Date:
Good news! The groundhog Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow, that means Spring will be here early!
Time to start planning for your tropical garden to make sure give your rare plants an early start, and more time to establish. Check out our New arrivals!
Date:
Q: My tropical plant collection goes indoors for winter. I have over 100 plants now and all windowsill space is taken. I am planning to build some shelves so I can also start some rare seeds indoors. Can you advise me on the choice of the grow lights so I can do it right?
A: Indoor plants are very unlucky: they have to grow in "caves," and everybody knows that plants don't grow in the caves. The luckiest plants win sunny windowsills, but even there they dwell rather like in underbrush under tall trees, where the sun illuminate them only early in the morning or in the evening, and its light is diffused by foliage. Usually, domestic plants are in desperate lack of illumination not only in winter but also in summer. No light - no growth, no flowering. So, plants need extra light to compensate for the lack of illumination in the "room-cave" conditions. And here is some science behind it...
Check out our selection of tropical plants tolerant to low light conditions.
Date:
Climate change is wiping out the Baobab, Africa's tree of life...
According to The Guardian News and Media, Africa's "tree of life" may not have much
longer left... These highly important species are threatened with
extinction, due to climate change and human development. Some species may not survive
the next century. While plants have generally adapted to extended droughts,
climate change is different, and with the Anthropocene, we are already
witnessing the loss of these impressive trees. Africa's largest, oldest inhabitants,
that have played silent witness to numerous generations, are already paying a
heavy price for the environmental crimes of foreign lands.
Baobab forms an integral part in people's livelihoods. In West Africa,
it is also called the "palaver tree" because of its social functions: when
there is a problem in the community, meeting under the Baobab tree with the
chief or the tribesmen would be synonymous with trying to find a solution to
that problem; it reinforces trust and respect among members of the community.
Its extinction would not simply be an environmental tragedy...
Every tropical gardener should have a Baobab to help to save this amazing species for the planet!
Date:
Mark you calendars: Groundhog Day Event 2/2 @ TopTropicals
Groundhog Day: Spring will surely come!
Event: Top Container Plants @ Top Tropicals
When: Saturday, Feb 2, from 10 am - 5 pm
Where: Top Tropicals Garden Center, 13890 Orange River Blvd, Ft
Myers, FL
More info: Check our Facebook Event Page or call Anna Banana @ 239-771-8081
Agenda:
- 25% OFF everything + freebies for local customers
- Best container fruit trees, Condo Mangos, and Avocados. No matter if
Groundhog promises early or late spring, you can keep them in pots!
- Snacks and drinks
Click on ticket link to save and print invitation flyer (for 2
people).
Date:
Top Tropicals New Year Resolutions
We take this opportunity to extend our grateful thanks to all visitors and friends of our garden and website. The entire Top Tropicals team wishing you a Happy New Year with Happy New Plants!
In 2019, Top Tropicals plans include (but are not limited to):
- improved design of the website, online store and shopping cart
- many new introductions of rare flowering plants including Red Jade
Vine, lots of new Adeniums
- rare fruit trees, including Mangosteen, Nutmeg, Clove and more
- extended selection of rare tropical seeds
- many new videos of rare tropical plants
- free and discounted shipping
Stay informed with our Newsletter updates!
New Year Resolutions for Gardeners in 2019
January is the month to plan and dream about your yard and garden. Grow
your garden a few steps at a time each year: pick a few resolutions for 2019
and plan accordingly. Next year, a few more, and so on until you build the
garden of your dreams.
This winter, resolve to:
- Hang a bird feeder.
- Order seeds of some rare plants so you can have an early start.
- Prune a tree into an espalier - it's a perfect time before Spring.
- Ask your grandparents what they grew in their gardens.
- Build a raised bed for succulents.
- If you live in a warm climate, plant a fruit tree or two.
- Start a compost pile.
- Plant a palm tree.
- Try some plant boosters to improve your plants hardiness.
- Chose Flowering trees, shrubs and vines suitable for areas in your garden that still have room...
- Install a rain barrel.
- Eat outside as often as possible.
- Show a child how to plant a tree.
- Provide a water source for bees and butterflies. They are not only
cool, but also pollinators that will help to set fruit and seeds!
- Call TopTropicals for garden advise - what to plant, where to plant,
and how not to kill it!
- Plant a berry-bearing tree or shrubs to feed the birds. Mulberry, Blackberry, Tropicals Cherries - are always good choices. They are 15% OFF now, offer expires 1/8/19.
- Rake and save fallen leaves for winter mulch for your garden beds.
- Save seeds from flowers to plant next year.
- Give plants as gifts all year long.
Happy gardening in 2019!
Date:
How to get a Jasmine to bloom.
Caring for jasmines as container plants during Winter
Locate the jasmine plant where it will receive bright filtered light at least six hours every day.
Put a few pebbles in a shallow plate or tray and pour fresh water over the pebbles. Set the pot on the pebbles, but don't let the water level touch the bottom of the pot. This increases the humidity in the air around the jasmine. Keep the plant away from wood stoves, heat vents and radiators.
Water the jasmine when the top 1/2 inch of the soil feels dry. Don't let the soil get soggy, and never let the pot sit in water. Water the plant sparingly during the winter.
Feed jasmine twice a month between Spring and early Fall, using a granulated slow-release, or water-soluble houseplant fertilizer mixed at half strength. Don't fertilize during the winter months.
Prune the jasmine as needed to maintain the desired shape. Never prune in winter, as the plant will be preparing to bud.
