Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Date:
Discover 10
best fruit trees to grow
in Florida and Southern landscapes
Q: We recently moved into our new home in Florida, and the property is a great size - 5 acres - but it currently has no trees, just a few palms. I'm looking to plant some productive fruit trees to start building our own Food Forest. What fruit trees would you recommend as a good starting point?
A: With five acres of space, you have a fantastic opportunity to create a fruitful garden that can provide for your family for many years to come. Below are our top recommendations for must-have, easy-to-grow fruit trees that thrive in Florida's climate, grow quickly, and start producing right away.
1. Mango Tree
Mango trees (Mangifera indica) are a must-have for any Florida garden, embodying the essence of the Sunshine State with their delicious and nutritious fruit packed with vitamins and fiber. These fast-growing, low-maintenance trees thrive with minimal water and are heat-tolerant. Grafted varieties produce high-quality, fiberless fruit in just 2-3 years, while dwarf "condo" mangoes are perfect for smaller spaces or containers. While young trees need frost protection, mature trees handle cold better. Grafted mangoes offer rich taste that you won't find in commercially grown, fibrous varieties, ensuring a sweet and vibrant harvest from your own garden.
2. Avocado Tree
The Avocado tree (Persea americana) is an essential addition to any tropical or subtropical garden. Known for its health benefits and superfood status, it's a favorite fruit that's not only productive but also a beautiful ornamental tree. Some avocado varieties are more cold-tolerant than mango trees, with the ability to survive temperatures below 25F. While many enjoy growing avocado from seed, only grafted trees guarantee quality fruit and immediate production, as seedlings can take 7-8 years to bear fruit. To successfully grow avocado, ensure good drainage by planting on a raised mound (4-6 inches) and keep the soil consistently moist. There are also compact varieties like Wurtz and Fuerte that thrive in containers or small spaces, making them ideal for patios and small gardens.
3. Tropical Cherries
Tropical cherries, such as Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia aggregata), Grumichama (Eugenia brazilensis), Pitomba (Eugenia luschnathiana), and Black Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora var. Lolita), are popular and easy-to-grow fruit trees that offer fast growth and excellent fruit production. These compact, versatile trees thrive in both the ground and containers, starting to produce fruit almost immediately. Eugenias are low-maintenance, requiring minimal water, thriving in various soil types, and being pest-free. They are heat-tolerant and can endure cool winters, surviving light frosts. Birds love the fruit, but don't worry - there will always be plenty for everyone.
4. Barbados Cherry Tree
Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra), also known as Acerola, is a tropical cherry renowned for having the highest vitamin C content of any fruit. This nutrient-packed fruit is perfect for jellies, jams, and freezing without losing its vitamin C. The Barbados Cherry is a fast-growing, dense shrub that fruits multiple times a year, providing abundant harvests for gardeners seeking quick results. It thrives in alkaline soil, tolerates drought, and is relatively cold-hardy, withstanding light freezes. Birds love the fruit, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. The dwarf variety, Nana, with its small leaves and fruit, is perfect for containers, borders, or even bonsai, adding ornamental value to any space.
5. Noni Tree
The Noni Tree (Morinda citrifolia) is a top superfood plant that makes a fantastic addition to any Southern garden. Known for its numerous medicinal benefits, Noni fruit offers anti-inflammatory properties, relief from arthritis, and support for conditions like diabetes, metabolism, and weight loss. It's even believed to help fight cancer. Noni trees grow quickly and begin producing fruit within 2 years from seed. This tough, resilient plant thrives in poor soil, endures summer heat, and withstands drought conditions. Despite its tropical appearance, Noni is surprisingly cold-hardy, recovering well after leaf damage in cooler weather. In addition to its health benefits, the Noni tree has ornamental value, with large, waxy leaves and unique fruit, where the flower appears to grow directly on the fruit!
