Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

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Ten best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia aggregata)

Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia aggregata)

Grumichama (Eugenia brazilensis)

Grumichama (Eugenia brazilensis)

Pitomba (Eugenia luschnathiana)

Pitomba (Eugenia luschnathiana)

Black Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora var. Lolita)

Black Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora var. Lolita)

🏆 Ten best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes.
# 3: Tropical Cherries: Eugenias.
  • 🍒 The most popular and easy-to-grow tropical cherries include Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia aggregata), Grumichama (Eugenia brazilensis), Pitomba (Eugenia luschnathiana), and Black Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora var. Lolita). They are all-time favorites!
  • 🍒 Growth and Versatility: Eugenias are fast-growing, compact, and versatile, thriving both in the ground and in containers.
  • 🍒 Early Fruit Production: These bushy shrubs or small trees begin producing fruit right away.
  • 🍒 Low Maintenance: They're not particular about soil, need minimal water, are pest-free, and thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Eugenias are highly heat-tolerant and can withstand cool winters, even surviving a light freeze.
  • 🍒 Fruit for All: Birds love the fruit, but don't worry - there will be plenty to go around.


📚 Learn more from previous posts:

🛒 Shop Eugenias - Tropical Cherries

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Ten best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Avocado (Persea americana) fruit

Avocado (Persea americana) fruit

🏆 Ten best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes.
# 2: Avocado Tree.
  • Avocado (Persea americana) is a must-have in any tropical or subtropical garden, along with the mango. It’s a favorite fruit known for its health benefits and superfood status.
  • Cold Hardy: Some varieties can survive temperatures below 25F, making it more cold-tolerant than mango trees.
  • Beautiful and Productive: Aside from the fruit, it's a lovely ornamental tree.
  • Grafted Varieties for Quality Fruit: Many plant enthusiasts enjoy growing Avocado from seed. Keep in mind that only grafted trees guarantee quality fruit and production right away, while seedlings take 7-8 years.
  • Growing Secrets: The avocado tree can be a bit tricky to establish. The two main secrets to successful growth are:

    • a) Good drainage
    b) Regular watering
    Avocados don’t like to dry out, but they also can’t tolerate wet feet. To ensure proper drainage, plant the tree on a raised mound (4-6 inches) and keep the soil consistently moist.
  • Compact Varieties Available: There are several compact varieties ideal for container culture, small spaces, and patios. Dwarf "Condo" varieties like Wurtz and Fuerte are perfect for containers, while semi-dwarf options such as Russell, Lila, Mexicola, Poncho, and Yamagata also perform well in smaller gardens.


📚 Learn more from previous posts:

🛒 Shop Avocado varieties

#Food_Forest #Avocado

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Ten best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Mango Keitt (Mangifera indica)

Mango Keitt (Mangifera indica)

🏆 Ten best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes.
# 1: Mango Tree.
  • Mango trees (Mangifera indica) are a Florida garden essential, and if you own one, you're truly embracing the Sunshine State's spirit!
  • Delicious, Nutritious Fruit: Known as the "King of Fruits," packed with vitamins and fiber.
  • Fast-Growing & Low-Maintenance: Thrives with minimal water once established, and is heat-tolerant.
  • Quick Fruit Production: Grafted trees produce right away and you can expect large crops in just 2-3 years.
  • Cold Protection: Young trees need protection from frost, but mature trees handle cold better.
  • Compact Varieties Available: Dwarf "condo" mangoes are perfect for containers and smaller spaces.
  • Grafted Varieties for the Best Taste: When selecting a mango tree, be sure to choose a grafted variety for an immediate payoff of high-quality, fiberless fruit. Grafted trees will produce sweet and flavorful mangos right away, unlike seedling trees, which can take up to 7-8 years to bear fruit. Grafted mangoes are known for their rich taste, which you can find only in home gardens. Commercially grown mangos, while more durable for shipping, tend to be fibrous and less flavorful. Opting for a grafted variety ensures that you enjoy the full, vibrant sweetness of mangoes.


📚 Learn more from previous posts:
  • 🟡about #Mango trees
  • 🟡10 best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes


🛒 Shop Mango varieties

#Food_Forest #Mango

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Discover 10 best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Tropical fruit collage

Tropical fruit collage

🏆 Discover 10 best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes

1. Mango (Mangifera indoca)
2. Avocado (Persea americana)
3. Tropical Cherries (Eugenia sp.)
4. Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra)
5. Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
6. Macadamia Nut (Macadamia integrifolia)
7. Papaya (Carica papaya)
8. Guava (Psidium sp.): Cattley and Tropical guava
9. Jackfruit (Artocarus heterophyllus)
10. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

Stay with us to learn more about these trees in the following posts and make sure to subscribe! ⬇️

📚 Learn more from previous posts:

🛒 Shop fruit trees

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What is the best fruit tree producing in winter. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Loquat flowers

😇 What is the best fruit tree producing in winter
  • 🍑 If you answered the quiz What makes loquats different from other fruits - then you know that Loquat trees flower and produce fruit during the winter months, making them a rare source of fresh fruit when most other trees are dormant.
  • 🍑 Loquat flowers are very pretty! Loquats are relatives of Apples, Peaches, Plums and Pears - they belong to Rosaceae family.