Encourage the jasmine to bloom by putting it in a cool room at night for four to five weeks during Fall to Early Winter. The plant should get plenty of sunlight during the day, but during the night, move it to a pitch-dark room where the temperature is between 40 and 50 degrees F. After four to five weeks, leave the plant in its regular, daytime location. The plant should start blooming in mid-Winter to early Spring.
See all jasmine plants...
Date:
Growing Nutmeg from seed: secrets of successful germination
Q: I received a Nutmeg nut and I am wondering do I need to open a hard shell before planting it? Any other tips on growing nutmeg from seed? When will you have Nutmeg plants for sale?
A: We just
received fresh nutmeg seeds from Sri Lanka and planted them right away, so
we should have Nutmeg plants by Spring/Summer. These are some tips on how to
make germination a success:
- nutmeg seeds are viable only for a few weeks after harvesting so
plant them as soon as possible.
- wash the seed and soak it in warm (100F) water with a few drops of SUNSHINE-S
booster that improves germination. Soak for up to 24 hours. You may use
a thermos to keep it warm.
- there is no need for scarification. The outer shell of nutmeg is
hard, however, it is not thick so the water will penetrate easily. On the photo
above, you can see 2 seeds: the one on the right expanded twice in size after
sozking.
- Plant in a porous soilless mix, preferably light seed germination mix, in 4-6" pot, and keep moist but not soggy. You
may cover the pot with plastic to keep moisture in.
- Unless you are germinating the seed in hot tropical conditions, you
should use bottom heat - 80-85F. A heating pad is the best solution (make sure
it doesn't have a timer that automatically shuts it off). For safety, use
GFI protected electric outlets since you will be watering the pot.
- Be patient and allow a few weeks for germination. Once the seed
sprouted, keep it in bright filtered light and apply SUNSHINE Superfood to young seedling, along with a small dose of Slow Release Fertilizer, for kickstart.
- Move the seedling out in bright sun light once the temperature
outside is above 70F.
We have a very long waiting list for Nutmeg plants (item 3878) and seeds (item 6203), so you may reserve one for yourself using our Wishlist form; this way you will be notified immediately when we have the plants in stock, as they won't last long. A few seeds are still available for sale, order now while they are fresh:
Date:
Capricorn - 12/22
- 1/19.
An EARTH sign ruled by the planet Saturn. Capricorn's plants usually have
few flowers, or small flowers, are knobby or woody, and may have an unpleasant
smell or taste. Saturn rules plants with long lives and slow growth, so
plants with annual rings are also associated with the Goat.
Physiologically, Saturn rules the systems that give the body its
structure and form: the skeletal system, and the skin, teeth, joints, and knees, so
plants that are high in calcium can be very beneficial. Those can be woody
plants and shrubs that show annual rings, as well as some poisonous or
narcotic plants. Saturn plants are useful in treating arthritis and rheumatism.
Traditional Capricorn appreciates a spice that is powerful but familiar. Black pepper adds flavor and a bit of heat to both food and life,
creating movement without too much change.
Capricorn Zodiac
lucky plants:
Baobab, Peach Palm, Patchouli, Bamboo, Cordyline, Spider Lily, Serissa, Desert Rose, Croton, Aloe, Palms, Giraffe knee plant - Gonatopus boivinii, Adenanthera, Black Pepper, Solanums, Loquat, Aglaonema, Jacaranda, Rosemary, Shisham - Dalbergia sissoo, Neem Tree, Nutmeg, Calendula, Brugmansia, Cannabis, Coca, Kava-Kava, Root Beer plant, Kratom, Banesteriopsis, Psychotria, Quince, Almonds, Ginkgo, Olive, Strophanthus, Bread Flower, Amorphophallus, Areca Palm, Anadenanthera, all Pipers, Brunfelsia, Chaya, Persimmons, Surinam Cherry, Bel Fruit, Ashoka Tree, Calla Lily.
For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.
Date:
Christmas Special - Lolita Cherry
This amazing cherry is by far our favorite. Lolita is an exclusive
variety of Black fruited Surinam Cherry that starts as red and turns black as it
ripens. The fruit has exceptional flavor and has no aftertaste, unlike regular
Surinam cherries. It is large, 1-1.5" size, super sweet when fully ripe. The
tree is a dwarf statue, 5-6 ft or smaller if pruned. It is upright and
freely branching. Plants start flowering and fruiting in 1 gal container. The
plants we have in stock are ready to fruit in 2019.
These cherries are cold hardy and can take short periods of frost. Once
established, the plant can withstand upper 20's without damage.
Lolita is very hard-to-find, and we have limited quantities, hurry up!
To expedite your order for Christmas, request rush shipping in order notes, contact us or call Anna Banana direct @ 239-771-8081.
Happy Holidays!
Date:
Plants which are family members
By Mark Hooten, the Garden Whiz
...Perhaps approaching the New Years Season makes me appreciate the plant people I've known. It also made me take stock of the great plants I've had for the longest time. Doing so, I've come to realize that I care for over a handful of potted plants which I have
owned for a number of decades. This Euphorbia decaryi is one of them... Read the story...
...I wonder about other folks' special plants which they have kept for so long they seem like family members. So I ask any of our online friends to send us images and the brief history of some special plant which they have cared for and loved for a LONG TIME! You know, heirloom type plants. We would love to share stories and pictures of these special plants with others!..
Check out our Euphorbias...