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Index > Garden Blog

Date:

What fruit can you drink? Costa Rican Cas is the Guava for Drinking, yet with a bonus of health benefits!

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

🥂 What fruit can you drink? Costa Rican Cas is the Guava for Drinking, yet with a bonus of health benefits!
  • 🥝 The fruit of Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) has unusual tart flavor with passionfruit and pineapple tones, more pronounced than common Guava🍍
  • 🥝 Cas Guava used in pies, salads, fresh juices, ice-cream, jams, and as a base for the refreshing drink Fresco de Cas!🍹
  • 🥝 High pectin content makes firm jellies.
  • 🥝 Hydrating and low glycemic index, suitable for those mindful of sugar consumption.
  • 🥝 Rich source of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, phosphorus, potassium, copper, vitamin A, and folic acid.
  • 🥝 This small tree or bush is very fast growing and undemanding, usually pest free (unlike most Guavas that can be very bugsy).
  • 🥝 Tolerates hot summers and short frosts, appreciates well-drained soils.
  • 🥝 Easy to grow, drought-tolerant once established, suitable for container cultivation.
  • 🥝 Seedlings start flowering and fruiting at a young age, typically 2-3 years old from seed.


📚 Learn more about Cas Guava

🛒Order Cas Guava

#Food_Forest #Remedies

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

What is this spiny Hedgehog fruit and how does it taste?

Annona montana - Mountain Soursop, Hedgehog Annona

Annona montana - Mountain Soursop, Hedgehog Annona

Annona montana - Mountain Soursop, Hedgehog Annona

Annona montana - Mountain Soursop, Hedgehog Annona

Annona montana - Mountain Soursop, Hedgehog Annona

🦔 What is this spiny Hedgehog fruit and how does it taste?

👀 This is one of the coolest looking tropical fruit!

Annona montana - Mountain Soursop or Hedgehog Annona. It is also called Wild Custard Apple, Guanabana de Monte, or Wild Soursop.
  • 📍 This fruit is prized for its deliciously sweet and tangy fruit, reminiscent of a blend between pineapple and strawberry. It tastes similar to regular Soursop (or Guanabana), with slightly milder flavor. The pulp is highly scented.
  • 📍 The fruit, up to a pound, has the most unusual looks! Just look at these curious Hedgehog spines! 🦔
  • 📍 The tree is medium sized, with beautiful, large, leathery dark green leaves that emit a strong aroma when crushed.
  • 📍 Mountain Soursop is much more cold hardy than the Soursop, established trees can take some frost, down to 24F when full grown.
  • 📍 Trees produce within just 2-3 years from seed, like many Annonas, and can happily grow and produce in a large container.


👨�‍👧 We guarantee that everyone who sees this fruit in your garden will ask for seeds even before they taste the fruit! And you will have lots of seeds to share because Mountain Soursop is very reliable producer with many seeds in each fruit.

🛒 Order Hedgehog Annona

📚 Learn more about Hedgehog Annona

#Food_Forest #Fun_Facts #Nature_Wonders

🏵 @TopTropicals

Date:

Why is it called Pineapple Guava? It tastes just like strawberries! Feijoa Superfood

Pineapple Guava, Guavasteen, Feijoa sellowiana

Pineapple Guava, Guavasteen, Feijoa sellowiana

Pineapple Guava, Guavasteen, Feijoa sellowiana

Pineapple Guava, Guavasteen, Feijoa sellowiana

🍓 Why is it called Pineapple Guava? It tastes just like strawberries! Feijoa Superfood.
  • 🥝 Feijoa is certainly one of the easiest fruit trees to grow as it does not require much care.
  • 🥝 Feijoa is an attractive, evergreen large shrub that produces lovely edible flowers and fruit.
  • 🥝 The fruit is eaten fresh, added to smoothies, fruit salads, used to make delicious jam (that tastes like Strawberry Jam on steroids!), and wicked chutneys.


Feijoa fruit go a long way in flavor!

📚 Learn more about Feijoa

🛒Grow your own Feijoa

#Edible_Forest

TopTropicals.com
We Grow Happiness

Date:

What to do with a Dragon fruit?

Cat with dragon fruit

Q: What can you do with Dragon Fruit? I bought some from the grocery store, but they don't have much flavor.

