature drops. Plant near structures like houses or trees for shelter.
· Prepare for long cold periods: If cold weather lasts for hours, use all available protection, including Christmas lights and propane heaters.
· Don't use dry fertilizer in winter: Heavy fertilizing encourages tender growth, which is more susceptible to cold damage. Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers are safe to use year around as their intake is controlled by reduced watering.
· Use fabric covers, not plastic: Plastic can cook plants in the sun, while fabric allows better ventilation.
🧤 Prepare for Cold Nights:
· Wrap plants: On cold nights, cover individual plants or trees with sheets or blankets to shield them from wind chill.
· Use Christmas lights: A simple string of lights can add extra warmth, protecting your plants during frosty nights.
· Use propane heaters: For added warmth in a larger area, place a propane heater near your plants. Make sure to follow safety guidelines and keep the heater at a safe distance from flammable materials. This can help maintain a few extra degrees of warmth, especially in more open garden spaces or temporary greenhouses. Always ensure proper ventilation to avoid harmful gas buildup.
· Affordable winter greenhouse: For large plant collections, you don't need an expensive greenhouse. A mobile carport with plastic or fabric covering, costing around $200, can house up to 100 plants!
🧤Key Factors for Survival:
· Cold duration: Tropical plants can survive brief cold spells but long durations, even above freezing, can be deadly.
· Wind-chill: Wind chill can be harsher than the temperature itself.
· Exposure: Southern-facing slopes hold heat longer, making them ideal for your plants.
· Humidity: Proximity to lakes or oceans can create a milder micro-climate.
· Gradual temperature Drops are safer. Plants adjust better to slow temperature changes than sudden cold blasts. Gradual cooling allows plants to prepare, reducing the risk of damage.
🧤Strengthen Plant Hardiness:
· Health and maturity: Well-established, healthy plants are more cold-hardy.
· Boost plant immunity: Use products like SUNSHINE-Epi to improve cold resistance. Apply it before and during cold snaps to protect your plants.
· Healthy plant is hardy. Make sure to fertilize your plants on regular basis - healthier and stronger plants are more cold hardy
Winter can be tough on plants, especially on tropical varieties. But with a little preparation, you can protect your garden and keep your plants safe from the cold. Here's how:
Winter Care Tips for Tropical Plants
Cut watering: Reduce watering to prevent root rot. Cold + wet = dead roots.
Water before frost: Thirsty plants are more vulnerable. Water them before a cold night to prevent damage.
Wind protection: Wind is more harmful than temperature drops. Plant near structures like houses or trees for shelter.
Prepare for long cold periods: If cold weather lasts for hours, use all available protection, including Christmas lights and propane heaters.
Don't use dry fertilizer in winter: Heavy fertilizing encourages tender growth, which is more susceptible to cold damage. Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers are safe to use year around as their intake is controlled by reduced watering. Use fabric covers, not plastic: Plastic can cook plants in the sun, while fabric allows better ventilation.
Photo above: we cover our plants in the nursery with a thin synthetic fabric (sintepon) called "frost cloth" or "strawberry cloth". It is light, breathable and allows light and water to go through unlike plastic that creates heavy water pockets.
Prepare for Cold Nights
Wrap plants: On cold nights, cover individual plants or trees with sheets or blankets to shield them from wind chill.
Use Christmas lights: A simple string of lights can add extra warmth, protecting your plants during frosty nights.
Use propane heaters: For added warmth in a larger area, place a propane heater near your plants. Make sure to follow safety guidelines and keep the heater at a safe distance from flammable materials. This can help maintain a few extra degrees of warmth, especially in more open garden spaces or temporary greenhouses. Always ensure proper ventilation to avoid harmful gas buildup.
Photo above: we use both propane and kerosene heaters at the nursery
Large Collections? Build a Temporary Greenhouse
Affordable winter greenhouse: For large plant collections, you don't need an expensive greenhouse. A mobile carport with plastic or fabric covering, costing around $200, can house up to 100 plants!
Photo above: Temporary wrapping around plant collection with a plastic or frost cloth protects from a windchill. It may also win you a few degrees even without a heater. In this particular case, according to our temp sensors, with 30F outside, it was 41F inside this "dome", no heaters used.
Southern Exposure and Garage Storage
Southern windowsills: Compact tropicals can thrive on southern-facing windowsills, getting plenty of sunlight during the day.
Move plants inside: If you have larger collections, move them into a well-lit garage for the colder nights or longer periods.
Photo above: using Christmas lights around plants while wrapping with frost cloth.
Key Factors for Survival
Cold duration: Tropical plants can survive brief cold spells but long durations, even above freezing, can be deadly.
Wind-chill: Wind chill can be harsher than the temperature itself.
Exposure: Southern-facing slopes hold heat longer, making them ideal for your plants.
Humidity: Proximity to lakes or oceans can create a milder micro-climate.
Gradual temperature Drops are safer. Plants adjust better to slow temperature changes than sudden cold blasts. Gradual cooling allows plants to prepare, reducing the risk of damage.
Strengthen Plant Hardiness
Health and maturity: Well-established, healthy plants are more cold-hardy. Boost plant immunity: Use products like SUNSHINE-Epi to improve cold resistance. Apply it before and during cold snaps to protect your plants. Healthy plant is hardy. Make sure to fertilize your plants on regular basis - healthier and stronger plants are more cold hardy.
With these steps, you can protect your plants and help them survive the winter months. Stay
warm and keep your garden thriving!
Podcast with Horticulturist Mark Hooten:
How to Protect Tropical Plants in Winter
When is the season for the Bleeding Hearts When is the season for the Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is named for its red and white flowers that look like dangling hearts. A Top Tropicals Garden Journal post.
When is the season for the Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae)
💔 When is the season for the Bleeding Hearts
❣️ Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is named for its red and white flowers that look like dangling hearts.
❣️ Native to tropical West Africa, this climber thrives in bright light and can be grown as a houseplant or trained on a trellis.
❣️ It shows off its most spectacular blooms in winter, but with enough light, it'll happily flower year-round.
What is your favorite Guava fruit for eating fresh? The sweetest and the most flavorful Cattley Guava variety is Hawaiian Gold (Yellow Pineapple Guava) - Psidium littorale var. A Top Tropicals Garden Journal post.
What is your favorite Guava fruit for eating fresh?
🥇 What is your favorite Guava fruit for eating fresh?
💛 The sweetest and the most flavorful Cattley Guava variety is Hawaiian Gold (Yellow Pineapple Guava) - Psidium littorale var. Lucidum. This one is our favorite for eating out of hand!
