Winter is upon us, but for tropical gardeners, it's the perfect time to
enjoy. As the days grow shorter and the heat of summer subsides, Fall
planting brings its own advantages. It's not so hot now, making it the ideal moment
to dive into the enchanting realm of winter flowering plants. Don't miss out on the opportunity to add some
tropical gems to your plant collection and keep the spirit of summer alive
all winter long.
In the photo: in full bloom now - Justicia carnea - Pink Brazilian Plume, Jacobinia. Spectacular pink
flowers, butterfly and hummingbird attractor. The plant is relatively cold hardy
to light freeze and grows back from roots even if leaves are damaged.
As September 11th arrives once again, our hearts are heavy with memories of the fateful day that forever changed our nation. We remember the lives lost, the heroes
who emerged, and the enduring resilience of our country.
As we pay tribute to the past, we recommit ourselves to building a brighter future. Remember to focus on the beauty that surrounds us every day - the kindness of a stranger, the laughter of loved ones, the warmth of a sunrise. In these simple moments, we will find
solace and inspiration.
In the Photo: Flamboyant tree, Royal poinciana, Delonix regia - one of the most popular tropical trees covered with bright red orchid-like flowers from late winter through early summer. "The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)
NEW VIDEO:
My new Jaboticaba fruit tree from Top Tropicals
By Scott Riddle
For those new to plant mail orders, common questions arise: Can live
plants be shipped successfully? What's the secret to safe packaging and a secure
journey?
Scott Riddle, our California customer, is here to spill the beans on his Jaboticaba
tree mail order experience! Join him as he unveils the plant, step by step,
and reveals the journey it took.
If you are thinking about buying a live plant online and want to know the
secrets of safe shipping, proper packaging, and post-transit care, this video
is a must-watch! Get all your burning questions answered in this
comprehensive, firsthand account.
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!
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one
of you for making our garden event in celebration of our manager Kristi's
birthday such a resounding success!
To our wonderful guests, thank you for joining us on that beautiful
Saturday and making the day special for Kristi and all of us at Top Tropicals. We
hope you enjoyed reconnecting with nature and finding the perfect plants to
adorn your gardens. Your presence and the efforts of our amazing Team
combined to create a memorable day filled with tropical beauty and inspiration for
all.
A heartfelt shout-out goes to our exceptional Top Tropicals Team, the
true heroes behind the scenes. Our dedicated People and PeopleCats
, who generously shared their knowledge and passion, guided you through the
nursery, and helped you select the perfect plants. They are the ones who work
tirelessly to ensure every plant thrives, nurturing our garden with love and
care. Their unwavering dedication was particularly evident in the incredible
recovery of our garden after Hurricane Ian last year. Today, you witness its
beauty once again, renewed and flourishing, thanks to their hard work and
commitment. These People are: Kristi, Jamie, Onika, Tony, Chiane, Mark H, Mark
M, Ed, Beatriz, Aurelio, Mick... (see Our Team). The PeopleCats are: King, Snitch, Sushi, Loki, Paisley, Josephine...
(+10 more at Garden Center and 9 more at B-Farm! See all PeopleCats)
Here are a few pictures from the past event, and please visit Event Mementos page to see all of them!
Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market "Tropical Harvest"
September 2, 9 am - 4 pm
Join us in a celebration recognizing the central pillar of the great Top Tropicals temple - Kristi!
We are excited to invite you to a special event, "Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market", where we will be celebrating our beloved manager, Kristi, and showcasing a wide selection of tropical fruit trees and flowering plants.
This event will be an opportunity for you to explore our beautiful garden and discover a variety of plants for your own green oasis. We have lined up exclusive deals and sales on our exceptional plant collection, making it the perfect time to add some tropical flair to your home. Bring your friends and family, and immerse yourself in a day of gardening joy and community spirit!
Event agenda:
9 am - 4 pm: Plant Market. 30% OFF online prices. Raffle. Gift bags - for first 25 customers with $50 order Secret Garden: Super savings area 50% off $2 and $5 sale racks: for local pick up only!
It takes one year to grow a good root crop. This wonderful tropical root
vegetable is grown as a handsome shrub and harvested for its root and leaves
that are high in starch. The plant contains low levels of protein in the
root and high levels in the green leaves. And Cassava fries are both delicious and healthy! Yum! (see the recipe)
NEW VIDEO:
Senna alata - Empress Candle, Candelabra Plant
Need a fast growing, colorful, exotic looking solution for your garden?
Here it is! Empress Candle, or
Candelabra Plant - is a true garden wonder. Imagine a plant that grows
fast, almost always in bloom, and covers large spaces with its lush leaves...
Empress Candle has beautiful golden flowers resembling candles. The huge
leaves create nice cool shade for many feet around it which keeps weeds away.
Providing full sun and regular water Empress Candle grows up to 10 ft wide and
6-8 ft tall just in one or two seasons!
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!
Q: I purchased various plants via mail order
(including a Coffee tree and some flowering vines) from companies *** and ***,
but they did not survive, possibly due to their small size and the stress of
shipping. Could you provide information about the size of your plants, their
resilience to shipping stress and the time required for establishment?
A: Plants, as living beings, may experience
stress during a few days of travel in a dark box. However, the critical factor
influencing their survival is the plant's size. Most of our plants are grown in
pots ranging from 1 to 3 gallons, have established root systems and developed
branches. Some even feature flowers and fruit, although these may drop
during transit. We've included images comparing our 1 gallon size plants with
those from other mail-order firms we previously obtained for our own
collection.
Understanding that post-shipping plant establishment is a gradual
process is crucial. Yet, most plants handle shipping well and commence new growth
within days to a couple of weeks post-arrival. Here are some success
pointers:
1) Opt for a container matching the root ball size, avoiding excessive
sizing until growth initiates.
2) Begin in a shaded area, progressively transitioning to brighter
spots.
3) Apply
Sunsine Epi spray to lessen stress and enhance vitality.
4) Initiate fertilization once the plant displays fresh growth.
How to know the astrological sign of your cat?
The astrological sign of a cat can be determined by either their date of
birth or adoption, as adoption is often considered a second birth for cats.
With this information, one can discover the astrological traits that describe
the cat, such as their independence, diva-like tendencies, sense of humor,
intelligence, and more. Additionally, it's also important to consider the
astrological relationship between cats and plants...More >>
Our Summer cats
Cancer Zodiac sign is represented by James Coconuts (his second day of birth is 7/15/2017 when he was
rescued) and his best friend Riki. They live at our Bfarm in Sebring, are very affectionate and have intuitive sense of
when we need someone close... they will readily snuggle up!
Leo Zodiac classic representative is Snitch, the Cat with Charisma - he runs and rules our Garden Center in Ft Myers. Come and meet this Purrson in person!
1 medium-sized Yuca Root
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Optional: spices or herbs of your choice (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne
pepper, etc.)
Instructions:
Prep the Yuca: Peel the Yuca root with a sharp knife and remove
any fibrous parts. Cut the Yuca into evenly sized sticks or fries.
Boil the Yuca: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the
Yuca fries. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the fries become tender but
not mushy. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork.
Drain and Cool: Drain the boiled Yuca fries and let them cool for
a few minutes. Preheat your oven to 425F during this time.
Seasoning: Toss the slightly cooled Yuca fries in olive oil,
ensuring they are evenly coated. Add a pinch of salt and any additional spices or
herbs you prefer for added flavor.
Baking: Arrange the seasoned Yuca fries in a single layer on a
baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the
Yuca fries for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure
even browning.
Serve: Once they turn golden and crispy on the outside, take the
Yuca fries out of the oven. Serve them hot as a delicious and unique
alternative to regular fries. You can enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite
dipping sauce or as a snack on their own.
These Yuca fries are not only tasty but also a great way to introduce
friends and family to this delightful tropical root vegetable! Enjoy your
yuca-culinary adventure!
