Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Fun Facts About the Guava Flower
Guava Flower
- 🌸 Frilly and Fabulous - Guava flowers may be small, but they're packed with fluffy white stamens that give them a soft, powder-puff look.
- 🌸 Pollinator Magnet - Bees and butterflies love guava blooms, making them a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
- 🌸 Scent-sational - The flowers have a light, pleasant fragrance that adds a touch of sweetness before the fruit even arrives.
- 🌸 Bloom to Fruit - Each flower can turn into a delicious guava fruit, making them both beautiful and productive.
- 🌸 Part of the Showy Family - Guava (Psidium) belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which also includes eye-catching bloomers like Eucalyptus, Bottlebrush (Callistemon), and the stunning Rose Apple (Syzygium).
📚 More from previous posts about: #Guava
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Fun Facts: Cacao beans
Cacao Chocolate Tree (Theobroma cacao)
Cacao Chocolate Tree (Theobroma cacao)
Cacao Chocolate Tree (Theobroma cacao)
Cacao Chocolate Tree (Theobroma cacao)
🛒Get your own Chocolate Tree
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Date:
Carefree
Garden:
How easy is it to grow a Papaya tree?
Q: What is the easiest to grow fruit tree? It must tolerate, heat, rains, and hurricanes! I live in Florida.
A: Papaya is the easiest to grow fruit tree. In our garden in Florida, newly planted Papaya trees survived several hurricanes, frosts, drought and heat, and keep producing year around!
We all enjoy eating Papaya fruit every day. It is great for digestion and is a perfect naturally sweet, healthy snack. Even our PeopleCats love Papaya. Check out this short video how our cat Cash is begging for his daily Papaya treat!
Why do we love Papaya? Fun facts about Papaya:
Not a tree: Papaya is technically a giant herb with a single, straight trunk that can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Gender flexible: Papaya plants can change their gender based on environmental conditions. This complex mechanism ensures better adaptability.
Cold and wind resistant: Papayas can withstand light freezes and strong winds, making them surprisingly hardy for a tropical plant.
Solo cultivars: These smaller, round or oval papayas are incredibly sweet and less susceptible to fruit flies.
How to grow a Papaya Tree: Practical Guide
Papaya is one of the fastest fruiting plants to grow. Often starting production the same year from planting a seed, papayas are ideal for gardeners seeking quick rewards. Many dwarf varieties reach only 6-8 feet tall, yet produce large crops of full-sized fruit that are easy to harvest. Papaya trees are space-efficient, making it possible to plant multiple trees in even small gardens. Plant 2-3 different cultivars to enjoy year-round harvests of healthy, delicious fruit.
How Easy Are Papaya Trees to Grow?
Papaya trees are exceptionally easy to grow. Technically a large herbaceous
plant rather than a true tree, they are resilient and adaptable. They can
tolerate light freezes and even hurricane winds without significant damage.
Additionally, many varieties are self-fertile, but planting multiple trees
encourages better pollination and higher yields.
What Light Levels and Soil Types Are Ideal?
Papayas thrive in full sunlight, so choose a sunny spot in your garden or
balcony. They prefer well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter.
Add compost or manure to improve soil quality and ensure healthy growth.
Avoid waterlogged areas as papayas are sensitive to standing water.
How Much Watering Is Required?
Papayas need some watering to thrive, especially during the growing and
fruiting seasons. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on your climate,
ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base
helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Growing Papayas in Containers
Papayas can be successfully grown in large containers, making them ideal
for gardeners in cooler regions or those with limited space. Choose a container
at least 7 gallons in size with good drainage. Use a rich, well-draining
potting mix, and place the container in a sunny location. Select dwarf varieties
to keep the plant manageable and productive.
Health Benefits of Papaya
Papaya is considered a superfood due to its high nutritional value. Rich in
the enzyme papain, it aids digestion and promotes gut health. Papaya is also
an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants that
boost immunity and overall wellness. Additionally, papaya leaves can be used as
wraps for cooking meats, naturally tenderizing them.
Papayas are a low-maintenance, high-reward addition to a Southern garden or greenhouse collection, whether in the ground or in a container. Their fast growth, year-round fruiting potential, and health benefits make them a must-have for gardeners and fruit enthusiasts alike.