6. Macadamia Nut Tree
The Macadamia Nut Tree (Macadamia integrifolia) is a fantastic addition to any garden, allowing you to grow these delicious, high price tag, nutrient-rich nuts right at home. These trees are cold-hardy, grow quickly, and thrive in all Florida soil types. Once established, they are productive and can tolerate both flooding and drought. Older trees can survive colder winters, while young trees need protection from temperatures below 25-26F. Macadamia trees like plenty of water and a special fertilizer program, including liquid fertilizers and microelements, to ensure healthy root development and optimal production. Aside from being rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, macadamia nuts offer numerous health benefits, such as improved digestion, heart health, weight management, and blood sugar control. They are also packed with tocotrienols - antioxidants which may protect against cancer and brain diseases.
7. Papaya Tree
Papaya trees (Carica papaya) are resilient, easy to grow, and produce fruit year-round. Rich in papain, a digestive enzyme, papayas are a superfood that promotes gut health. These fast-growing trees often begin producing fruit within the same year they're planted, providing quick rewards for gardeners. Many varieties, especially dwarf papayas, are space-efficient, reaching only 6-8 feet tall while still yielding large crops, making them perfect for small gardens. Surprisingly hardy for a tropical plant, papayas can withstand light freezes and strong winds (tested in hurricanes!). While they are self-fertile, planting 2-3 different cultivars improves pollination and increases yields. "Solo" cultivars, with their smaller, round or oval fruits, are sweet and less susceptible to fruit flies.
8. Guava Tree
Guava trees are beloved for their flavorful fruit, commonly used in juices, drinks, and desserts. Popular varieties include Tropical Guava (Psidium guajava), Cattley Guava (Psidium littorale), Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum), and Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana). Despite their tropical nature, guavas are surprisingly cold-hardy, suitable for cooler climates and occasional frost. These trees thrive in moist conditions and can tolerate some flooding, while their compact growth makes them easy to maintain at any height or shape. Guavas are fast-fruiting, often producing fruit within a year of planting, and even some varieties in 1 gal containers. The dwarf Nana variety is perfect for container culture, producing full-sized fruit in a compact form. Guava trees are mostly pest-resistant, though mealybugs may require occasional treatment with neem oil in humid, rainy areas. Planting multiple guava trees ensures a continuous supply of fresh, juicy fruit and delicious guava juice for everyone to enjoy.
9. Jackfruit Tree
The Jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a striking, fast-growing tree known for producing the largest fruit grown on a tree, making it a showstopper in any garden. Nutrient-packed and often used as a meat substitute in South Asian cuisine, Jackfruit is also delicious in curries, chutneys, and as dehydrated chips. These trees grow quickly, have large waxy leaves, and can be maintained at a compact height of 7-8 feet, making them ideal for smaller spaces and easier cold protection. Despite being a tropical species, Jackfruit trees are relatively cold-tolerant and can survive light frost (although on the account of production volume), with established trees being more hardy than seedlings. Jackfruit trees begin producing fruit within 3-4 years from seed, and varieties come true to seed, eliminating the need for grafting, though it can be done for specific varieties.
10. Loquat Tree
The Loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and highly cold-hardy tropical fruit tree that thrives in Florida gardens. Loquats are heavy producers, with juicy, aromatic fruit that ripens from early spring to early summer, offering a delicious apricot-like flavor. This compact tree is perfect for small gardens, beginners, and those with limited space. Loquats are undemanding, thriving in any soil and withstanding summer heat, winter cold, heavy rains, and occasional flooding. Nutrient-rich, they are high in sugar, acids, vitamins B and C, minerals, and pectin. Loquats are versatile, enjoyed fresh or used in fruit salads, jams, jellies, chutneys, pies, sauces, and even wine-making, and they are often used as a natural sweetener.
Date:
Benefits of growing your own tropical fruit
"The fruit of the mango tree is no longer forbidden.
Indeed, it has been recommended to me by the physicians as an antidote to the
plague."
- Louis IX, King of France -
Q: Why do you want to grow your own tropical fruit tree?
