Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

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What Guava variety is the best for Guava Wine. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What Guava variety is the best for Guava Wine

Araca Pera, Brazilian Guava Wine

Araca Pera, Brazilian Guava Wine

Araca Pera, Brazilian Guava tree (Psidium x angulatum)

Araca Pera, Brazilian Guava tree (Psidium x angulatum)

🍷 What Guava variety is the best for Guava Vine
  • 🍷 Araca Pera, or Brazilian Guava tree (Psidium x angulatum), is a unique Guava hybrid of a flavorful wild guava from the Brazilian Amazon which is rare in cultivation.
  • 🍷 These fruit are 1.5-2", with an acidic, sour guava-like flavor. Its juice is concentrated and must be diluted and sweetened to produce a delicious drink.
  • 🍷 It is the major source of a special Guava Wine production. Our favorite Guava Wine is from Schnebly Redland's Winery - this is where we obtained the seeds from their mother plants. This refreshing and vibrant rose wine is full of flavor and has a bouquet that never stops.
  • 🍷 The fruit is processed into ice cream sorbet, gelatins and candies.
  • 🍷 A great container specimen or a bushy tree for frost-free gardens.


📚 More about Guavas from previous posts:

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What fruit can you drink? Costa Rican Cas is the Guava for Drinking, yet with a bonus of health benefits! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What fruit can you drink? Costa Rican Cas is the Guava for Drinking, yet with a bonus of health benefits!

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

What fruit can you drink? Costa Rican Cas is the Guava for Drinking, yet with a bonus of health benefits!
  • The fruit of Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) has unusual tart flavor with passionfruit and pineapple tones, more pronounced than common Guava🍍
  • Cas Guava used in pies, salads, fresh juices, ice-cream, jams, and as a base for the refreshing drink Fresco de Cas!🍹
  • High pectin content makes firm jellies.
  • Hydrating and low glycemic index, suitable for those mindful of sugar consumption.
  • Rich source of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, phosphorus, potassium, copper, vitamin A, and folic acid.
  • This small tree or bush is very fast growing and undemanding, usually pest free (unlike most Guavas that can be very bugsy).
  • Tolerates hot summers and short frosts, appreciates well-drained soils.
  • Easy to grow, drought-tolerant once established, suitable for container cultivation.
  • Seedlings start flowering and fruiting at a young age, typically 2-3 years old from seed.


📚 Learn more about Cas Guava

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How to always have lots of Guava Juice. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

How to always have lots of Guava Juice

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

Psidium littorale, Cattley Guava

🍈 How to always have lots of Guava Juice.
  • Psidium littorale, also known as Cattley Guava, is a charming small tropical fruit tree.
  • Round fruits offer a unique culinary experience with a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for various dishes and drinks.
  • Surprisingly cold-hardy, it adds both beauty and flavor to any landscape.
  • Ideal for containers
  • A must-have for fruit lovers seeking a tropical treat.
  • One tree can bring enough fruit for making a delicious, aromatic, refreshing Guava juice for the whole family during Summer months. Just put the fruit in a blender, add some water, ice and sugar and enjoy!


🛒Order Cattley Guava and never run out of juice

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Top 10 fast-fruiting trees: A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Top 10 fast-fruiting trees:

Guava (Psidium sp.) - Cattley and Tropical guava

Guava (Psidium sp.) - Cattley and Tropical guava

🍉 Top 10 fast-fruiting trees:
#2. Guava (Psidium sp.): Cattley and Tropical guava


❤️ Guava is a reliable producer, starts fruiting in a pot at small size. Some varieties, especially Cattley guavas - Psidium littorale - are relatively cold hardy and can take some frost without damage. Guavas are fast growing small trees or large bushes.

📚 Learn more from previous posts:

🛒 Shop Guava trees

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What fruit is more sour and has more vitamin C than a lemon. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What fruit is more sour and has more vitamin C than a lemon

Costa Rican Guava, Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

🍋 What fruit is more sour and has more vitamin C than a lemon
  • 🍸Costa Rican Guava, Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) is native to Central America and known for its intensely sour taste, which makes it perfect for flavorful juices and beverages rather than eating fresh.
  • 🍸Cas Guava fruit is used in traditional Costa Rican drink "Agua de Cas," a refreshing blend of cas juice, water, and sugar.
  • 🍸Cas Guava fruit is packed with vitamin C: about four times more vitamin C than a lemon, making it an excellent immune booster. It's also rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
  • 🍸Cas guava tree is pretty hardy, thriving in poor soils and resisting pests and diseases.


