Date:
More TikTok Reels from TopTropicals
Discover more exotic plants and fun garden happenings from our TikTok updates:
Tacca - Bat Lily
Jasmine Belle of India
Dwarf Poinciana Care Instrustions
Index > Garden Blog
Date:
NEW
VIDEO:
ABC7 Fort Myers News:
Butterfly plants at Top Tropicals
Butterfly plants... what can be more romantic and sweet in your garden!
Watch the news segment by Rachel Anderson for ABC-7: Butterfly plants at Top Tropicals.
"...Spring has sprung, and if you’re looking to spruce up your
garden, Top Tropicals in Fort Myers has you covered! They have hundreds of exotic
plants, fruit trees, fragrant flowers and plants that will attract
butterflies to your garden!
If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift, plants are gifts that keep
on giving!.."
In the photo: Butterfly plants display in Top Tropicals office. Come and see our large selection of butterfly attractors in the nursery!
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In the photo: Lonicera japonica - Japanese Honeysuckle - a garden favorite, hardy, fast growing vine. Jasmine-sweet scented flowers attract butterflies, and hummingbirds, and berries attract birds!
Date:
The Benefits of Companion Planting
Q: What is companion planting?
A: Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different crops or types of plants together in a way that benefits all plants. This practice has been used for centuries, and it can be especially useful in tropical gardens where there is a diversity of plant life: trees, shrubs, vines and climbers, ground covers, fruit and edibles, and different flowering ornamentals. It is a great way to improve the health and yield of fruit tree crops while reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. By choosing the right companion plants and planning your garden layout carefully, you can create a vibrant and diverse ecosystem that will benefit both your plants and the environment.
Companion planting involves:
Planting different crops together to repel insects: adding such plants as Lemon grass, Patchouli leaf, or Moujean Tea near your vegetables can deter aphids and other pests.
Attracting pollinators - Butterfly plants. Many tropical crops, such as passion fruit, papaya, mango, and avocado, rely on pollinators to produce fruit. Companion planting can help to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.
Providing nutrients to the soil, adding mulch and low growing plants (ground covers) to preserve moisture.
Planting a variety of different types of plants together in order to create a more resilient ecosystem that is less susceptible to pests and diseases.
To get started, plan your garden layout and choose companion plants with
similar water and light requirements.
For example, plant in the same group lush foliage plants, gingers, and flowering brunfelsias in shady areas; plant jasmines and gardenias in full sun and very well-drained spots.
Rotate annual crops regularly and experiment with combinations to find what
works best. By doing this, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits
both your plants and the environment, reducing the need for harmful
chemicals.
Date:
Gift Plants
In the photo: fragrant Jasmine Sambac Maid of Orleans
How to make the best gift plant?
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.
Some gift plant ideas: Jasmines - Desert Roses - Gingers - Mango - Avocado - Spice plants - Indoor plants - easy maintenance plants - Plants of Love: Aphrodisiacs.
In the photo: Annonas are one of the most popular tropical fruit trees, fast fruiting, suitable for small gardens and container culture
Date:
Planting in August
Top Tropicals Garden Calendar
August is the hottest month in most places, and tropical/subtropical areas are not the exception. In Florida we have some hot August days in upper 90's. Is it still OK to plant during hot weather? Yes, and here are some guidelines for you:
1. Hot metabolism.
Many tropical plants grow faster at high temperatures. Select heat-resistant species for August planting (below are just
a few suggestions).
2. Water adequately.
Water thoroughly your newly planted tree. Water daily (lightly) with a hose for at least a week, don't
rely on sprinklers. Then reduce watering to every other day and gradually switch to sprinkler system if you have it. Do not overwater: non-established plants don't like combination of heat+wet.
3. Mulch well.
Keep mulch 1" away from the trunk to avoid rot.
4. Shading.
Protect the young tree from hot sun with a shade cloth or a sheet if leaves get wilted, for 1-3 days, then remove it, let the plant adjust to bright light.
Photo above: Trachelospermum jasminoides - Confederate Jasmine, the toughest jasmine that can take extreme heat and drought.