A: Growing your own tropical fruit tree can have many benefits. Here are a few reasons why someone might choose to grow their own tropical fruit tree:
1. Fresh, flavorful fruit: When you grow your own tropical fruit tree, you have access to fresh, flavorful fruit that you may not be able to find at your local grocery store. Tropical fruit, like avocado, mangoes, papayas, and passionfruit, jackfruit, Dragon Fruit, Annona have a short shelf life, and the fruit you find at the store may have been harvested weeks ago. When you grow your own fruit tree, you can pick the fruit when it's fully ripe and enjoy it at its peak flavor. Besides, some rare fruit like Akee or Sapodilla simply never offered from the store.
2. Environmental benefits: Growing your own fruit trees can have environmental benefits. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen, which can help reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, growing your own fruit trees reduces the need to transport fruit long distances, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Cost savings: Depending on where you live and the availability of tropical fruit, growing your own fruit tree can be a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite tropical fruits.
4. Gardening and outdoor hobby: Growing a fruit tree can be a fulfilling and rewarding outdoor hobby. It can also be a great way to teach children about where their food comes from and the importance of taking care of the environment.
Overall, growing your own tropical fruit tree can be a great way to enjoy fresh, flavorful fruit, reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and enjoy a fulfilling outdoor hobby.
In the photo: Mango tree in Top Tropicals garden.
Date:
Top 5 favorite Mango varieties
and Top 10 Condo Mango trees
How to chose the right variety of a Mango tree?
Q: The most Frequently Asked Question about fruit trees: What is your favorite Mango variety? Which mango varieties are the best? Help me to make a choice!
A: As we mentioned on our Introduction to Mango Varieties page, there are thousands of named mango cultivars available. Similar to the classification of avocados (see our Avocado Variety Guide), mango trees can be selected based on your specific needs. These needs can include tree size and growth habit, disease resistance and hardiness, and most importantly, fruit characteristics such as taste, texture, size, color, storage ability, juice and sugar content.
We are currently working on a comprehensive Mango Variety Guide and will be sharing it
with you soon. In the meantime, below are a few tips on selecting the right mango tree.
NOTE: all of the Mango varieties we offer are FIBERLESS!
Top 5 Favorite Mango we just love!
1. Alphonso - the best Indian cultivar in terms of sweetness and
flavor. One of the rarest varieties and sought after - sweet large juice fruit. Coconut-like flavor.
2. Maha Chinook - Many
consider it the best mango had ever tasted. Very rare mango variety from Singapore. This variety is semi-dwarf and great for pot culture. Nam Doc Mai close relative.
3.
Fralan - Super reliable producer and hardy tree. Green fruit, sweet and
juicy. Fralan means "Thunder" - as the fruit cracks when peeled.
4. Fruit Cocktail -
Flavor is an amazing palette of different fruit, with citrus, pineapple, and guava notes.
5. Nam Doc Mai - It's not just us, everyone loves this Mango!
The most popular variety: semi-dwarf and great for pot culture. Eaten green or ripe, a Thailand favorite. It is hands down the most sought after of the Asian mangoes and for good
reason.
Top 10 Dwarf "Condo" Mango
1.
Mallika - condo mango native to India. Among the best of the new generation of Indian dessert mangos. Intensely sweet, rich and highly aromatic flavor with hints of citrus and melon.
2. Ice Cream - far and away the most popular of the "condo mangoes." Flavored like the name. The tree can easily be maintained at a height of just six feet (!) making it ideal for container growing.
3. Julie - the most popular variety in Jamaica and many other Caribbean islands because of
its rich, sweet, coconut/pineapple-like flavor. It is a dwarf cultivar, great for containers, but keep in mind it's very cold sensitive, don't plant it in the ground if you get freeze in winter.
4. Okrung - Thai compact cultivar,
fruit eaten while green. The fruit is traditionally served in Thailand in combination with sticky rice. One of the most popular varieties in Thailand. The fruit is very sweet, with the highest sugar content.
