A: Low chill apricots have been specially
developed for subtropical regions like Central and South Florida, where the climate
is not typically conducive for apricot cultivation due to the high number of
chill hours required. This is also true for other fruit trees such as plums
and peaches. However, through successful hybridization, several low chill
varieties have been created that require less than 300 hours of cold weather
below 45 degrees.
One such example is the low chill Katy Apricot tree, which only requires 250 chill hours and is
self-fertile. It is a popular choice among homeowners due to its large size, rich
flavor, and free-stone characteristics with a semi-sweet, low-acid taste. Katy
Apricot tree typically bears fruit early, usually in May.
This year (March 2023) we are celebrating Alex's 75th
Anniversary and her 20 years with TopTropicals. Here is a note from Alex...
Aries Cats 3/21-4/20
The astrological sign of a cat can be determined by either their date of birth or
adoption...More >>
The Aries Cats are a highly competitive and may initiate fights with other cats. With a natural inclination for combat, they may even confront dogs, humans, or even a giraffe...
...Tickling an Aries Cat's tummy can lead to an attack as they're also known to be biters...
...Aries Cats are adventurous and love to challenge themselves physically.
They'll seek out the highest spots in the house, even if it scares their humans...
...Aries Cats love tall, well-branched trees that are good for climbing, and are rather indifferent to bright flowers and fragrant plants... But on the other hand, they adore the soft, juicy grass on which it is so pleasant to lie down and rest after all their athletic feats
and fighting duels...
...One of the best things about the Aries Cats is that they make their priorities clear. With them, you'll always know your place, as they believe they come first, and you don’t.... CONTINUE READING >>
In the summertime, Elderberry bushes transform into small, bushy trees
adorned with sizable umbels of white flowers. As late summer approaches, the tree produces an abundance of dark purple
berry clusters. Elderberry is known for its ability to withstand cold weather and can
thrive in a variety of soils in either full or partial sun. While it typically grows to a height of 10 feet, its spreading can be managed through
pruning.
This dense shrub is beloved by nesting birds, who are not the only
creatures that appreciate its fruit. People also prize Elderberry for its
delicious uses in winemaking, cocktails, and jellies. Elderberry syrup or cordial can
be used to create flavorful fruity drinks and cocktails, like the Elderberry Kir Royale. Alternatively, the
berries can be left to infuse their flavor into spirits, with Elderberry gin being a particularly delightful option.
Elderberry Cordial
When it comes to combating various strains of the flu virus, Elderberry
Cordial ranks among the top natural remedies. Whether sipped in small servings or drizzled over a delectable dessert, Elderberry Cordial is a guilt-free way to fortify your immune system against colds and flus.
Add all ingredients in a jar and cover with a lid. Set aside in a cool,
dark place for 3-4 weeks. When ready to decant, strain and squeeze through
cheesecloth. For every 1 cup of liquid retained, add 1/2 cup honey. Mix thoroughly.
Pour the cordial into a decorative bottle for storage, or gift giving.
Elderberry Kir Royale Cocktail
5 oz white wine, sparkling wine or champagne
2 oz Elderberry cordial
Rocks
Mint leaves (optional)
Pour the Champagne in a flute glass. Add the Elderberry Cordial slowly.
Party time!
These two Champaka trees are of the same age, planted at the same time, 100 ft apart, with the
same light, soil, and water amount... The only difference is - fertilizer schedule!
The tree on the left is planted by our farm gate and gets pure water plus slow
release fertilizer every 3 months. The tree on the right grows by our farm office
with watering station hooked up to the Robuster active display. The Rubuster automatically dozes Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizer with every watering.
Date of planting: 3/13/2022 The Robuster Started: 11/25/2022 Formula used: Sunshine C-Cibus 10 ml/gal with every watering Drip irrigation: directly to the root zone once a day, 2-5 min
(weather adjusted) Image taken: 3/15/2023 @ TopTropicals B-Farm (Sebring)
The instructions for assembly are included and are straightforward, making it easy for online purchasers to put
together. If you're capable of basic PVC plumbing, then assembling this system
will be a breeze!
For a green, lush and fruitful garden that allows you to relax and enjoy
your tropical paradise, the Robuster automatic smart fertilizer injector system is a must-have.
It takes the hassle out of gardening, ensuring that it's carefree! Do you
have any questions, need advice, or require assistance with installation?
Simply
contact us, and we'll be happy to help!
"The fruit of the mango tree is no longer forbidden.
Indeed, it has been recommended to me by the physicians as an antidote to the
plague."
- Louis IX, King of France -
Q: Why do you want to grow your own tropical
fruit tree?
A: Growing your own tropical fruit tree can have
many benefits. Here are a few reasons why someone might choose to grow their
own tropical fruit tree:
1. Fresh, flavorful fruit: When you grow your own tropical fruit
tree, you have access to fresh, flavorful fruit that you may not be able to
find at your local grocery store. Tropical fruit, like avocado,
mangoes,
papayas, and
passionfruit, jackfruit,
Dragon Fruit, Annona have a short shelf life, and the fruit you find at the store may
have been harvested weeks ago. When you grow your own fruit tree, you can
pick the fruit when it's fully ripe and enjoy it at its peak flavor. Besides,
some rare fruit like Akee or
Sapodilla simply never offered from the store.