Photo above: For small gardens, limited space, or container culture, choose dwarf varieties that remain compact and short (5-8 ft tall) while producing a tremendous amount of fruit! Most productive dwarf varieties: Red Vietnam, Lady Red, TR Hovey, Wan Deng. Semi-dwarf: Waimanalo, Sunrise.
Date:
How to Live Longer? Surround Yourself with Plants!
Gardening not only helps you stay active and healthy but can also be a fun and rewarding way to extend your life. Let nature nurture you!
Living Longer with Green Spaces
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that a 10% increase in vegetation within 1,600 feet of your home can lower your death risk by 4%.
Why Gardening Could Help You Live Longer
- Nature Exposure: Being outside boosts your mood.
- Exercise: Gardening is a great workout.
- Healthy Eating: Grow and eat your own fresh produce.
- Mind Exercise: Gardening can reduce stress and keep your mind sharp.
Gardening and Longevity
- Many centenarians (people living to 100) garden.
- In "blue zones," where people live longer, gardening is common.
- Gardening promotes daily exercise and a plant-based diet.
Natural Movement vs. Gym Workouts
- 100 years ago, 90% of jobs involved physical activity; today, only 10%
do.
- Walking 2 hours a week can lower the risk of major diseases.
- Gardening offers fresh air, exercise, and fun.
Gardening vs. Gym
- Gardening can be as effective as gym workouts.
- Research shows 3 hours of gardening equals a 1-hour gym session.
- Tasks like weeding, digging, and mowing burn significant calories.
Calories Burned in 1 Hour of Gardening
- 340 cal: Chopping wood, using power tools, tilling, mowing with a hand
mower, shoveling.
- 272 cal: Carrying wood, digging, clearing land, wheelbarrow work.
- 238 cal: Blower operation, planting, trimming, weeding.
- 224 cal: Raking and sacking leaves.
- 136 cal: Picking fruit, gathering tools, walking.
- 102 cal: Fertilizing or seeding a lawn.
- 34 cal: Watering plants.
Fun Facts
- Half an hour of weeding burns 150 calories.
- Gardening five hours a week burns 700 calories.
- Over a year, that's 20,000 calories, equivalent to running seven
marathons.
- A lifetime of gardening can burn a million calories.
Secret Banana Daiquiri Recipe: Healthy Never Tasted So Good!
🍹 Banana Daiquiri Recipe Ingredients:
- · 1 ripe banana
- · 2 ounces light rum
- · 1 tablespoon sugar
- · 1 ounce lime juice
- · 1/2 ounce triple sec (optional for added depth)
- · Ice cubes
- · Slice of lime or banana for garnish
- 🍹Instructions:
- · Prepare the Banana: Peel the banana and cut it into chunks.
- · Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the banana chunks, light rum, sugar, lime juice, and triple sec.
- · Add a handful of ice cubes. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth.
- · If the mixture is too thick, you can add a small amount of water or more lime juice to adjust the consistency.
🍹Garnish and Serve:
· Pour the mixture into a chilled glass. Garnish with a slice of lime on the rim of the glass or a small wheel of banana. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing tropical flavors!- · This Banana Daiquiri is not only refreshing but also offers a creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. It's a fantastic choice for hot days or when you're in the mood for something a bit exotic. Cheers!
📚 About Banana from previous posts:
- 💋Top Ornamental Banana Varieties - Which One Belongs in Your Garden?
- 💋Best Edible Bananas to Grow - Sweet, Unique, and Delicious!
- 💋How Many Banana Varieties Can You Grow? (More Than You Think!)
- 💋Top 10 fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits: #5 Banana growing and fun facts
- 💋How to make tasty Carambola Banana Whip
- 💋Why Bananas? They are good for you and are fun to grow
- 💋Bananas help you feel fuller and enhance your mood
🛒 Banana Bliss Starts Here
#Food_Forest #Recipes
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How many varieties of Bananas can I grow?
Bananas (Musa sp.) in containers
- 💛 At Top Tropicals, we have a few dozen varieties of Bananas (Musa sp.) - ranging from popular commercial and plantain types to spectacular ornamental bananas with colorful, tropical foliage.