5. Pickering - great for pot culture. It has a bushy, compact growth habit, and can be maintained in a container at just six feet (!). The fruit has a firm
flesh with a fantastic coconut/mango flavor.
6. Nam Doc Mai - The most popular variety for pot culture, we already mentioned in our favorites above.
7. Cogshall - an ultra compact grower. Suitable for container growing on a balcony, or planting in a suburban backyard. It can easily be maintained at just eight feet tall, and it will still produce a good size crop year after year. The fruit is very colorful and has a mild, sweet flavor. It is also fungus resistant.
8. Carrie - the flavor
is by far the most outstanding. It has absolutely no fiber and extremely rich in flavor, sweet, aromatic and a pure pleasure to eat. You will savor every mouthful! Its compact size makes it an excellent dooryard tree.
9. Diamond - It has a great taste very similar to Nam Doc Mai. Very compact, of a dwarf habit, great as condo mango.
10. Keitt - the best all-around late mango. It is very productive, good-flavored, and disease resistant. It also has a very long and late season. The compact tree is semi dwarf that bears 4-5 pound goliath fruit!
Photo above: Pim Seng Mun mango tree is a reliable and heavy producer.
Top 5 recommended vigorous growers and reliable producers
1. Glenn - Excellent eating quality, consistent production, and effortless to grow.
2. Pim Seng Mun - extremely productive mango.
3. Sweet Tart - New patented variety - exclusive offer.
4. Fruit Punch - Multi fruit flavor, delicious!
5. Orange
Sherbet - One of the best new varieties for backyard growing. Flavor is sweet citrus-orange and less lemony than Lemon Meringue mango. The tree is moderately vigorous.
Top 5 exotic varieties for rare fruit collection
Now that you have decided to collect them all but have limited space, these are the top 5 of the most interesting rare cultivars:
1. Kar Lon Long -
rare and unusual, native to India. Fruits that can weigh up to 5 lbs each! The unique flavor that has been described as being a cross between a mango and a pineapple.
2. Mun Kun Si - similar to Nam Doc Mai but much bigger. Rare variety, very popular
among Thai and Vietnamese people. The fruit are extremely sweet, fiberless and somewhat crunchy ("Mun" means crunchy). Very late producer, fruit may still be on a tree as late as January.
3. Pina Colada - very sweet, has rich flavor with a hint of coconut and pineapple.
4. Ugly Betty - awesome mango, great sweet flavor, while the fruit is real ugly! Slightly mis-shaped at the top - hence the name.
5. Giselle - from Zill's breeding program and was a seedling of a mango called Tower. It was described as a juice mango and is named after Gary's wife.
Photo above: preparing mango seeds for planting - growing seedlings for future grafting.
Date:
Top ten fast-fruiting trees
Q: I would like to plant several fruit trees... I am 85 years old and hope to see them fruiting soon. What fruit trees can you recommend that will fruit quickly?
A: Most grafted fruit trees, such as Mango, Avocado, and Peaches, will fruit quickly - often within the same year or the next. There are also many wonderful tropical fruits that will produce for you within a year or two, even without the need for grafting. Below are the top 10 of most popular, most rewarding and easy to grow fast fruiting tropical trees:
1. Annona - Sugar Apple, Custard Apple.
Annonas are the fastest fruiting trees: 2-3-4 years from seed to fruit, depending on species. They are the best tropical fruit trees suited for container growing, due to their small height and can be maintained within 6-8 ft tall.
2. Guava (Psidium sp.): Cattley and Tropical guava
Guava is a reliable producer, starts fruiting in a pot at small size. Some varieties, especially Cattley guavas - Psidium littorale - are relatively cold hardy and can take some frost without damage. Guavas are fast growing small trees or large bushes.
3. Eugenia - Tropical Cherries
Eugenias are favorites of Southern gardens. They are relatively cold hardy and start producing right away. Black Surinam Cherry Lolita and Grumichama are our favorites!
4. Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra)
Another exceptional tropical cherry is Barbados Cherry. It is super popular as a heavy producer. The plant can start fruiting when it's only a few inches tall! If you are looking for a compact, but fast growing tree with colorful fruit that starts fruiting right away - plant Barbados Cherry. It will also happily fruit in containers.
5. Eriobotrya (Eriobotrya japonica)
Loquat tree is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, cold-tolerant, compact tropical fruit tree. It is a heavy producer. Fruits are juicy, aromatic, and resemble apricots. Ripen from early Spring to early Summer. Ideal for small gardens, beginner fruit tree growers.
6. Papaya (Carica papaya)
Papaya is probably the fastest fruiting tree that can start production the same year from planting a seed. Many dwarf varieties available in selection, reaching only 6-8 ft tall, but producing large crops of full size fruit - they are easy to harvest. Plant 2-3 Papaya trees of different cultivars that fruit at different times of the year and enjoy heavy crops of healthy fruit year around! Another benefit - this tree doesn't take much space in the garden, you can plant as many as you want.
7. Mulberry (Morus hybrids)
Mulberry is very cold hardy and can grow in wide range of climate zones, from USDA 5 to 10. Everyone knows this sweet, tasty, juicy fruit. The tree will produce right away, you will see fruit the next season after planting, and the tree grows fast.
8. Carambola - Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola)
Growing Carambola tree is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy this unique star-shaped delicious fruit right at home. It fruits on the 3d year from seed. The tree is easy to grow and reliable producer, providing wind protection.
9. Blackberry Jam Fruit (Randia formosa)
Blackberry Jam Fruit, Jasmin de Rosa is a curious small evergreen tree or bush that combines features of a fragrant flower and delicious dessert fruit which tastes like fresh Blackberry jam. Fragrant white flowers are similar to Gardenia.
10. Peanut Butter Tree (Bunchosia argentea)
Peanut Butter Tree, earns its name from its fleshy fruits that boast a delightful peanut butter flavor. Compact in size, small tree reaching only 10-15 ft or kept as a bush, it's a perfect choice for limited spaces. Can thrive indoors, starting to fruit within just 2-3 years from seed.
Date:
Ten
top fruiting plants you'll ever need
for your health benefits
Q: I planted Mango and Avocado trees, and I still have room for more trees but want to use the space wisely. What other trees should I plant to get the most benefits out of the fruit?
A: Everyone loves planting Mango or Avocado trees for their well-known benefits. But did you know that adding a variety of other fruit trees to your garden can expand those benefits even more? If you plant just one of each of these 10 trees, you'll have a complete spectrum of nutrients and health-boosting ingredients you ever need. With a diverse range of healthy fruits, you'll boost your diet, improve your health, and elevate your lifestyle. Let's check out the TOP TEN most rewarding and useful fruit...
1. Guava
Guava is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps protect
against colds and infections.
Guava helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people
with diabetes.
Its potassium content helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Guava's antioxidants, like lycopene and vitamin C, contribute to glowing
skin and may reduce the risk of cancer.
Guava is eaten fresh, made into juices, jams, and jellies, or added to
desserts and smoothies.
2. Coffee
Coffee is widely enjoyed as a beverage and is used in various desserts and
drinks.
It is rich in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and lower the
risk of chronic diseases.
It improves focus and mental alertness due to its caffeine content.
Coffee boosts metabolism and aid in fat burning, supporting weight
management.
3. Noni
Noni
is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint
pain and arthritis symptoms.
Fresh noni fruit and juice are popular in traditional herbal medicine and
drinks.
It boosts the immune system due to its rich vitamin C content.
Noni juice is used traditionally to improve digestion and fight infections.
4. Papaya
Papaya is a popular ingredient in salads, smoothies, and tropical desserts.
It contains enzymes like papain that aid digestion and reduce bloating.
It is high in vitamin C and vitamin A, the antioxidants in papaya may
protect against heart disease and reduce cancer risk.
5. Banana
Bananas
are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports
heart health.