A: Dragon fruit, or Pitaya, comes in many varieties that differ in flavor, sweetness, and texture. In the store they usually carry simple varieties that are easy to ship and store but have very little flavor. This is why we prefer grow our own Dragon Fruit, same way like we grow many varieties of Mango - to enjoy their excellent flavors that you can't find in a store. Our favorite is the Yellow Dragon Fruit that is not only the sweetest of all but also have the best flavor, with pineapple-mango hint. It is best enjoyed fresh out of hand.

Pitaya Yellow Dragon Fruit, Selenicereus megalanthus Equador Golden

Yellow Dragon Fruit - Selenicereus megalanthus Equador Golden

Dragon Fruit Smoothie: simple and tasty recipe

Dragon fruit, regardless of variety, makes excellent smoothies. A perfect Dragon Fruit Smoothie can be made with a creamy blend of dragon fruit, mango, and banana. The tropical flavor is played up with a squeeze of fresh lime.

Dragon fruit pink smoothie with lime, mint, mango and banana

Ingredients

Mix in a blender:
2 dragon fruit, peeled

  1. cup of mango pulp
    1 banana
    1 cup of milk of your preference
  2. tbsp sugar
    1/2 tsp Lime juce

Some Ice
-
Mint for decoration

Dragon fruit smoothie ingredients: lime, mint, mango and banana

Dragon fruit contains lots of of nutrients, most notably high vitamin C and iron. Its low calorie content helps give it superfood status because of high nutrient density. Try it today, even from the grocery store! Although these fruit can be quite costly. So, plant your own Dragon Fruit variety collection and enjoy an endless palette of deliciousness!

Date:

Does Size Matter?

TopTropicals plants vs other mail order plants

Cat shipping plants

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.

For more information on how to establish mail order plants, simply download our Plant Care Guide.

Side-to-side pineapple plant from Top Tropicals

Side-to-side coffee tree from Top Tropicals

Side-to-side orchids from Top Tropicals

Date:

Top varieties of pineapples

Pineapple

Q: I want to grow my own pineapples, which varieties do you recommend for the best production? Do I need any special organic fertilizer?

A: Growing your own pineapple is pure bliss. Watching the transformation from a small crown into a luscious fruit is immensely rewarding. Every tropical gardener should experience the joy of growing this tropical gem and relishing its sun-kissed sweetness straight from the garden. Pineapples are easy to grow and can fruit in containers too, so if you live in a colder climate, no problem! They will take very little space in your greenhouse or sunroom. Just remember to feed your pineapple plants with Sunshine Boosters so they will feed you the biggest and the sweetest fruit! Sunshine Boosters are natural, organic-amino-acid based plant nutrients that are perfect for any edibles.
There are several varieties of pineapples in commercial cultivation. Below are the most interesting cultivars. Discover the pineapple paradise!

Elite Gold: Bursting with tropical flavor and vibrant gold flesh, Elite Gold dazzles with its unique taste and ornamental beauty.

Florida Special: Perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity, this variety thrives in warmer climates, gifting you a taste of Florida's sunshine.

Sugar Loaf: Irresistibly sweet with a hint of citrus, Sugar Loaf's compact size makes it an ideal choice for container gardening.

White Jade (Spineless Sweet): Exceptionally sweet and without spines, White Jade pampers you with a delectable, thorn-free harvest.

Lava Burst (Burgundy Variegated Rainbow): This visually stunning ornamental pineapple variety boasts striking burgundy and green leaves, resembling a rainbow of colors. Its fruit edible but small; its exceptional beauty adds a touch of exotic elegance to any garden or indoor space. Lava Burst is a delightful conversation starter and a captivating addition to your plant collection, making it a favorite among pineapple enthusiasts for its aesthetic appeal.

Embrace the sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of savoring homegrown, mouthwatering pineapples - nature's sweetest gift!

Read more about Pineapples: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit.

Pineapple

Date:

How cats eat pineapples

TikTok Reels from TopTropicals

Pineapple, Mango and Cats from Top Tropicals 
TikTok

Our PeopleCats love roaming in the gardens. They often guide customers in our Garden Center, and their favorite isle is fruit trees! At this time of the year, Pineapples are ripening, and these fruit are always fun for both people and PeopleCats.

In this short video, Philemon and Scooby are discovering new tastes of Pineapple varieties.

More to see: Watch Philemon eating Avocado!

Discover more exotic plants and fun garden happenings from our TikTok updates!