🎥 Loquats are in full bloom in our garden now. The fruit will ripen by April

📚 More about Loquat from previous posts:

🛒 Plant a Loquat Tree

#Food_Forest #Fun_Facts #Loquat

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What is the biggest papaya fruit on the smallest tree? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Papaya TR Hovey

🔔 What is the biggest papaya fruit on the smallest tree?

🍈 We discovered an amazing Papaya variety. It is called TR Hovey. This dwarf tree is only 4-5 ft tall and yet produces giant sweet papayas size of a melon!

📚More about Papaya from earlier posts:
Carefree Garden: How Easy Is It to Grow a Papaya Tree?
Top 10 fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits: #4 Papaya
Top 10 fast-fruiting trees: #6. Papaya
How to have fresh Papaya fruit year around
Top 3 most wanted Papaya varieties
The truth about Papaya
Papayas contain a secret enzyme

🛒 Shop Papaya trees

#Food_Forest #Papaya

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How to Grow Jackfruit: Practical Guide. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) tree

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) tree

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit at the base of the tree

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) fruit at the base of the tree

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.

📚 From previous posts:
The largest tree-borne fruit in the world
How to grow the biggest fruit on Earth

🛒 Plant your own Jackfruit

#Food_Forest #How_to

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How to take care of a mango tree in winter. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

How to take care of a mango tree in winter
How to take care of a mango tree in winter

  • ❄️ Watering

    • During winter, mango trees need minimal watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, especially when temperatures are low. Water the tree only when the soil feels dry about 2 inches deep.

  • ❄️ Fertilizing

    • Avoid feeding in the winter with dry fertilizer. It may cause root burn, plus encourages new growth that is more susceptible to cold damage. Wait until spring when the weather warms up to resume heavy feeding your tree. You can continue using Sunshine Boosters natural liquid fertilizers - Sunshine Mango Tango: it is safe to apply year around since its intake is regulated by reduced water, and only the necessary amount of essential elements will be delivered.

  • ❄️ Temperature Protection

    • Mango trees are sensitive to cold. If you live in a region with freezing temperatures, move your mango tree indoors or to a sheltered location like a garage with a bright light source. If it's in a small container, consider bringing it inside for the winter.

  • ❄️ Sunlight

    • Ensure the tree gets as much sunlight as possible. If indoors, place it near a South-facing window where it can soak up the sun during the day.

  • ❄️ Check for Pests

Winter can bring pests indoors. Regularly inspect the tree for any signs of insect problems around the leaves and stems.

By following these guidelines, your mango tree will be healthier and better prepared for the next growing season.

📚 Learn more: Mango trees and how to deal with cold weather.

🛒 Shop Mango varieties

📝 Earlier posts on #Mango:

#Food_Forest #Mango

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Why my Lychee tree is not producing fruit and why I can't grow a Lychee tree from a seed? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Lychee tree in a pot, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree in a pot, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree in a pot with fruit, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree in a pot with fruit, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree in a pot, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree in a pot, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree, Litchi chinensis

😡 Why my Lychee tree is not producing fruit and why I can't grow a Lychee tree from a seed?

Practical advice on propagation and harvest- for the previous post 👆
  • 🍑 Propagation and mycorrhiza

  • 💋 Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and plant roots. In a Lychee orchard, mycorrhiza plays a crucial role by enhancing the nutrient uptake of lychee trees, particularly phosphorus, leading to better growth and fruit production, especially in soils with low phosphorus availability.
  • 💋Lychee trees are typically propagated by air layering, as they cannot be propagated effectively by seeds or grafting.
  • 💋Lychee seedlings do not grow well because they require a special mycorrhizal environment that, in nature, is only provided under a mature mother tree. This dependency on mycorrhiza explains why lychee seedlings lack vigor and cannot serve as rootstocks for grafting.
  • 💋If you have tried growing lychee from seed, you may have noticed that the seedling, after reaching a few inches in height, often stops growing or even shows signs of retarded growth. This is a clear indication of a lack of mycorrhiza.
  • 💋The easiest way to have a healthy, productive Lychee tree, is to obtain a quality, air-layered tree from a reputable source.


🍑 Alternate Bearing in Lychee Trees
  • 💋 Lychee trees often produce fruit every other year due to "alternate bearing", where the tree focuses on a heavy crop one year, leaving less energy for fruiting the next.
  • 💋This cycle is influenced by weather, tree variety, and how flower buds develop alongside the current year's fruit. For example, "Mauritius" trees may bear fruit annually, while "Brewster" trees may produce a good crop only every 3-4 years.


By considering these factors and providing appropriate care, you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of a lychee tree in your garden.

📚 Learn more from previous posts:
The best varieties of Lychee
The best fruit in the world - grow your own Lychee tree
How to grow a Lychee tree

🛒 Shop Lychee trees

#Food_Forest #How_to

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How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Lychee fruit on a tree, Litchi chinensis

Lychee fruit on a tree, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree in a pot with fruit, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree in a pot with fruit, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree with fruit, Litchi chinensis

Lychee tree with fruit, Litchi chinensis

Lychee 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 👇

🛒 Shop Lychee trees

#Food_Forest #How_to

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