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Index > Garden Blog

Date:

Why cucumbers grow on a tree? Because they are candles!

Why cucumbers grow on a tree? Because they are candles! Why cucumbers grow on a tree? Because they are candles! Why cucumbers grow on a tree? Because they are candles! Why cucumbers grow on a tree? Because they are candles! Why cucumbers grow on a tree? Because they are candles!
🥒 Why cucumbers grow on a tree? Because they are "candles"! 🕯

  • 🕯 This bizarre tree is a conversation piece and every plant collector should have one!

  • 🕯 Parmentiera edulis - Candle Tree, or Guahalote - is a highly ornamental tree with interesting leaves, pretty cream flowers and...ready?

  • 🕯One foot long fruits resembling a greenish-yellow cucumbers or candles that hang off the tree!

  • 🕯Juicy fruit is edible and has a sweet flavor similar to sugar cane. Eaten raw or cooked; used to make pickles or preserves

  • 🕯The fruit is a remedy for colds; roots used as a diuretic.

  • 🕯Easy to grow and not fussy about conditions. Cold tolerant to light frost.


🎥 10 Plants That Will Make You Happy. Plant #2: Candle Tree.

🛒Get your own Candle Tree

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Nature_Wonders #Remedies

🏵 TopTropicals

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:

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 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

Date:

How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?

 How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?  How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?  How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?  How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?  How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?  How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?  How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?
🌺 How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?

Hibiscus flowers are beautiful but the plants are also... tasty! So they can face a variety of pests, including:

  • · Aphids: small insects cluster on new growth, sucking sap from the plant and causing distortion or yellowing of leaves.
  • · Whiteflies: look like tiny moths and can be found on the undersides of leaves, sucking plant juices.
  • · Spider Mites: can form webs on the undersides of leaves and cause discoloration and stippling.
  • · Thrips: slender insects that feed on flower buds and young leaves, causing them to become distorted and discolored.
  • · Scales: small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant.


🧯 Treatment methods:
  1. Pruning: Remove heavily infested parts of the plant and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of pests.
  2. Natural Predators: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, or wasps, which prey on common garden pests.
  3. Horticultural Oils: Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be effective against soft-bodied pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Sunshine Nobug is a perfect organic solution that contains oil and soap.
  4. Water Spray: Regularly spraying your hibiscus with a strong stream of water can help dislodge pests like aphids and whiteflies from the plant.
  5. Systemic Insecticides: These are chemicals absorbed by the plant, making it toxic to insects feeding on it. However, use them cautiously and follow the instructions to minimize harm to beneficial insects and the environment.


❗️Always monitor your hibiscus plants closely for signs of pest infestation, and take prompt action to prevent damage. Regular maintenance, such as proper watering and fertilizing, can also help keep plants healthy and more resistant to pests 🕷🐛

#How_to #Fertilizers

🏵 @TopTropicals

Date:

Why Dutchmans Pipe is the best butterfly attracting vine? Smell it!

 Why Dutchmans Pipe is the best butterfly attracting vine? Smell it!  Why Dutchmans Pipe is the best butterfly attracting vine? Smell it!
🦋 Why Dutchman's Pipe is the best butterfly attracting vine? Smell it!

Without any doubt, Aristolochia, or Dutchman's Pipe, is one of the best butterfly plants.

  • 🍃 Aristolochia trilobata - Birthwort Dutchman's Pipe is celebrated for its unique and intricate flowers that resemble Dutch smoking pipes, hence its name.

  • 🍃Dutchman's Pipe flowers emit a scent mimicking decaying matter, which certain butterfly species, like the Pipevine Swallowtail, find irresistible 💩🙄

  • 🍃The butterflies lay their eggs on the plant, as it serves as a suitable host for their larvae, contributing to the plant's ecological significance by promoting pollination and biodiversity.

  • 🍃 As a result, it not only beautifies gardens but also supports local butterfly populations, enriching the ecosystem.

  • 🍃 Beyond its distinctive appearance, it's valued for its historical use in traditional medicine, particularly for its alleged healing properties.


🛒 🦋 Bring butterflies to your garden!

#Butterfly_Plants #Hedges_with_benefits #Fun_Facts

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

5 best plant gift ideas for any occasion

These plants are large, developed and beautiful NOW!

Chonemorpha fragrans - Frangipani vine

The Chonemorpha fragrans, also known as the Frangipani vine, is truly a botanical marvel. With its exquisite clusters of perfume-fragrant, large flowers and lush green foliage, this vine captivates with its beauty and charm. Not only does it adorn gardens with its elegant presence, but its intoxicating scent also fills the air, creating a sensory delight for anyone nearby. The leaves, reaching up to 12 inches in size, further enhance its appeal. As a large, woody vine, it requires sturdy support such as a fence or robust structure to thrive, adding to its majestic presence in any garden landscape or indoor setting.


Bunchosia argentea - Peanut Butter Tree

Bunchosia argentea - Peanut Butter Tree - gets its name because its small fruits taste like peanut butter. Isn't that cool? This attractive small tree has clusters of yellow flowers that are followed by an abundance of dark red fruit. The rich, sweet flesh has a texture very similar to peanut butter. Yes, it tastes exactly like peanut butter! Sweet, soft pulp with a peanut flavor. One of the most fascinating exotic fruits, as amazing as Miracle fruit, Peanut Butter Fruit is loved by both kids and adults. The tree is small in size, grows only 10-15 ft, or can be kept as a bush. It starts fruiting within 2-3 years from seed! Keep it in a pot if you have limited space; it can be grown indoors, too. Very rare in cultivation.


Magnolia Michelia figo - Banana Magnolia

Magnolia figo commonly known as the Banana Magnolia, is a botanical wonder. Its creamy yellow, banana-shaped flowers release a sweet, fruity fragrance that fills the air with a delightful aroma (slightly resembling banana), making it a standout among flowering shrubs. The glossy, deep green foliage provides an elegant backdrop to the striking blooms, further enhancing its visual appeal. Growing up to 10 feet tall, this dense and bushy evergreen shrub or a small tree adds a touch of sophistication to any landscape, whether as a focal point in a garden bed or a graceful accent in a container. As a very cold-hardy tropical plant, it thrives in zones as low as zone 8. Great container plant.


Cattley Guava tree, Psidium littorale

The Cattley Guava, scientifically known as Psidium littorale, is a delightful small tropical fruit tree that adds both beauty and flavor to any landscape. With its pretty round fruits - miniature guavas - this tree offers a unique culinary experience. The fruits boast a sweet and tangy flavor, making them perfect for jams, jellies, and desserts. You can make lots of guava juice just out of one tree! Cattley Guava is not only a tropical delight but also surprisingly cold-hardy plant. Great container fruit tree.


Gardenia (Kailarsenia) vietnamensis - Vietnamese Gardenia

Kailarsenia vietnamensis - Vietnamese Gardenia, is a stunning botanical treasure. It stands out for its large, fragrant flowers and remarkable ease of cultivation. Unlike most gardenias that can be not easy to grow, this variety demonstrates resilience, tolerating overwatering, poor soils, and showcasing exceptional cold hardiness. The flowers are like beautiful artworks, and they give off a lovely smell that fills the air. Whether grown in containers or planted directly in the ground, this bushy beauty thrives, offering versatility and charm to any garden or indoor setting. Learn more about Vietnamese Gardenia.