Date:
New video: the sweetest Night Blooming Jasmine
Night blooming jasmine is a tropical garden favorite: the sweetest fragrance at night is intoxicating! It is one of the most famous and desirable fragrant plants. Flowers are pale yellow to white, open at night and stay extremely fragrant until sunrise. Aroma is sweet, pleasant and intoxicating. These flowers are widely used in India and other countries of South Asia for perfumery, medicinal applications and in religious ceremonies. Best location will be near driveway, window or entrance, where the magic fragrance can be appreciated.
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Date:
Memorial Day Sale
"...How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate
our heroes and she-roes..."
- Maya Angelou -
On May 30, people across the nation will make it a point to remember and honor the many sacrifices of military service members who have given their lives for our country. Celebrate this important day with us by planting a tree in memory of our heroes - and here is your 22% discount:
MEMORIAL22
Min order $150. Exp Monday, 5-30-22.
In the photo: Royal Poinciana, one of the most impressive trees of Tropics and Subtropics.
Memorial Day Tree Specials
- with additional instant discount -
Grown in
10"/3
gal pot, large plant
$72.95
Sale $67.95
 |
| 2266 Terminalia catappa - Tropical Almond |
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant $57.95
Sale $52.95 |
 |
| 1176 Flamboyant tree, Royal poinciana, Delonix regia |
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot $52.95 Sale $47.95 |
 |
| 1114 Ice Cream Bean tree, Inga feuille (edulis) |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot
$52.95 Sale $47.95 |
 |
| 1046 Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine |
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant
$27.95 Sale $22.95 |
 |
| 2014 Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot, large plant $32.95 Sale $22.95
|
 |
| 5293 Cerbera x manghas hybrid - Enchanted Incense (Red Flower) |
Grown in 6"/1 gal pot $52.95 Sale $47.95 |
 |
| 3146 Miracle Fruit, Large Leaf variety, Synsepalum subcordatum |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot $69.95 Sale $59.95 |
 |
| 1189 Senecio confusus - Mexican flame vine (Pseudogynoxus chenopodiodes) |
|
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot $37.95 Sale $32.95 |
 |
| 1373 Odontonema cuspidatum - Firespike, Red |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot $32.95 Sale $27.95 |
 |
| 5428 Ilex paraguariensis - Yerba Mate |
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot $37.95 Sale $27.95 |
 |
| 4095 Medinilla cumingii (myriantha) - Malaysian Orchid |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot, very large
plant $42.95 Sale $32.95 |
Date:
Top Story: The little mango tree that could
By Ed Jones, the Mango Guy
"...Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water
it and make it survive, you haven't done a thing. You are just talking..."
- Wangari Maathai -
This is the story of the little mango tree that could. From the
beginning, it has been a fighter and has come through its latest battle with a few
scars, but it is still going...
...On January 30, the unthinkable happened. Cold weather was coming. We had
a low of under 25F on that Sunday morning...
...Then, on April 4, 2022 we had a very bad hail storm... Hail stones up to
3" fell for 20 minutes...
Learn more about what happened and see this mango tree today... What
helped it to survive and also what will help it to grow back into a beautiful
tree?
For information on how to shape your mango trees, see this video:
Subscribe to our Channel:
Stay updated with TopTropicals Videos by subscribing to our channel at YouTube.com/TopTropicals and get our latest video news of what is fruiting and blooming!
REAL DEALS:
More specials
with instant 30% OFF!
No min order. Exp. 5-22-22.