Subscribe to Top Tropicals TikTok:

Date:

Five benefits of growing your own Pineapple

Pineapple plant with a fruit and a beautiful girl Kristi

Q: Can I grow my own pineapple fruit?

A: Growing a Pineapple plant - Ananas comosus - is a fun and rewarding experience that offers both visual and practical benefits:

1. Fresh, homegrown fruit: One of the main benefits of growing a pineapple plant is that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor by harvesting fresh, delicious pineapples right from your own backyard.

2. Aesthetic appeal: Pineapple plants are visually appealing with their long, spiky green leaves and bright, vibrant fruits. They can add a tropical, exotic touch to any garden or indoor space.

3. Low maintenance: Pineapple plants are relatively easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They can tolerate a variety of soil and light conditions and don't require frequent watering or fertilization.

4. Health benefits: Pineapple fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can provide a range of health benefits, including improved digestion, boosted immunity, and reduced inflammation. It is recommended to eat a slice of a pineapple after every meal to keep healthy digestive system.

5. Collectable varieties: The pineapple plant can be easily propagated by cutting off the top of a pineapple fruit. However, for those seeking excellent quality, it is recommended to choose superior hybrids from professional growers. Become the proud owner of "The King of Fruits" collection! It takes up minimal space and provides fresh fruit throughout the year.

Read more about Pineapple: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit - Pineapple.

Remember to add Sunshine Ananas fertilizer to your purchase for a long lasting Pineapple crop season.

Pineapple fruit growing on plants

Date:

Ground Orchids for every Home
10% OFF 3 days only!

ground orchids

Ground orchids are the easiest and the most rewarding flowers for a tropical garden. They grow in regular garden soil or potting mix, take both sun and shade and bloom nearly year around. And look at these colors! Watch the video:

Ground orchids:
all-summer colors for shady gardens

ground orchid video

10% OFF your entire order!

Top Tropicals has the largest selection of beautiful ground orchids of all kinds of colors, at low prices. Check them out today, while supply lasts! They sell fast!
To make it affordable for everyone, we are offering additional 10% discount coupon so you can collect them all! Hurry up, this offer expires in 3 days! For 10% off any order over $150, use this code:

ALLORCHIDS

Exp. 2022-07-28. Min order $150.

Cats and ground orchids




Ground orchids - new arrivals!

See all new arrivals


Spathoglottis Rainbow - Sorbet Ground Orchid
6609 Spathoglottis Rainbow - Sorbet Ground Orchid
Grown! in
4-6" pot, blooming size

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Spathoglottis Snow Angel - Coconut Cloud Ground Orchid
5410 Spathoglottis Snow Angel - Coconut Cloud Ground Orchid
Grown in
4-6" pot, blooming size

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Spathoglottis Tropical Pineapple - Sorbet Ground Orchid
6844 Spathoglottis Tropical Pineapple - Sorbet Ground Orchid
Grown in
4-6" pot, blooming size

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Tropicals

Date:

New Video:
Golden Sugar Apple - Pineapple Annona

Annona - Golden Sugar Apple youtube video

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.

Annona - Golden Sugar Apple youtube video

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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!

Real Deal PeopleCats

No min order. Exp. 5-17-22.


Hibiscus acetosella - African Cranberry Hibiscus, red leaves5551 Hibiscus acetosella - African Cranberry Hibiscus, red leaves
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

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Clitoria ternatea - Blue Butterfly 
Pea
1318 Clitoria ternatea - Blue Butterfly Pea
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

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Thunbergia laurifolia - Blue Sky vine
1292 Thunbergia laurifolia - Blue Sky vine
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Capsicum annuum x chinense - Biquinho Pepper
6669 Capsicum annuum x chinense - Biquinho Pepper
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Cassia (Senna) bicapsularis - Butterfly Bush
1332 Cassia (Senna) bicapsularis - Butterfly Bush
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

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Pseuderanthemum seticalyx - Australian Nerve Flower, Shooting Star
6086 Pseuderanthemum seticalyx - Australian Nerve Flower, Shooting Star
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Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming 
jasmine
1046 Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine
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Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty
2014 Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty
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6"/1 gal pot, large plant

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Perilla frutescens - Shiso, Shishi Herb, Beefsteak Plant
5646 Perilla frutescens - Shiso, Shishi Herb, Beefsteak Plant
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Pogostemon patchouli - 
Pucha-Pat
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Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea var. Bicolor Fuerte
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Aframomum melegueta - Grains of Paradise, African Cardamom
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