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Index > Garden Blog

Date:

When Bigger means Better

Large Avocado trees in containers

Everybody loves shopping online nowadays, and plants are no exception. Buying plants by mail order is not uncommon anymore; it only takes one click, and luckily, there are many sources - from big shopping malls like Amazon to small backyard nurseries that sell their seedlings on eBay or Facebook - all delivered to your door. But plants are alive... So when doing your online plant shopping, you must ensure that you fully enjoy your experience and are happy with a healthy plant that a) doesn't die; b) recovers quickly; and c) starts growing fast, so you can see flowers and fruit as soon as possible.

The rule of thumb for shipping plants: bigger plants undergo shipping better, experience less stress, less leaf drop, and recover quicker than plants with smaller root systems. So when it comes to buying plants online, the bigger, the better. Unfortunately, many mail-order plant sources may sell you a tiny twig that has very few chances of surviving. Shipping is very expensive today, so shipping a bigger size plant may cost more than the plant itself.

Below is a piece of advice on how to make the best plant selection for your garden...

Loquat trees in containers

Photo above: Loquat trees in 3 gal containers.

5 important rules on how to buy trees online

1. Find a source with bigger plants. Check reviews, ask friends for recommendations, inquire from the company about the size of their plants and how they pack their plants for shipping.
TopTropicals offers well-established, strong plants with developed root system, in container sizes 1, 3, 7, 15 gallon, directly from a tropical Florida growing farm. Our unique plant-packing techniques are state of the art!

2. Price not always reflects the size and quality of the plant
TopTropicals offers many deals, discounts and sales, while still providing the biggest and strongest plants grown in real tropical conditions.

3. Most fruit trees must be grafted to produce good fruit. Make sure you are not purchasing a seedling when it comes to Mango, Avocado, Peaches and some other trees with named varieties that don't come true to seed.
TopTropicals offers only grafted - Mango, Avocado and a large number of other tropical cultivars.

4. Pick up when possible from the nursery your ordered from, or get a delivery, instead of shipping the plants. A drive to the nursery will save you more time and money in the future, plus you can hand-pick the biggest and healthiest specimens.
TopTropicals is open 7 days a week for your convenience. Visit our Ft Myers Garden Center or Sebring Farm to select the biggest plants.

5. Take advantage of X-Large size plant material if you live outside the tropical zone and are trying to zone-push your tropical garden. Bigger plants will establish faster and have more chances to survive cold winters. Again, it will save you money in a long run (although bigger plants may be more expensive, but their survival rate is much higher when it comes to cold nights).
TopTropicals offers X-Large flowering and fruiting trees (7-15-25 gallons), and most of the varieties you see in our online store can be custom-ordered in big sizes. Delivery and installation available.

Avocado trees in containers

Photo above: Avocado trees in 7 gal containers.

Large Champaka tree in container

Photo above: Magnolia champaca - Joy Perfume Tree in 25 gal container.

Date:

Win Champaka - Joy Perfume Tree!
Tropical flowering plant contest

Post a picture of your flowering plant and win this perfume tree!

Win Dwarf Ylang Ylang

This is your chance to win a rare, expensive plant that everyone wants but not always can afford -

Magnolia champaca - Joy Perfume Tree
$69.95 Value + FREE shipping

yes, delivered to your door absolutely FREE!

How to become a winner? It's as easy as 1-2-3!

1 - Go to our Telegram Chanel
2 - Post a picture of your own favorite flowering tropical plant that you grow in container
3 - Get likes and become a Winner!

The entry that receives more likes (hearts, thumbs up, etc) wins the Contest.

Rules and terms:

1. Must be our Channel subscriber.
2. Only 1 post per participant. The post should contain: 1-3 pictures and a plant name.
3. A plant must be:
a) tropical grown in container: choose from trees, shrubs, vines, or any perennials, including house plants, as long as they have flowers!
b) flowering (fruit trees will have their chance in our future contests)
c) your own plant, not in a nursery or botanical garden
4. Delivery - USA addresses only. To receive the prize, the winner will be requested to provide shipping info.
5. Unclaimed prizes will be canceled after 2 weeks.
6. Deadline - June 1, 2024 at 3 pm, then we will count the votes and pick the Winner!
7. No purchase necessary to enter or win (see full rules PDF)

Good Luck!

Win Dwarf Ylang Ylang

Magnolia champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka - the most wanted and sacred tree of India and tropical Asia. The flowers exude a divine fragrance. They are used to make the world's most expensive perfume 'Joy' and smell like fruity bubble gum, you can't stop sticking your nose in this flower! Great perfume tree for both in-ground or container culture, this is hands down the best perfume tree for a Southern landscape.

Date:

Cat of the Day - Klaksa

 Cat of the Day - Klaksa
🐈 Cat of the Day - Klaksa 🍊

Did you know that a black cat brings good luck? Klaksa is totally black, just like George. We are still waiting for the load of luck! Good night, sleep tight🌜

📸 😺 👇 Share your cats in comments!

🐾 More #PeopleCats in our Garden:
PeopleCats.Garden

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own

 What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own
🐲 What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own. 🌵

  • 🔴 You may have tried a Dragon fruit from the store l, but do you know how it grows? On a cactus tree!

  • 🔴 Names: varieties of Hylocereus and Selenicereus - these fruit bearing cactus plants are also called Dragon Fruit or Pitaya.

  • 🔴 Commercially grown fruit sold in a grocery store may be tasteless. You need to grow your own good variety to have tasty, sweet, flavorful fruit!

  • 🔴 Dragon fruit comes in many varieties. Colors of flesh differ: white, pink, dark red and even purple. The outside of the fruit can be red/pink or yellow.

  • 🔴 In commercial groves, Pitayas grow like cactus trees, over a strong support - big "umbrella frames" ☂️

  • 🔴 It is an easy plant, with low water needs, takes both sun and semi-shade.

  • 🔴 Our favorite variety is Yellow Dragon Fruit Palora, (Selenicereus megalanthus). It is the sweetest and has the most flavor of all. We shared some recipes earlier.

  • 🔴 Can be grown in container with a wooden trellis. And the flower is beautiful, too!🪷


📚 Learn more about Dragon Fruit
🍹 Recipe: What to do with a Dragon fruit?

🛒Grow your own Tasty Dragon Fruits

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Nature_Wonders

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own

 What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own  What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own
🐲 What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own. 🌵

  • 🔴 You may have tried a Dragon fruit from the store l, but do you know how it grows? On a cactus tree!

  • 🔴 Names: varieties of Hylocereus and Selenicereus - these fruit bearing cactus plants are also called Dragon Fruit or Pitaya.

  • 🔴 Commercially grown fruit sold in a grocery store may be tasteless. You need to grow your own good variety to have tasty, sweet, flavorful fruit!

  • 🔴 Dragon fruit comes in many varieties. Colors of flesh differ: white, pink, dark red and even purple. The outside of the fruit can be red/pink or yellow.

  • 🔴 In commercial groves, Pitayas grow like cactus trees, over a strong support - big "umbrella frames" ☂️

  • 🔴 It is an easy plant, with low water needs, takes both sun and semi-shade.

  • 🔴 Our favorite variety is Yellow Dragon Fruit Palora, (Selenicereus megalanthus). It is the sweetest and has the most flavor of all. We shared some recipes earlier.

  • 🔴 Can be grown in container with a wooden trellis. And the flower is beautiful, too!🪷


📚 Learn more about Dragon Fruit
🍹 Recipe: What to do with a Dragon fruit?

🛒Grow your own Tasty Dragon Fruits

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Nature_Wonders

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

Enter to Win Champaka - Joy Perfume Tree!

 Enter to Win Champaka - Joy Perfume Tree!  Enter to Win Champaka - Joy Perfume Tree!
🏆 Enter to Win Champaka - Joy Perfume Tree!
Post a picture of your own flowering tropical plant and win this tree!

  • 🏵 Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka - the most wanted and sacred tree of India and tropical Asia. The flowers exude a divine fragrance. They are used to make the world's most expensive perfume 'Joy' and smell like fruity bubble gum, you can't stop sticking your nose in this flower! Great perfume tree for both in-ground or container culture, this is hands down the best perfume tree for a Southern landscape, as we mentioned in earlier post.