2. Environmental benefits: Growing your own fruit trees can have
environmental benefits. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release
oxygen, which can help reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, growing
your own fruit trees reduces the need to transport fruit long distances, which
can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Cost savings: Depending on where you live and the availability
of tropical fruit, growing your own fruit tree can be a cost-effective way
to enjoy your favorite tropical fruits.
4. Gardening and outdoor hobby: Growing a fruit tree can be a
fulfilling and rewarding outdoor hobby. It can also be a great way to teach
children about where their food comes from and the importance of taking care of
the environment.
Overall, growing your own tropical fruit tree can be a great way to
enjoy fresh, flavorful fruit, reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and enjoy
a fulfilling outdoor hobby.
"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over,
it became a butterfly"
Chuang Tzu (Taoist philosopher)
In the photo: yesterday we watched a butterfly born on
one of our
Champakatrees!
Q: What are the best butterfly attracting plants
for a Southern garden?
A: If you love butterflies and if you enjoy
having nature around your home, then plant a butterfly garden. Florida is a perfect place to create a year round and
fully functioning butterfly garden. Caterpillars, which transform into
butterflies, require special kinds of plants to feed upon and these plants grow
extremely well in the South Florida and other subtropical areas. Below are the
top five winners that butterflies appreciate the most. Besides, remember That
all yellow flowers are attractive to them, for example Cassias. Butterflies like the Sun and everything that looks like the
Sun!
1. Consider her/his interests and environment: Think about the
recipient's favorite colors, preferred growing conditions (e.g. sunlight,
temperature), and any specific plants they already have and like.
2. Choose an easy plant, especially when giving it to
inexperienced gardener.
Desert roses, Plumerias,
Indoor plants are great for both beginners and experts.
3. Something to enjoy right away: Select an established plant
with developed roots and foliage. Grafted fruit trees will produce soon, and aroma of a spice tree can be appreciated without waiting for it to grow bigger.
House plants such as Philodendrons with ornamental foliage will brighten the room.
4. Presentation matters: Wrap the plant in decorative paper or a
gift bag, and consider adding a bow or tag for a personal touch.
5. Add a personal touch: Consider pairing the plant with a
personalized message or a small item such as a watering can, plant food, or a pretty planter. Your thoughtfulness will make the gift
even more special.
In past blog posts, Ed Jones shared his insights on cultivating olives in Central Florida using Sunshine Boosters. Despite olives
having a reputation for slow growth and being uncommon in Florida gardens, Ed has
successfully grown not only productive but also aesthetically pleasing trees
in just two years. As seen in this winter photo, the trees are thriving!
Encouraged by Ed's success, we have decided to plant olive trees as well. They are low maintenance and tolerant to cold
temperatures. Simply heed Ed's advice, and you too can have a beautiful tree that produces your
own olives in the future.
1. Right variety. Select a vigorous grower for
in-ground planting, or a condo mango cultivar for growing in container. More info on varieties. 2. Soil must be well-drained. If planted in the ground, plant on a
little elevation (see How to plant a tree) 3. Full sun is a must. The more sun, the more flower and fruit. 4. Water. Keep mango tree on a dry side, water young trees regularly
but let top of the soil dry before next watering. Mango trees don't like wet
feet. 5. Air circulation is important for mango tree to eliminate
diseases. Allow enough space from other trees and buildings. 6. Fungicide. Mango leaves are very susceptible do fungal issues,
especially in humid climates likу Florida. Spray fungicide (Copper or similar)
according to the label, once a month. 7. Fertilize year around with every watering with liquid fertilizer
Sunshine
Boosters Mango Tango. Apply Micro-elements once a month and use other good supplements. 8. Shape. Check out Video: Tipping your mango tree - to shape the most vigorous and productive
tree. 9. Protect from hard freeze. Mango tree doesn't take freezing
temperatures well. In subtropical areas Mango can be protected. Alternatively, it can successfully produce in
container, if moved indoors during cold weather. 10. Fruit. Mango tree produces thousands of little flowers, many of
them can set fruit. Do not let a small, young tree to keep more than 1-2
fruit, remove extra, to avoid exhaustion. Allow 2-3 years for the tree to
establish until it produces a full crop. Apply Sunshine Honey supplement to your tree for sweeter fruit.
Wintertime does not just mean hard work for tropical gardeners. It is
also a time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Winter-blooming plants and the visitors they attract - birds, bats and
butterflies - make the garden as enjoyable in winter as any other time of
year.
What a welcome relief: January daytime temperatures in the 70s, dropping to
the 60s at night. This is why I came to live in the subtropics of southern
Florida. The balmy climate of South Florida represents one of the few places
on the mainland United States where tropical plants thrive unprotected
outdoors.
But just as I had to leave behind so many of my favorite northern trees, so
too did I have to put behind me many of the so-called "rules" of
horticulture. These had worked well for me up north and I thought they would hold true
anywhere in the world. Florida's subtropical climate posed new challenges and
I soon realized that gardening in the Sunshine State would not be business as
usual... CONTINUE READING >>
Photo above: Noni is not just a useful fruit tree, but also a great ornamental for
both sun or shade. It is also great for interior floral design or as an exotic
addition to your room decorations in Winter! It fruits year round even
indoors! Order Noni
online.
