Date: 21 May 2019
Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Q: I recently purchased a Mangifera indica - Coconut Cream Mango from you and would like to know if it is possible to keep this in a large pot rather than putting it in the ground. If so, I have a few questions:
A: Coconut Cream mango tree has a moderate growth. We've planted one in our garden 4 years ago and it is still under 10 ft tall. This variety should be well suitable for container culture.
Date: 17 May 2019
Persimmons - seedlings or grafted?
Q: Do all persimmons take roughly 6 years to fruit if grown from seed?
A: Persimmons, like most of the cultivated fruit trees, are recommended to be grafted to ensure a certain variety, although they may also come true to seed. And unfortunately, you are right - it will take a few years (depending on growing conditions) until the seedling will start fruiting. So your best bet to get a quality fruit right away is to obtain a grafted plant. You may check out persimmons (tropical and subtropical) that we carry in stock. If you are interested in any of the varieties that are currently sold out, just add your email to wishlist by clicking on link Notify me when available and you will be notified as soon as we have it back in stock.
Date: 17 May 2019
Grafted Guanabana - what is the trick?
Q:Should I buy grafted Guanabana or a seedling? It is a big price difference. I have heard that Annonas fruit within 3 years from seed, why do I need a grafted tree?
A: Annona muricata - Guanabana, or Soursop - is known as the best tasting
Annona fruit. Many fruit lovers and gardeners want to have this tree in their
plant collection, and the first question they always ask is: "How soon will
it fruit? I can't wait to enjoy its deliciousness!"
Most Annonas start flowering and fruiting at a young age, 3-4 years from
seed. Annona muricata seedling takes longer. You may read more information on
how to grow Guanabanas from seed, even in a pot, even indoors - in Tropical Treasures Magazine issue # 7. Although it may take up to 15
years to see the fruit...
Now we have a solution to get this fruit sooner - a grafted tree! It
will fruit within a year after planting. The secret of grafting Guanabana was
almost lost (it's a tricky one to graft) and grafted plants were nearly
impossible to find. Now we have them! Quantities are limited.
Keep in mind that Guanabana is very cold sensitive and won't tolerate
even light freeze. However it is still relatively easy to grow even in
subtropical areas: the tree is small, and if tree grown in ground, a simple cold
protection structure can be built around it using basic wood or pipes (metal or
PVC) and covered with plastic for a few weeks of cold weather. Grafted
Guanabana is also a perfect choice for container culture (hand-pollinating maybe
required).
Photo: This grafted tree was planted less than a year ago, and was covered in winter with cold protection for about 8 weeks. Within a year, it has 4 large fruit on it!
Date: 14 May 2019
How to get gingers to bloom
Q: I have several gingers in my yard, including Red Torch, Lobster Claw, and Red Bamboo Ginger, they grow beautifully but only produce large dark green leaves and no flowers. Is there anything I can do to make them bloom? Do they need any special fertilizer?
A: Gingers are easy to grow tropical plants with so many benefits, giving us unique spice, and showy flowers (including long-lasting cut flowers!) - where other plants fail, especially in deep shade. They are not fussy about soils and even water once established. To keep your gingers happy, follow these simple steps:
1. Bright light is essential for flowering, but planting gingers in
semi-shade or filtered light will keep them stress-free from burning summer rays.
2. Water gingers regularly until they established and start producing
new leaves and stems. Once they start clumping, you may reduce watering to a
minimum 9once a week or so), or rely on your sprinkler system.
3. Once the plant is established, start using fertilizer to induce
flowering and healthy growth.
- We recommend granulated "smart release" fertilizer for all tropical
plants. For gingers, the best formula is Tropical Allure. It provides all macro- and microelements essential for
the healthy growth of the plant.
- Apply balanced water-soluble plant food for Gingers, Heliconias and
Bananas -
Broad Leaf Plus - once a month.
- Additionally, you may also add to the menu flower booster Pink N Good Daly Plant Food - this fertilizer is used in very low
concentration and can be used with every watering.
4. Remove old dry and yellowing leaves with sharp cutters to avoid pest
problems and keep good air circulation around these clumping plants.
5. Keep soil covered with 1" mulch to protect from weeds and maintain
the optimal amount of moisture for the rhizomes.
Check out our specialized fertilizers for different plants - for all your gardening needs!
Date: 14 May 2019