💰$69.95 Value + FREE shipping 🚚
yes, delivered to your door absolutely FREE!

Large, developed tree ready to bloom!

❗️ How to become a winner? It's very simple!
Post a picture of your own flowering tropical plant, grown in container.
The entry that receives more likes (hearts, thumbs up, etc) will be the winner!

📋 RULES AND TERMS:
  1. Must be our Channel Subscriber (click JOIN 👇)
  2. Only 1 post per participant. The post should contain: 1-3 pictures and a plant name.
  3. A plant must be:

a) tropical, grown in container: trees, shrubs, vines, or any perennials, including house plants
b) flowering (fruit trees will have their chance in our future contests)
c) your own plant, not in a nursery or botanical garden
4. Delivery - USA addresses only. To receive the prize, the winner will be requested to provide shipping info.
5. Unclaimed prizes will be canceled after 2 weeks.
6. Deadline - June 1, 2024 at 3 pm, then we will count the votes and pick the Winner!
7. No purchase necessary to enter or win (see full rules PDF)

🏅 Good luck! Post your entries in this post comments 👇

#Win

🏵 JOIN TopTropicals

Date:

How can Banana be a flower? Meet the Banana Magnolia, a Fragrant Marvel

 How can Banana be a flower? Meet the Banana Magnolia, a Fragrant Marvel
🍌 How can Banana be a flower? Meet the Banana Magnolia, a Fragrant Marvel.
  • 🪷 Magnolia figo, or Banana Magnolia, boasts creamy yellow, banana-shaped flowers with a sweet, fruity aroma with a hint of banana.

  • 🪷 Glossy, deep green foliage enhances its visual charm.

  • 🪷 Compact and evergreen, reaching only 7-10 feet, this small tree or shrub adds sophistication to any landscape.

  • 🪷 Cold tolerant and heat tolerant. Takes sun and shade.

  • 🪷 Great choice for both gardens and containers.


🛒 Buy Banana Magnolia

#Perfume_Plants #Container_Garden #Trees

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

How can Banana be a flower? Meet the Banana Magnolia, a Fragrant Marvel

 How can Banana be a flower? Meet the Banana Magnolia, a Fragrant Marvel
🍌 How can Banana be a flower? Meet the Banana Magnolia, a Fragrant Marvel.
  • 🪷 Magnolia figo, or Banana Magnolia, boasts creamy yellow, banana-shaped flowers with a sweet, fruity aroma with a hint of banana.

  • 🪷 Glossy, deep green foliage enhances its visual charm.

  • 🪷 Compact and evergreen, reaching only 7-10 feet, this small tree or shrub adds sophistication to any landscape.

  • 🪷 Cold tolerant and heat tolerant. Takes sun and shade.

  • 🪷 Great choice for both gardens and containers.


🛒 Buy Banana Magnolia

#Perfume_Plants #Container_Garden

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

Details for the quiz

 Details for the quiz  Details for the quiz
🐈 Details for the quiz earlier.

Note: the brown cat by the swing basket is a toy 🧸 😜

🐾 More #PeopleCats in our Garden:
PeopleCats.Garden

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

How to grow happy, healthy plants in a care-free garden?

🌈 How to grow happy, healthy plants in a care-free garden?
What plant food to choose for the best results?
How to use fertilizer wisely for edibles and the environment?


😺 Organic amino-acid based Sunshine Boosters is the answer.

  • Sunshine Boosters can be used with every watering and year around including winter time (unlike dry fertilizers), even on dormant plants.

  • Scientifically developed formulas have a full spectrum of essential elements. Amino-acids provide total consumption, so nutrients do not build up in soil even with daily applications.

  • All Sunshine Boosters are compatible and can be mixed all in one watering-can 🪣

  • Environmentally safe, great for edibles, pollinating insects friendly🐞🕷🦋🐝

  • For completely easy Carefree.Garden, consider installing smart injector in your irrigation system: The Robuster - automatic fertilizer injector and doser 💻


📚 Learn more about Sunshine Boosters

🛒 Shop Sunshine Boosters for different types of plants.

#How_to #Fertilizers

🏵 @TopTropicals