Q: Good afternoon Anna, hope all is well. I have a question
regarding Coconut growth. When I planted my coconuts seeds I notice they had
water in it, after checking 6 months later I took one out from the pot and shock
to see if still had water but notice no water shaken inside, still, no plant
growing on all 6 seeds but no water noise inside of them. Can you indicate if
I should discard them or are they still have a chance they will
germinate?
A: Coconut seeds normally germinate within a month from planting.
If there is no growth within 6 month, chances are the seed was not ripe
enough, or didn't have proper conditions for germination.
To grow a coconut palm from seed, place the nut on top of the soil (if
in a pot, must be at least 3 gal pot) on its side, and bury it in soil
half-way. Keep it warm (75F or higher, the warmer the better), in full sun, and
soil must stay moist. Start fertilizing when the seed sprouts.
James Coconuts, one of our customer service reps, will be happy to
answer all your questions! (Anna Banana, Stevie, or Onika can help when Coconuts
is out of the office).
A: I live in Ave Maria, Florida. I want to try my hand at growing
my own tea. Which plant do I need?
A: Most people do not realize they are actually enjoying
camellias when they sip their cup of tea. True tea comes from the Camellia sinensis
plant, an evergreen shrub or small tree.
In the fall and winter, the plant will produce small white flowers with
a lovely fragrance. The foliage is shiny and dark green with a very nice
informal and open look.
Camellia sinensis (or tea plant, as it is commonly known) prefers a
temperature between 65 and 86 degrees, which makes Florida an ideal area to grow
them. However, if you live in colder zones, you can certainly succeed
growing your own tea plants using a greenhouse. Alternatively, you can use
containers which can be brought inside when temperatures start falling. Tea plants
will usually survive a very slight freeze, though the leaves may be damaged or
killed. It will not tolerate a hard freeze. They prefer full sun or light
shade in the garden.
Tea plants will become small trees or large bushes if not pruned.
Hardcore tea growers trim back the shoots repeatedly to a height of around 4 feet
to encourage new growth and to contain the size.
Make sure to pick an area of your landscape where it does not flood or
remain wet during our rainy season. Camellia sinensis does not like wet feet
at all. They prefer well-drained, sandy and slightly acidic soil. If grown in
a container, add some sphagnum moss to the potting mix. They will benefit
from frequent applications of small amounts of fertilizer.
You will need some patience, too. Your plant should be around 3 years old
before you start harvesting leaves.
Now that you know how to grow the Tea, you need to check this out: the
Harvesting recipes how to harvest and make different kinds of real tea:
Green Tea, Japanese >Continue reading...
Q: We leave in zone 6a, could you tell us what is the list of
different types of mango plants that could be planted indoor and that they can
bear fruits?
A:There is a large group of mangoes called "Condo Mango" - they
literally can be grown in your apartment! Those are dwarf varieties that can
remain compact in containers with minimal pruning and successfully bear fruit
providing bright light and proper care, including plant food.
They produce juicy, fiberless sweet fruit. Julie is also a very popular
dwarf variety, however, it is very cold sensitive and not the easiest to
grow. If you get a 3 gal size mango, step it up to 7 gal when the plant reaches 4
ft; you may use a bigger container as the root system grows, up to 15 gal or
even 25 gal, space permitting. Trim the tree under 6-8 ft after production
season is over (summer-fall).
...Even in its native homeland, the species remains uncommon, and most
Australians have never even heard of it!.. Now, the Bat-Wing Coral tree is
likely my all-time favorite small growing flowering tree in existence. There
are not enough superlative adjectives I know to properly and adequately
describe it. Imagine closely packed long-lobed blue-green bat wings in groups of
three on long thin stems which actually rather flutter in a breeze...
Q: I purchased a Desert Rose and planted it in Adenium mix. I
keep it in full sun with once a week watering assuming this is a desert plant
that likes lots of sun. Some leaves turned yellow and now I am not sure should
I move it into shade or need to water more? Or maybe fertilize with
something?
A:Desert Rose - Adenium, unlike cacti and other succulents, prefers
filtered light. It can grow in full sun but leaves look healthier in light shade.
Watering must be very moderate, however don't let soil harden like a rock:
water again right after the soil gets dry. We suggest to use special Adenium Mix. Cactus mix may work well, as well as regular potting mix,
in which case it is recommended to add a bit of limestone (we simply put sea
shells on top of the pot - it looks very pretty!) - because adeniums prefer
slightly alkaline soil (while most of tropical plants like acidic soils). If
leaves turn yellow, this may be a sign of underwatering. Use water soluable fertilizer with high phosphate as foliage spray, and
only on healthy plants, according to label dosage. It helps both caudex growth
and flowering. Make sure to avoid fertilizer contact with a caudex.
The most wonderful, easily growing, giant flowering, fragrant, and
floriferous species of Selenicereus I have grown is an almost unknown species
called
Selenicerius hondurensis. While its climbing stems are rarely thicker than a
Sharpie marker, it's flowers measure 12 to 14 inches across (!), open as the
sun is setting, and produce a most incredible fragrance... very rich and
spreading thru the area. It smells like a combination of both white chocolate and
vanilla. S. hondurensis also develops the most richly colored flowers of the
Selenicerei, the outermost petals being a glowing orangey-gold. It's very
stunning and provocative! It flowers magnificently, several times during the
summer... Continue reading...
Q: I would like to buy some trees and vines for my garden but I
am not sure if it is a good time for planting. It's hot now in Florida. Should
I wait till it cools off? If I plant now, can I rely on sprinklers?