📚 Learn more:

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Do you like guava juice? Its packed with flavor! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Do you like guava juice? Its packed with flavor!

🍷 Do you like guava juice? It’s packed with flavor!

  • 🍉 Did you know you could enjoy fresh guava juice from your own tree?

  • It’s as easy as 1-2-3! All you have to do is plant your own guava tree.

  • 🍉 The 1-3 gal plant will start fruiting for you in no time. And you can expect a large crop in just a couple of seasons.

  • 🍉 Guava trees thrive in mild climates with frost-free winters, but can tolerate light frost once established. And if you live in a colder climate - no worries. Guava is the perfect container fruit tree. You can bring it inside during cold nights and still enjoy fresh fruit every year.

  • 🍉 Just don't forget to water - guavas are heavy drinkers.

  • 🍉Order your Guava tree today from TopTropicals.com - delivered right to your door!


🛒 Shop Guava trees

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5 best plant gift ideas for any occasion

These plants are large, developed and beautiful NOW!

Chonemorpha fragrans - Frangipani vine

The Chonemorpha fragrans, also known as the Frangipani vine, is truly a botanical marvel. With its exquisite clusters of perfume-fragrant, large flowers and lush green foliage, this vine captivates with its beauty and charm. Not only does it adorn gardens with its elegant presence, but its intoxicating scent also fills the air, creating a sensory delight for anyone nearby. The leaves, reaching up to 12 inches in size, further enhance its appeal. As a large, woody vine, it requires sturdy support such as a fence or robust structure to thrive, adding to its majestic presence in any garden landscape or indoor setting.


Bunchosia argentea - Peanut Butter Tree

Bunchosia argentea - Peanut Butter Tree - gets its name because its small fruits taste like peanut butter. Isn't that cool? This attractive small tree has clusters of yellow flowers that are followed by an abundance of dark red fruit. The rich, sweet flesh has a texture very similar to peanut butter. Yes, it tastes exactly like peanut butter! Sweet, soft pulp with a peanut flavor. One of the most fascinating exotic fruits, as amazing as Miracle fruit, Peanut Butter Fruit is loved by both kids and adults. The tree is small in size, grows only 10-15 ft, or can be kept as a bush. It starts fruiting within 2-3 years from seed! Keep it in a pot if you have limited space; it can be grown indoors, too. Very rare in cultivation.


Magnolia Michelia figo - Banana Magnolia

Magnolia figo commonly known as the Banana Magnolia, is a botanical wonder. Its creamy yellow, banana-shaped flowers release a sweet, fruity fragrance that fills the air with a delightful aroma (slightly resembling banana), making it a standout among flowering shrubs. The glossy, deep green foliage provides an elegant backdrop to the striking blooms, further enhancing its visual appeal. Growing up to 10 feet tall, this dense and bushy evergreen shrub or a small tree adds a touch of sophistication to any landscape, whether as a focal point in a garden bed or a graceful accent in a container. As a very cold-hardy tropical plant, it thrives in zones as low as zone 8. Great container plant.


Cattley Guava tree, Psidium littorale

The Cattley Guava, scientifically known as Psidium littorale, is a delightful small tropical fruit tree that adds both beauty and flavor to any landscape. With its pretty round fruits - miniature guavas - this tree offers a unique culinary experience. The fruits boast a sweet and tangy flavor, making them perfect for jams, jellies, and desserts. You can make lots of guava juice just out of one tree! Cattley Guava is not only a tropical delight but also surprisingly cold-hardy plant. Great container fruit tree.


Gardenia (Kailarsenia) vietnamensis - Vietnamese Gardenia

Kailarsenia vietnamensis - Vietnamese Gardenia, is a stunning botanical treasure. It stands out for its large, fragrant flowers and remarkable ease of cultivation. Unlike most gardenias that can be not easy to grow, this variety demonstrates resilience, tolerating overwatering, poor soils, and showcasing exceptional cold hardiness. The flowers are like beautiful artworks, and they give off a lovely smell that fills the air. Whether grown in containers or planted directly in the ground, this bushy beauty thrives, offering versatility and charm to any garden or indoor setting. Learn more about Vietnamese Gardenia.