They provide a quick source of energy and are great for post-workout
recovery.
The fiber in bananas aids digestion and promotes gut health.
East them fresh, add to smoothies, bake into breads and desserts, or use in
various savory dishes.
6. Dragon fruit
Dragon
fruit is often used in smoothies, fruit salads, and refreshing drinks.
It is high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
Low in calories and packed with nutrients, it's great for weight
management.
7. Tamarind
Tamarind is a common ingredient in sauces, chutneys, and beverages.
Rich in antioxidants, it protects the liver and reduces inflammation.
It contains natural compounds that help lower cholesterol and improve heart
health.
Tamarind has a mild laxative effect, aiding digestion and relieving
constipation.
8. Loilita (Surinam) Cherry
Surinam cherry is rich
in vitamin C, boosting the immune system and skin health.
Its antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect against free radical
damage.
It contains fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
Surinam cherries are used in jams, sauces, and desserts or eaten fresh.
9. Nescafe
Nescafe - Mucuna pruriens - is used in herbal supplements or ground into powder for teas and health drinks.
It is known for its potential to boost dopamine levels, improving mood and reducing stress.
It supports cognitive function, muscle growth and increases energy levels.
10. Loquat
Loquat are very popular and are eaten fresh or used in making jams, jellies, pies, and fruit salads.
Loquat is rich in vitamin A, supporting eye health.
It contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The fiber in loquats aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
By planting these 10 diverse fruit trees, you'll not only enjoy a delicious and abundant harvest but also ensure your garden provides all the nutrients needed for a healthier, more vibrant life.
Date:
What to do with a 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.
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.
Ingredients
Mix in a blender:
2 dragon fruit, peeled
1/2 cup of mango pulp
- banana
1 cup of milk of your preference - tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp Lime juce
Some Ice
-
Mint for decoration
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:
Randia formosa - Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree with Flowers and Ripe Fruit
You know how some plants just surprise you?
That's Randia formosa - the Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree. At first, it just looks like a cute little gardenia-type shrub. Glossy leaves, sweet white flowers. Nice enough. But then the fruit shows up… and you crack one open and go, “Wait - this tastes like jam?!”
And not just any jam - like real, fresh blackberry jam. No sugar, no cooking. Just soft black pulp inside this golden little fruit. It's weirdly satisfying. One of those things you make everyone taste just to see their face.
What's even cooler is how easy it is. This thing starts blooming and fruiting when it's barely 2 feet tall. You can grow it in a pot on your porch, or even inside if it gets enough light. And while most of your other plants take the winter off, this one keeps going - flowers, fruit, the whole show.
If you've got a spot with filtered light and a little curiosity, it's absolutely worth a try. Honestly, it's just… fun.
This rare South American evergreen shrub checks all the boxes: fragrant, compact, easy, and edible.
✅ Grows in pots ✅ Indoors ✅ Small yards
Randia formosa – Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree – FAQ
What is Randia formosa?
Randia formosa, also known as Blackberry Jam Fruit or Jasmin de Rosa, is a compact tropical shrub that produces fragrant white flowers and small yellow fruits filled with soft, black pulp that tastes remarkably like blackberry jam. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, the same as Gardenia and Coffea.
Why gardeners love Randia
- Delicious jam-flavored fruit – no sugar needed.
- Compact grower – perfect for patios and indoor spaces.
- Fast results – blooms and fruits within 1–1.5 years.
- Big yield in a small pot – 25–30 fruits at once!
- Fall–Winter performer – keeps going when others stop.
- Kid favorite – fun to grow, fun to eat.
What does the fruit taste like?
The pulp inside the fruit tastes just like fresh blackberry jam - sweet, tangy, and rich. It is edible fresh, without any processing or sweeteners, and is loved by both kids and adults.
How big does the plant get?
In the ground, Randia formosa typically reaches 4 to 5 feet tall. In containers, it usually stays smaller, around 3 to 4 feet, making it perfect for small gardens, patios, or indoor growing.