A: Summer is always a good time for establishing plants because
this is the time of the most vigorous growth. For the first 2-4 weeks, plants
should be watered daily with a garden hose as you can not rely on sprinkler
system yet. Mulch around plants generously - this will help:
- Maintain moisture
- Maintain soil temperature - protect roots from heat
- Reduce weeds and grasses
- Provide nutrients to the soil, and
- Reduce wind erosion from uncovered soils
Q: I live in Deltona, Florida and hoping to find spreading ginger
with interesting foliage to grow in a partially shaded area in my garden
under a group of trees. Any suggestions?
A: Variegated ginger Alpinia zerumbet variegata is a clumping ginger valued for its
beautiful variegated foliage. The dark, green leaves have striking yellow stripes.
This ginger is sought-after, not only for the stunning foliage but also for its
beautiful flowers. The flowers are different from other members of the
ginger family and appear in drooping racemes from the ends of leafy stems rather
than directly from the rhizomes. This ginger is also commonly known as Shell
Ginger because the flowers resemble seashells! They are pink-tinged, fragrant
and appear in summer.
This evergreen perennial grows in upright clumps 3-5 feet tall. You may
prune the plant to control size.
It does not tolerate drought or a hard freeze but can take a few hours
or light frost (goes dormant in such case). In colder areas, rhizomes should
be dug up and stored in a cool room during winter.
This ginger will love a shaded corner in your garden. Plant it in
organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Keep the soil moist
but not soggy, and spread a thick layer of organic mulch around the plant
for moisture retention. There are no serious insect or disease problems to
worry about!
This ginger can be also be grown as a house plant as long as it has
bright light and humid conditions. It will grow to around 3-4 feet tall as a
houseplant.
Shipping plants during hot weather. Ship plants now or wait until it gets cooler
Q: Can you ship my plants now or should I wait until it gets
cooler? Daytime temperatures here are around 90F.
A: Top Tropicals ships year around. In transit, packages are
usually kept in a temperature controlled environment. In hot summer time, it is
still safe to order plants in mail, as long as the box is not left at your
doorstep in full sun.
Keep your eye at the weather forecast and if temperatures get to
extremes (over 95F daytime), we strongly advise that you be present to accept
delivery. As your package may be left on your doorstep by the carrier, this
prolonged exposure to heat may be harmful to the health of your plants.
If no one is available to accept delivery, we suggest that you contact
our customer service to postpone shipment until a later date or coordinate an
alternate delivery address, or simply use your work address for delivery - so
you can get your plants without delay. You may also use the delivery address
at FedEx pickup locations to avoid delays!
We monitor the weather at destination before shipping. When daytime
temperatures in your area are over 90F, your shipment may be delayed to ensure
plants have a safe trip and do not overheat in the delivery truck. See information on shipping process and terms.
Please contact us for more info on holding orders during hot weather.
Q: I live in New Cumberland, West Virginia. I love the smell of
Night-Blooming jasmine. Is it possible to grow it in the northern panhandle of
West Virginia? Do I have to plant it every year or do I keep it in a pot and
take it inside during the winter months?
A: Technically, Night Blooming Jasmine is not a true jasmine
(those plants belong to Oleaceae, or Olive family). Night Blooming Jasmine
belongs to the Solanaceae family, also known as the Nightshade or "Potato" family
of plants. Yes, this sweet fragrant flower called Jasmine for its perfume is
related to potatoes and tomatoes!
Night Blooming Jasmine - Cestrum nocturnum - is loved by many gardeners for its beautiful
fragrance at night. It is one of the most fragrant tropical evergreen shrubs
available. Cascading clusters of tiny, tubular pale yellow to white flowers open at
night and release a heavenly fragrance throughout the garden, especially on
warm summer evenings. The fragrance is much lighter during the day.
Night Blooming Jasmine is grown year-round in zones 9-11. It is at its
happiest in a sunny to a partially sunny spot in your garden in well-drained soil
but can be grown in cooler climates as a container or greenhouse plant.
You would absolutely be able to enjoy this plant during the warm months
in West Virginia, but it will most certainly not survive outside during the
winter. You will have to bring it inside. Take it outside again only once you
are confident there is no more possibility of frost. When grown indoors, be
sure to give it the sunniest, South facing window in your home. When grown in
a container, you will need to re-pot it every two to three years so it
doesn't become root-bound.
For those who are lucky to live in frost-free areas, in ideal growing
conditions outside, it can easily reach 8 feet with a spread of 5 feet. It has
a lovely informal look that can soften a more manicured garden. Add organic
matter to the planting hole when you plant to enrich the soil around the root
ball. Water well in the summer, but allow them to dry out a bit between
watering in the winter. Plant this Jasmine near pools, porches, doors, windows,
and walkways where its lovely fragrance can be enjoyed. The shrub is also an
excellent plant for privacy hedges and screens. When grown as a hedge, plant 3
feet apart.
Trim lightly after a bloom cycle to shape and then do a hard pruning in
fall or spring to control the size of this plant. Fertilize 3 times a year -
in spring, summer, and autumn - with a good quality granular fertilizer.
Night-blooming jasmine is an excellent mosquito repellent. The powerful
scent of the flowers attracts moths and bats that feed on mosquitoes and
other small insects.
The flowers of the Night Blooming jasmine are widely used in India and
other countries of South Asia for perfumery, medicinal applications and in
religious ceremonies.