- 💛 Banana plants are a favorite in Southern gardens, indoor plant collections, and greenhouses in cooler climates. Fast and easy to grow, they transform any space into a tropical paradise in just one season and can produce fruit for you in as little as 8–18 months after planting.
- 💛 Bananas are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with potassium for heart health, fiber for digestion, and vitamins B6 and C for immunity. They’re a natural energy booster, great for snacks, smoothies, and even baking. Plus, their tryptophan content can improve your mood, and their low sodium helps regulate blood pressure.
- 💛 With so many delicious and unique varieties, growing different types of bananas lets you enjoy a range of flavors, textures, and uses - whether fresh, blended, or cooked - making them a must-have in any tropical or indoor garden!
Discover the most popular edible and ornamental bananas in our next post 🔽
🎥 Banana selection today at TopTropicals farm. Come over to pick the best one!
📚 More about Banana from previous posts:
- 💋Top 10 fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits: #5 Banana growing and fun facts
- 💋How to make tasty Carambola Banana Whip
- 💋Why Bananas? They are good for you and are fun to grow
- 💋Bananas help you feel fuller and enhance your mood
🛍 Shop Banana varieties
#Food_Forest #Bananas
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Top Tropicals is now in Telegram!
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Join to get exclusive updates on tropical gardening:
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🌺 How to make your plants flower and stay happy
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Date:
How
to grow Jackfruit in a pot:
the biggest fruit in the world
Q: Can I grow Jackfruit in a pot?
A: Yes, you can! Jackfruit trees, despite producing the largest tree-borne fruit in the world - up to 80 pounds and 36 inches long - can thrive and fruit in containers. The tree has a clever feature: it grows fruit only at the base of the trunk, allowing you to manage its height and size. With regular pruning, the tree can stay compact at just 6-7 feet tall, making it perfect for pot culture.
1. Getting started: pot sizes and growth tips
Start with: A 3-7 gallon container.
As it grows: Gradually increase to a 15-25 gallon pot by the time it
reaches fruiting size (2-4 years).
Pruning is key: Keep the tree topped at 6-7 feet to focus its energy
on fruit production.
Fertilize regularly: Use high-quality plant food like Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus to promote healthy growth and fruit
development. C-Cibus is the best natural plant food for fruit and edibles.
2. Fun facts about Jackfruit - Artocarpus heterophyllus
A mature Jackfruit tree can produce 200 pounds of fruit per year.
The fruit consists of large, sweet, yellow bulbs with a banana-like
aroma.
Seedlings start fruiting within 3-4 years, with fruits ripening in just 4-6
months after flowering.
3. Cold tolerance of Jackfruit trees
Though often thought of as ultra-tropical, mature trees can withstand light frost for short periods without major damage. Keeping Jackfruit in pots also offers an easy way to move them indoors during cold spells if you're in a cooler climate.
4. Secrets for successful Jackfruit production
- Frost-free temperatures are essential.
- Use rich, organic soil with compost, manure, or peat moss.
- Maintain moist soil with regular watering.
- Constant pruning to keep the tree under 7 feet promotes healthy
fruiting.
- Apply fertilizer and microelements regularly for better fruit quality.
By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy the world's biggest fruit right from your patio!
Learn more:
About Jackfruit
How to grow the
biggest fruit on Earth
Cheena - Jackedack
Videos:
Jackfruit
Fruit
Date:
True love of Night Blooming Jasmine
By Onika Amell, tropical plant specialist
Q: I live in New Cumberland, West Virginia. I love the smell of Night-Blooming jasmine. Is it possible to grow it in the northern panhandle of West Virginia? Do I have to plant it every year or do I keep it in a pot and take it inside during the winter months?
A: Technically, Night Blooming Jasmine is not a true jasmine
(those plants belong to Oleaceae, or Olive family). Night Blooming Jasmine
belongs to the Solanaceae family, also known as the Nightshade or "Potato" family
of plants. Yes, this sweet fragrant flower called Jasmine for its perfume is
related to potatoes and tomatoes!
Night Blooming Jasmine - Cestrum nocturnum - is loved by many gardeners for its beautiful
fragrance at night. It is one of the most fragrant tropical evergreen shrubs
available. Cascading clusters of tiny, tubular pale yellow to white flowers open at
night and release a heavenly fragrance throughout the garden, especially on
warm summer evenings. The fragrance is much lighter during the day.