How soon will it fruit?
Very quickly! This is one of the fastest fruiting tropicals. Plants begin to flower and produce fruit within two years from seed. Еstablished plants in 3 gallon containers may begin fruiting at just 2 feet tall.
Does it need full sun?
No. It actually prefers filtered light or partial shade, especially in hot climates. Leaves tend to look healthier and greener when grown in dappled light.
Can I grow Randia formosa indoors?
Yes! Its compact size and shade tolerance make it an excellent choice for bright indoor spaces. Just be sure to provide good air circulation, high humidity if possible, and avoid cold drafts.
How cold-hardy is it?
Mature plants can tolerate temperatures down to about 26F for short period of time, but young plants are more sensitive and should be protected from frost. It is best grown outdoors in USDA zones 9b and up or kept as a container plant that can be brought indoors in winter.
What kind of soil does it need?
Randia formosa requires acidic, well-draining soil. Avoid alkaline soils, which may cause leaf chlorosis (yellowing with green veins).
How often should I water it?
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. It is sensitive to overwatering, especially in cooler weather. During winter, reduce watering. Underwatering may cause sudden leaf drop - but the plant usually recovers quickly once watered again.
What fertilizer does it need?
Yes. Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Regular applications of micronutrients (especially iron and magnesium) help prevent chlorosis. Foliar sprays can also be helpful. Apply Sunshine C-Cibus Booster or Green Magic controlled release fertilizer to keep your plant happy: Blackberry Jam Fruit is a heavy feeder!
When does it flower and fruit?
This plant can bloom and fruit for several months, often from summer through winter. It is known to bloom off-season, making it a fun and productive plant when others are dormant.
Are the flowers fragrant?
Yes, the white star-shaped tubular flowers have a light, sweet fragrance, similar to gardenias but less intense. The flowers open at night.
Is it self-pollinating?
Yes. A single plant can set fruit on its own, although insect activity can improve fruit set.
Are there any common problems?
The most common issue is chlorosis, which shows up as yellowing leaves with green veins - usually due to overwatering, poor drainage, or alkaline soil. It's fixable with acidification and micronutrients. The plant may also drop leaves suddenly if underwatered but tends to bounce back.
Is this plant related to Gardenia?
Yes. It is in the same plant family (Rubiaceae) as Gardenia and Coffee. That's why the flowers look similar and why it tolerates similar care needs.
Can it be used for bonsai or miniature tree styling?
Yes, due to its slow growth and branching habit, Randia formosa can be shaped into a miniature tree form and is quite attractive when trained.
Is it drought-tolerant?
Once established, it shows moderate drought tolerance. However, young plants need regular watering and are more vulnerable to drying out.
What does a dragon taste like? Does Dragon Fruit come from a monster cactus? Learn why you need to grow your own
Hylocereus and Selenicereus Dragon Fruit or Pitaya
Hylocereus and Selenicereus Dragon Fruit or Pitaya trees on trellis
Hylocereus and Selenicereus Dragon Fruit or Pitaya on trellis
Hylocereus and Selenicereus Dragon Fruit or Pitaya red fruit
Hylocereus and Selenicereus Dragon Fruit or Pitaya purple fruit
Hylocereus and Selenicereus Dragon Fruit or Pitaya Yellow Parlora
Hylocereus and Selenicereus Dragon Fruit or Pitaya flower
- 🔴 You may have tried a Dragon fruit from the store l, but do you know how it grows? On a cactus tree!
- 🔴 Names: varieties of Hylocereus and Selenicereus - these fruit bearing cactus plants are also called Dragon Fruit or Pitaya.
- 🔴 Commercially grown fruit sold in a grocery store may be tasteless. You need to grow your own good variety to have tasty, sweet, flavorful fruit!
- 🔴 Dragon fruit comes in many varieties. Colors of flesh differ: white, pink, dark red and even purple. The outside of the fruit can be red/pink or yellow.