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot
$32.95
Flash sale 30% OFF: $23.07
 |
| 4334 Jackfruit tree Super Thai (Artocarpus heterophyllus) |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot, large plant
$72.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $51.06 |
 |
| 3500 Persimmon tree Native American, Low chill, Diospyros virginiana |
Grown in 6"/1 gal
pot $37.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57 |
 |
| 2728 Bauhinia variegata purple - Orchid Tree |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot $42.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $30.07 |
 |
| 5647 Vernonia fulta - Tropical Aster, Ironweed, Bitterleaf |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot, large plant
$32.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $23.07 |
|
| 2988 Monstera deliciosa (Philodendron pertusum) - Swiss cheese plant |
Grown in 6-10"/1-3
gal pot $37.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57 |
 |
| 2710 Pavonia multiflora - Brazilian Candles |
Grown in 6"/1 gal pot $32.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $23.07 |
 |
| 1120 Jasminum mesnyi - Japanese Jasmine |
Grown
in 10"/3 gal pot $37.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57 |
 |
| 6785 Alocasia Imperial Red |
Grown in 10"/3 gal
pot, large plant $37.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57 |
 |
| 2100 Justicia Fruit Cocktail |
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot $17.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $12.57 |
 |
| 2509 Kopsia arborea (pruniformis) - Pin-Mala |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot $22.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $16.07 |
 |
| 6020 Alpinia x purpurata - Hot Pink Cone Ginger |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot $37.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57 |
Date:
New Video:
Golden Sugar Apple - Pineapple Annona
In this video we talk about a rare hybrid of Annona - Golden Sugar
Apple. This rare Annona is a species originally brought to us from Costa Rica. We
believe it to be a natural hybrid between A. muricata and A. glabra...
Fast growing, it forms a nice bushy specimen. It has a large, up to 1 lb
fruit, green when unripe, turning dark yellow to orange on ripening. The pulp
is golden to orange when ripe, with a strong Pineapple scent, and resembling
Jackfruit in texture. Flavor is like the custard apple but with pineapple,
papaya, apricot and melon overtones. Note that some people dislike the taste,
others find it good...
The tree tolerates flooding. It is also cold hardy! The plant would be very
interesting for rare fruit collectors as it offers a large, exotic fruit of
unusual color and taste, and appears to be much more hardy and water tolerant
than similar looking but sensitive A. muricata, A. montana and Rollinia.
Subscribe to our Channel:
Stay updated with TopTropicals Videos by subscribing to our channel at YouTube.com/TopTropicals and get our latest video news of what is fruiting and blooming!
REAL DEAL:
This weekend specials - 30% OFF!
No min order. Exp. 5-17-22.
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot,
large plant
$37.95
Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57
Buy 1 get 1 free
 |
| 1318 Clitoria ternatea - Blue Butterfly Pea |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot, large plant
$37.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57 |
 |
| 1292 Thunbergia laurifolia - Blue Sky vine |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot, large plant
$32.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $23.07 |
 |
| 6669 Capsicum annuum x chinense - Biquinho Pepper |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot, fruiting
size $37.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57 |
 |
| 1332 Cassia (Senna) bicapsularis - Butterfly Bush |
Grown in 6-10"/1-3 gal pot
$37.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57 |
|
| 6086 Pseuderanthemum seticalyx - Australian Nerve Flower, Shooting Star |
Grown in 10"/3
gal pot, large plant $37.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $26.57 Buy 1 get 1 free |
|
| 1046 Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine |
Grown in 10"/3 gal pot, large plant $27.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $19.57 |
|
|
| 2014 Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty |
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot, large plant
$27.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $19.57 |
 |
| 5646 Perilla frutescens - Shiso, Shishi Herb, Beefsteak Plant |
Grown in 6"/1 gal pot
$17.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $12.57 |
 |
| 2097 Pogostemon patchouli - Pucha-Pat |
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant
$27.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $19.57 |
 |
| 6632 Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea var. Bicolor Fuerte |
Grown in 6"/1 gal pot, large plant $32.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $23.07 |
 |
| 5912 Aframomum melegueta - Grains of Paradise, African Cardamom |
Grown in 6-10"/1-3 gal pot, large
plant $42.95 Flash sale 30% OFF: $30.07 |
Date:
No Winter lasts forever
Photo above: Jasminum nitidum (illicifolium) - Star Jasmine, is a fragrant-sweet Spring bloomer!
"...No Winter lasts forever, no Spring skips its turn.
April is a promise that May is bound to keep, and we know it..."
- Hal Borland -
Photo above: Ruttya Fruticosa - Rabbit Ears, Hummingbird Bush