Night Blooming Jasmine is grown year-round in zones 9-11. It is at its
happiest in a sunny to a partially sunny spot in your garden in well-drained soil
but can be grown in cooler climates as a container or greenhouse plant.
You would absolutely be able to enjoy this plant during the warm months
in West Virginia, but it will most certainly not survive outside during the
winter. You will have to bring it inside. Take it outside again only once you
are confident there is no more possibility of frost. When grown indoors, be
sure to give it the sunniest, South facing window in your home. When grown in
a container, you will need to re-pot it every two to three years so it
doesn't become root-bound.
For those who are lucky to live in frost-free areas, in ideal growing
conditions outside, it can easily reach 8 feet with a spread of 5 feet. It has
a lovely informal look that can soften a more manicured garden. Add organic
matter to the planting hole when you plant to enrich the soil around the root
ball. Water well in the summer, but allow them to dry out a bit between
watering in the winter. Plant this Jasmine near pools, porches, doors, windows,
and walkways where its lovely fragrance can be enjoyed. The shrub is also an
excellent plant for privacy hedges and screens. When grown as a hedge, plant 3
feet apart.
Trim lightly after a bloom cycle to shape and then do a hard pruning in
fall or spring to control the size of this plant. Fertilize 3 times a year -
in spring, summer, and autumn - with a good quality granular fertilizer.
Recommended fertilizers:
Pink N Good Daily Plant Food - Flower Booster
Tropical Allure - Smart-Release Booster
Interesting facts:
Night-blooming jasmine is an excellent mosquito repellent. The powerful
scent of the flowers attracts moths and bats that feed on mosquitoes and
other small insects.
The flowers of the Night Blooming jasmine are widely used in India and
other countries of South Asia for perfumery, medicinal applications and in
religious ceremonies.
Limited time special offer:
Instant $5 off Night Blooming Jasmine
Date:
Growing Barbados Cherry in container
Q: I am interested in buying some Barbados cherry plants. Could you please advise if these can be grown in containers indefinitely or it's still better for them to be planted in ground for nutrients etc?
A: The Barbados cherry, like other tropical cherry varieties, is exceptionally well-suited for cultivation in containers.
Barbados cherry grows into a dense bush, demands minimal pruning, and begins bearing fruit at a young age. Our plants, which are propagated from cuttings, initiate the flowering and fruiting process in the very same year. They produce fruit almost year around. This year we've had three big crops: April, July and October (still fruiting now!) besides sporadic fruiting throughout the warm season.
You can cultivate Barbados cherry in a pot, commencing with a 1-3 gallon container and gradually increasing the size each year. Below is a photo of a fully developed tree in the ground, for reference. This tree is approaching its third year of growth. When grown in a container, it maintains a more compact size, with the largest container needed likely being between 7 to 15 gallons. Regular pruning can be employed to keep it smaller.
Photo above: Barbados Cherry bush in the ground
Barbados cherry (Malpighia) possesses a distinct growth pattern that sets it apart from other tropical cherry varieties - Eugenias. Malpighia's branches can assume peculiar shapes, even at angles of up to 90 degrees. Therefore, pruning to achieve the desired shape is advantageous.
Additionally, you may want to explore the Dwarf Barbados cherry, a miniature cherry variety ideal for container cultivation, with cascading growth habit. Although its fruits are slightly smaller than those of the regular variety, they are notably sweeter.
Photo above: Dwarf Barbados Cherry fruit
When it comes to ensuring the health and vitality of your potted Barbados cherry plants, maintaining a consistent nutrient supply is crucial. Implementing a regular fertilization regimen is essential to promote robust growth, consistent flowering, and bountiful fruit production. For optimal results, we recommend using Sunshine Boosters, which are specially formulated to enhance the development of fruits and edibles. These boosters are derived from organic amino acids, making them environmentally friendly and safe for year-round use. By incorporating Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus into your plant care routine, you can ensure that your container-grown Barbados cherry plants receive the essential nutrients they need to thrive and flourish.
Photo above: Dwarf Barbados Cherry in the ground