- 🔴 In commercial groves, Pitayas grow like cactus trees, over a strong support - big "umbrella frames" ☂️
- 🔴 It is an easy plant, with low water needs, takes both sun and semi-shade.
- 🔴 Our favorite variety is Yellow Dragon Fruit Palora, (Selenicereus megalanthus). It is the sweetest and has the most flavor of all. We shared some recipes earlier.
- 🔴 Can be grown in container with a wooden trellis. And the flower is beautiful, too!
📚 Learn more about Dragon Fruit
🍹 Recipe: What to do with a Dragon fruit?
🛒Grow your own Tasty Dragon Fruits
#Food_Forest #Recipes #Nature_Wonders
🏵 TopTropicals
Date:
Blackberry Jam Fruit - the sweetest surprise
Tea and Jam with the PeopleCats – A Tropical Afternoon Beneath the Randia
Meet the cats behind the jam! The tuxedo cat is none other than Google-the-cat - our beloved elder and one of the original cat-fathers of Top Tropicals PeopleCats.garden. At 18 years old, he’s still sharp, curious, and very much in charge. The orange fluffball? He represents the universal image of cat joy - and we’ve got a few real-life orange sunshine residents just like him.
Why do you include cats in a plant newsletter?
Because they’re part of the garden. Our rescued PeopleCats live among the plants, nap under the mango trees, inspect new arrivals, and occasionally steal a sunspot meant for seedlings. They’re not mascots — they’re part of our team. Sharing their presence is like showing a part of the soul of our space.🐈
Are the cat images real or AI-generated?
All our cats are real! We take lots of pictures and videos. And a few images are AI-generated illustrations inspired by our real PeopleCats.garden residents. While not literal photographs, they are creative interpretations that capture the spirit of our tropical home and its furry citizens.🐾
Are the stories about the cats true?
Mostly! The jam-making, tea-drinking, and greenhouse meetings are creative interpretations - but inspired by real personalities. We use AI scenes to bring their spirit to life. Real cats. Real plants. Imagined adventures.🐱
Grow Your Own Exotic Dragon Fruit Garden - Part 1
Dragon Fruit - Pitaya
Dragon Fruit - Pitaya
Dragon Fruit - Pitaya
Dragon Fruit - Pitaya
Sunshine C-Cibus fertilizer for Dragon Fruit - Pitaya
🐉 WHY GROW YOUR OWN DRAGON FRUIT?
Dragon fruit isn't just a stunning addition to your garden - it's a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this low-calorie fruit supports digestion, boosts immunity, and promotes overall wellness. While store-bought dragon fruit can be bland, homegrown varieties offer a spectrum of sweet, vibrant flavors you won't find on supermarket shelves.
- 🍓 Unparalleled Flavor: Experience the true taste of dragon fruit with homegrown varieties known for their sweetness and rich flavors - far superior to the often bland, commercially grown ones.
- 🍓 Stunning Variety: Choose from a range of types featuring white, pink, red, or purple flesh, each with unique flavors and appearances.
- 🍓 Easy and Rewarding: Dragon fruit cacti are low-maintenance, thriving in containers or in the ground, with minimal water needs. They're perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
- 🍓 Digestive Health: High fiber content aids digestion and promotes gut health.
- 🍓 Weight Management: Low in calories yet nutrient-dense, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. More health benefits in next post ⤵️
🌵 EASY GROWING TIPS:
- 🍓 Adaptable: This cactus plant thrives in both sun and partial shade and enjoys humid rainy summers unlike most cacti.
- 🍓 Container-Friendly: Ideal for pots with a sturdy trellis, making it suitable for small spaces.
- 🍓 Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant and forgiving, perfect for those who occasionally forget to water.
‼️ Want more fruit? Enhance growth and fruit production with Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus fertilizer, ensuring a bountiful harvest of this exotic fruit.
Continued in next post ⤵️
🛒 Start your dragon fruit journey today and savor the unmatched flavors of homegrown, exotic fruits!
#Food_Forest #Discover #Dragon_Fruit
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals