Holmskioldia sanguinea, Chinese Hat Flower
Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Date:
Tropical Seeds You Should Start Now for Spring Planting
Eight fast-growing, rewarding tropical perennials
to start from seed
Q: What tropical seeds can I start now so the seedlings will be ready for spring planting and produce flowers or fruit this year?
A: Many tropical plants grow quickly from seed and can mature within the same year, rewarding you with flowers or even fruit. Some of these tropical perennials can even be grown as annuals in cooler climates! The key is to start them early indoors, then transplant them outdoors as soon as warm weather arrives. With just a little planning, you can enjoy vibrant blooms and a harvest in just weeks or a few months. Below are some of the fastest-growing tropicals to try for a lush, same-year garden.
1. Pigeon Pea
Cajanus cajan Bicolor Fuerte - Pigeon Pea - is an ancient superfood cultivated for over 4,800 years, with roots in India and Ancient Egypt. This hardy, drought-tolerant perennial shrub produces nutritious, protein-rich beans used in rice dishes, soups, and even tofu. Easy to grow, it thrives in poor soils, improves soil quality, and offers medicinal benefits, making it a valuable plant for both gardens and kitchens. Seed to crop in just one season!
2. Lipstick Tree - Annatto
Bixa orellana - The Lipstick Tree, native to South America, is a striking shrub with large leaves, pink flowers, and vibrant red seeds. Its seeds produce Annatto, a natural pigment used in cosmetics, especially lipstick, as well as in culinary applications for its color and mild, peppery flavor. Beyond its beauty and versatility, annatto offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, while the plant itself makes an excellent hedge or ornamental feature.
3. Mexican Bird of Paradise
Caesalpinia mexicana - Mexican Bird of Paradise - is a rare gem among tropical shrubs, offering fragrant butter-yellow blooms that stand out against its feathery green foliage. A heat-loving, drought-tolerant plant, it attracts hummingbirds and can be grown as a compact shrub or small tree. Native to northern Mexico, it thrives in full sun with minimal water, making it a low-maintenance yet striking addition to any garden or patio.
4. Tree Calliandra
Calliandra houstoniana - Tree Calliandra is the only tree-form Powderpuff, growing into a lush, bushy tree in just one season. Its fluffy pink blooms appear year-round, drawing in hummingbirds and butterflies for a nonstop display of color and life. Super fast-growing and beautiful, it's a must-have for wildlife-friendly gardens!
5. Butterfly Pea - Clitoria
Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea - is a stunning vine with vibrant blue, white, or purple flowers that captivate both gardeners and pollinators. Beyond its beauty, it's prized for its herbal benefits, with its flowers used in teas for stress relief and cognitive support. The famous Blue Tea, a caffeine-free infusion, turns purple with a splash of lemon, making it both a visual delight and a health-boosting drink. Fast-growing and easy to manage, this delicate yet vigorous vine is perfect for fences, trellises, and containers. Seed to crop in just one season!
6. Cas Guava
Psidium friedrichsthalianum - Costa Rican Guava, or Cas Guava, is a super sour fruit with four times more vitamin C than a lemon, making it a powerhouse for immune support. Popular in Costa Rica's "Agua de Cas", its tangy juice is perfect for refreshing drinks. Hardy and resilient, this low-maintenance tree thrives in poor soils while resisting pests and diseases. This is the fastest growing and the most productive guava tree with 2-3 crops per year! From seed to crop: 3 years.
7. Agua de Flor de Jamaica - Karkade Tea
The most health-beneficial hibiscus is Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle), known for its deep red calyces used in Agua de Flor de Jamaica and Karkade Tea. This tart, refreshing tea is packed with antioxidants and supports heart health, digestion, and immune function. A fast-growing plant, it goes from seed to a lush, flower-filled bush in just one season! From seed to crop: in just 3 months!
8. Dwarf Papaya TR Hovey
Papaya Dwarf TR Hovey, Carica papaya - is a dwarf marvel, reaching only 4-5 feet tall while producing giant, melon-sized sweet papayas! This compact variety is perfect for small gardens and container growing, offering big fruit on a tiny tree - a true space-saving tropical treasure! Only 2 years from seed to fruit.
Guava (Psidium sp.)
🍉 How to grow a Guava Tree: Practical Guide to Growing Guava
· Frequency: Prune guavas annually, ideally after the fruiting season, to encourage new growth and improve airflow.
· Guava trees require consistent watering, especially during dry periods and the fruiting season. While they can tolerate short periods of flooding, ensure the soil is not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on your climate.
· Guava trees are quick to fruit, often producing their first harvest within a year of planting. For container-grown trees, fruiting can start in even smaller pots, such as 1-gallon containers.
· Guava is a nutrient powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits:
· Tropical Guava (Psidium guajava): Sweet and aromatic, suitable for warmer climates.
🍑 Additional Tips
📚 More from previous posts about #Guava
🛒 Shop Guava Trees
#Food_Forest #Guava
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
- 🍑 Guava Trees (Psidium sp.) are beloved for their flavorful fruit and easy-growing nature. These fast-growing trees are reliable producers and can thrive in a variety of climates, making them a favorite among home gardeners. Guavas are compact and can be grown in containers, making them suitable for small spaces and urban gardens.
- 🍑 Light and Soil
- 🍑 Pruning tips
Guava trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the best fruit. They prefer well-draining soils rich in organic matter but are adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. While guavas tolerate poor soils, enriching the soil with compost or manure will improve growth and yield.
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape, size, and productivity of guava trees.
· Frequency: Prune guavas annually, ideally after the fruiting season, to encourage new growth and improve airflow.
- · Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain tree health.
- · Shape the tree to allow sunlight to penetrate the canopy, which enhances fruit production.
- · For container-grown guavas, keep the tree compact by trimming back vigorous shoots regularly.
- 🍑 Guava in containers
- 🍑 Watering
Guavas are well-suited to container growing. Compact varieties like the "Nana" guava are ideal for pots. Use a large container (at least 15-20 gallons) with good drainage. Fill it with a high-quality potting mix enriched with organic matter. Place the container in a sunny location and water consistently. Regular pruning helps maintain a manageable size and promotes fruiting in container-grown guavas.
· Guava trees require consistent watering, especially during dry periods and the fruiting season. While they can tolerate short periods of flooding, ensure the soil is not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on your climate.
- · Fertilize guavas 3-4 times a year during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus to promote flowering and fruiting. Adding organic matter like compost or manure annually boosts soil fertility and improves yields.
- 🍑 Harvesting
· Guava trees are quick to fruit, often producing their first harvest within a year of planting. For container-grown trees, fruiting can start in even smaller pots, such as 1-gallon containers.
- · Signs of ripe guava fruit include:
- · Harvest ripe guavas by hand or with pruning shears. Consume fresh or use them to make juices, jams, or desserts.
- A change in color from green to yellow (depending on the variety).
- A sweet, fruity aroma.
- Slight softness when gently pressed.
- 🍑 Health Benefits of Guava
· Guava is a nutrient powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits:
- · Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and helps protect against colds and infections.
- · Potassium: Supports healthy blood pressure levels.
- · Antioxidants: Contribute to glowing skin and may reduce the risk of cancer.
- · Fiber: Aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- 🍑 Popular Varieties of Guava
· Tropical Guava (Psidium guajava): Sweet and aromatic, suitable for warmer climates.
- · Cattley Guava (Psidium littorale): Cold-hardy with a slightly tart flavor.
- · Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum): Known for its sour taste, perfect for juices like Costa Rica’s traditional "Agua de Cas." Cold hardy, disease resistant and vigorous, productive variety.
- · Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana): Fruity and floral, thriving in cooler climates.
🍑 Additional Tips
- · Guava trees are relatively pest-resistant but may require monitoring in humid climates for mealybugs. Use neem oil if needed.
- · Planting multiple guava varieties ensures a continuous supply of fruit.
- · With their fast growth, compact size, and delicious fruit, guava trees are a fantastic addition to tropical garden, greenhouse or patio.
📚 More from previous posts about #Guava
🛒 Shop Guava Trees
#Food_Forest #Guava
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals