Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
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Lagerstroemia speciosa - Queens Myrtle
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Grow your own Olive Oil
Q: Can I grow an olive tree in Florida and have my own olives? How long does it take to fruit?
A: Olive trees can indeed thrive and fruit in various regions of Florida. Their adaptability to different climates makes them suitable for the state's diverse conditions. In the northern and central parts of Florida olive trees can flourish.
Easy to grow. Olive trees prefer well-drained soil, and they thrive in full sun, which Florida offers in abundance. While they may not produce as prolifically as in their native Mediterranean habitats, with proper care and suitable varieties, such as Arbequina, Coratina and Leccino, you can still enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Cold hardy. One advantage of olive trees in Florida is their cold hardiness. They can withstand occasional frosts and freezes, particularly when they are mature.
Heat- and drought-tolerant. Olive trees also offer additional benefits beyond their fruit production. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them well-suited to Florida's sometimes erratic rainfall patterns.
Beautiful in landscape. Evergreen foliage of olive trees adds aesthetic appeal to landscapes year-round, and their gnarled trunks and silvery-green leaves create a Mediterranean ambiance reminiscent of warmer climates.
Fertilize for quick fruit. Olives will start flowering within 1-2 years of planting, providing regular fertilizing program. We recommend Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus liquid fertilizer, perfect for edibles and organic gardens.
Symbol of Prosperity. The olive branch has long been revered for its symbolic significance, representing peace, prosperity, and hope across cultures and centuries. It transcends mere botanical importance to embody the enduring power of goodwill.
Healthy Olive Oil. Similarly, olive oil, extracted from these timeless fruits, has been celebrated not only for its culinary excellence but also for its remarkable health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, olive oil has sustained generations with its nourishing properties, earning it a cherished place in both culinary traditions and holistic wellness practices worldwide. So, whether adorning Olympic crowns or enriching Mediterranean cuisine, the olive and its offerings continue to inspire and enrich our lives with their timeless allure and profound significance.
Get your own Olive tree today!
Read more: How to grow a nice Olive tree fast?
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How to start a tropical garden?
Photo above: Lagerstroemia speciosa - Queen Crape Myrtle. Gorgeous flowering tree with cascades of lilac flowers. One of the most popular trees in Southern gardens.
Q: It's spring, finally! I can't wait to plant my paradise garden with lots of tropical flowers. We moved into a nice new house but the yard has nothing but grass. Where do I start?
A: When you start your garden from scratch, you
need to plant your trees first. It's a perfect timing!
Getting tropical
flowering trees now is really important for making your garden strong and
beautiful. Trees are like the bones of your garden, giving it shape and shade.
If you plant them in spring, they have enough time to grow strong roots
before winter. This helps them survive better.
Trees also give shade to other plants so they can grow well too. It's like
building a house - you need to start with the frame before adding other
parts. So, it's a good idea to get those trees now before moving on to shrubs and
vines.
Remember to provide regular fertilizing program which is the most important
during season of active growth. The more food your tree gets, the stronger
and faster it grows! For flowering trees, we recommend Sunshine Boosters Megaflor formula.
Photo above: Royal poinciana, Flamboyant tree - Delonix regia. "The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)
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CAT BREEDS:
European Shorthair - a cat that came from the wild...
By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
Q: I saw your beautiful cats in your garden and now I know you are not only plant experts, but also cat experts. Do you now what is the classic color of European shorthair cat?
A: You are right, here at Top Tropicals we have a whole PeopleCats garden with all sorts of cats, and we can tell stories about each breed and personality! In fact, our cat expert Alex Boutova just started a series about cat breeds.
With European shorthair cat breed, there is a twist! Sometimes, people get confused because European shorthair covers lots of different cats found all over Europe. It's not just one type of cat, but a whole bunch! You've got cats with two colors, including bicolor cats (including tuxedo cats), multicolor cats, and even cats with just one solid color like black, grey, ginger, or tabby...
Continue reading:
European Shorthair: a cat that came from the wild.
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Easter Lily Vine:
Beaumontia grandiflora
Q: Do you sell Easter Lilies?
A: In fact, we do! A rare tropical plant - Beaumontia grandiflora, or Easter Lily Vine, is a wonderful tropical version of the Easter Lily. It is one of the most impressive climbers - a woody vine with large fragrant flowers, and lush tropical foliage.
Easter Lily Vine is celebrated for its stunning large white flowers that resemble Easter lilies. These blossoms emit a delightful fragrance, attracting bees and butterflies, adding charm to any garden. The vine's lush foliage and vigorous growth make it an excellent choice for trellises or arbors, providing shade and exotic beauty to outdoor spaces or sunroom collections.
In addition to its beauty and aroma, Easter Lily Vine can create a fragrant privacy fence of virtually unlimited size!
Read more about Easter Lily Vine:
Beaumontia grandiflora - Easter Lily Vine.
How to create a fragrant privacy fence of virtually unlimited
size.