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Ten top fruiting plants you'll ever need
for your health benefits

Top Tropicals Fruit

Q: I planted Mango and Avocado trees, and I still have room for more trees but want to use the space wisely. What other trees should I plant to get the most benefits out of the fruit?

A: Everyone loves planting Mango or Avocado trees for their well-known benefits. But did you know that adding a variety of other fruit trees to your garden can expand those benefits even more? If you plant just one of each of these 10 trees, you'll have a complete spectrum of nutrients and health-boosting ingredients you ever need. With a diverse range of healthy fruits, you'll boost your diet, improve your health, and elevate your lifestyle. Let's check out the TOP TEN most rewarding and useful fruit...

1. Guava

Guava fruit

Guava is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps protect against colds and infections.
Guava helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes.
Its potassium content helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Guava's antioxidants, like lycopene and vitamin C, contribute to glowing skin and may reduce the risk of cancer.
Guava is eaten fresh, made into juices, jams, and jellies, or added to desserts and smoothies.

2. Coffee

Coffee fruit

Coffee is widely enjoyed as a beverage and is used in various desserts and drinks.
It is rich in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
It improves focus and mental alertness due to its caffeine content.
Coffee boosts metabolism and aid in fat burning, supporting weight management.

3. Noni

Noni fruit

Noni is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint pain and arthritis symptoms.
Fresh noni fruit and juice are popular in traditional herbal medicine and drinks.
It boosts the immune system due to its rich vitamin C content.
Noni juice is used traditionally to improve digestion and fight infections.

4. Papaya

Papaya fruit

Papaya is a popular ingredient in salads, smoothies, and tropical desserts.
It contains enzymes like papain that aid digestion and reduce bloating.
It is high in vitamin C and vitamin A, the antioxidants in papaya may protect against heart disease and reduce cancer risk.

5. Banana

Persimmon fruit

Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
They provide a quick source of energy and are great for post-workout recovery.
The fiber in bananas aids digestion and promotes gut health.
East them fresh, add to smoothies, bake into breads and desserts, or use in various savory dishes.

6. Dragon fruit

Dragon fruit

Dragon fruit is often used in smoothies, fruit salads, and refreshing drinks.
It is high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health. Low in calories and packed with nutrients, it's great for weight management.

7. Tamarind

Tamarind fruit

Tamarind is a common ingredient in sauces, chutneys, and beverages.
Rich in antioxidants, it protects the liver and reduces inflammation.
It contains natural compounds that help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Tamarind has a mild laxative effect, aiding digestion and relieving constipation.

8. Loilita (Surinam) Cherry

Surinam cherry fruit

Surinam cherry is rich in vitamin C, boosting the immune system and skin health.
Its antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect against free radical damage. It contains fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
Surinam cherries are used in jams, sauces, and desserts or eaten fresh.

9. Nescafe

Nescafe

Nescafe - Mucuna pruriens - is used in herbal supplements or ground into powder for teas and health drinks.
It is known for its potential to boost dopamine levels, improving mood and reducing stress.
It supports cognitive function, muscle growth and increases energy levels.

10. Loquat

Loquat fruit

Loquat are very popular and are eaten fresh or used in making jams, jellies, pies, and fruit salads.
Loquat is rich in vitamin A, supporting eye health. It contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The fiber in loquats aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

By planting these 10 diverse fruit trees, you’ll not only enjoy a delicious and abundant harvest but also ensure your garden provides all the nutrients needed for a healthier, more vibrant life.

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The most wanted collectible fruit tree - Honey Moon Guava. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

The most wanted collectible fruit tree - Honey Moon Guava

Variegated guava Honey Moon

🌙 The most wanted collectible fruit tree - Honey Moon Guava.
  • 🍉 Very rare variety of Guava tree - Honey Moon - is a unique variegated guava with the sweetest fruit we ever tasted.
  • 🍉 Fruit is pear-shaped and variegated (white/green striped) outside when unripe, turning bright yellow when ripe. The flesh is pink, very aromatic, sweet and delicious, and contains only a few seeds that separate from pulp easily.
  • 🍉 This variety is resistant to insects and worms.
  • 🍉 Bushy, full tree with large, broad, variegated leaves. Surprisingly for a variegated form (which are usually slow and tender), this variegated beauty is very healthy, strong, vigorous and fasts growing.
  • 🍉 The plant flowers and fruits in small size, perfect for containers. If planted in the ground, the tree grows small to medium size (10-15 ft) with has nice, symmetrical bushy shape.
  • 🍉 Everbearing, very reliable producer, the plant constantly has fruit, buds or flowers.


🛒Order Honey Moon Guava

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Top ten fast-fruiting trees

Cat fruit in a box

Q: I would like to plant several fruit trees... I am 85 years old and hope to see them fruiting soon. What fruit trees can you recommend that will fruit quickly?

A: Most grafted fruit trees, such as Mango, Avocado, and Peaches, will fruit quickly - often within the same year or the next. There are also many wonderful tropical fruits that will produce for you within a year or two, even without the need for grafting. Below are the top 10 of most popular, most rewarding and easy to grow fast fruiting tropical trees:

1. Annona - Sugar Apple, Custard Apple.

Annona - Sugar Apple, Custard Apple

Annonas are the fastest fruiting trees: 2-3-4 years from seed to fruit, depending on species. They are the best tropical fruit trees suited for container growing, due to their small height and can be maintained within 6-8 ft tall.

2. Guava (Psidium sp.): Cattley and Tropical guava

Guava fruit - Psidium

Guava is a reliable producer, starts fruiting in a pot at small size. Some varieties, especially Cattley guavas - Psidium littorale - are relatively cold hardy and can take some frost without damage. Guavas are fast growing small trees or large bushes.

3. Eugenia - Tropical Cherries

Eugenias - Tropical Cherries

Eugenias are favorites of Southern gardens. They are relatively cold hardy and start producing right away. Black Surinam Cherry Lolita and Grumichama are our favorites!

4. Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra)

Barbados Cherry - Malpighia glabra

Another exceptional tropical cherry is Barbados Cherry. It is super popular as a heavy producer. The plant can start fruiting when it's only a few inches tall! If you are looking for a compact, but fast growing tree with colorful fruit that starts fruiting right away - plant Barbados Cherry. It will also happily fruit in containers.

5. Eriobotrya (Eriobotrya japonica)

Loquat - Eriobotrya japonica

Loquat tree is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, cold-tolerant, compact tropical fruit tree. It is a heavy producer. Fruits are juicy, aromatic, and resemble apricots. Ripen from early Spring to early Summer. Ideal for small gardens, beginner fruit tree growers.

6. Papaya (Carica papaya)

Papaya

Papaya is probably the fastest fruiting tree that can start production the same year from planting a seed. Many dwarf varieties available in selection, reaching only 6-8 ft tall, but producing large crops of full size fruit - they are easy to harvest. Plant 2-3 Papaya trees of different cultivars that fruit at different times of the year and enjoy heavy crops of healthy fruit year around! Another benefit - this tree doesn't take much space in the garden, you can plant as many as you want.

7. Mulberry (Morus hybrids)

Mulberry

Mulberry is very cold hardy and can grow in wide range of climate zones, from USDA 5 to 10. Everyone knows this sweet, tasty, juicy fruit. The tree will produce right away, you will see fruit the next season after planting, and the tree grows fast.

8. Carambola - Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola)

Carambola - Starfruit, Averrhoa carambola

Growing Carambola tree is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy this unique star-shaped delicious fruit right at home. It fruits on the 3d year from seed. The tree is easy to grow and reliable producer, providing wind protection.

9. Blackberry Jam Fruit (Randia formosa)

Blackberry Jam Fruit - Randia formosa

Blackberry Jam Fruit, Jasmin de Rosa is a curious small evergreen tree or bush that combines features of a fragrant flower and delicious dessert fruit which tastes like fresh Blackberry jam. Fragrant white flowers are similar to Gardenia.

10. Peanut Butter Tree (Bunchosia argentea)

Peanut Butter Tree - Bunchosia argentea

Peanut Butter Tree, earns its name from its fleshy fruits that boast a delightful peanut butter flavor. Compact in size, small tree reaching only 10-15 ft or kept as a bush, it's a perfect choice for limited spaces. Can thrive indoors, starting to fruit within just 2-3 years from seed.