Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Discover top 10 fruiting plants youll ever need for your health benefits
⁉️ 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?
✅ 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.
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:
1. Guava
2. Coffee
3. Noni
4. Papaya
5. Banana
6. Dragon fruit
7. Tamarind
8. Surinam Cherry
9. Nescafe
10. Loquat
⚠️ Learn more about these 10 top fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits in our following posts... Stay with us and make sure to subscribe! ⬇️
🛒 Shop fruit trees
#Food_Forest #Remedies
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Date:
Five benefits of growing your own Pineapple
Q: Can I grow my own pineapple fruit?
A: Growing a Pineapple plant - Ananas comosus - is a fun and rewarding experience that offers both visual and practical benefits:
1. Fresh, homegrown fruit: One of the main benefits of growing a pineapple plant is that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor by harvesting fresh, delicious pineapples right from your own backyard.
2. Aesthetic appeal: Pineapple plants are visually appealing with their long, spiky green leaves and bright, vibrant fruits. They can add a tropical, exotic touch to any garden or indoor space.
3. Low maintenance: Pineapple plants are relatively easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They can tolerate a variety of soil and light conditions and don't require frequent watering or fertilization.
4. Health benefits: Pineapple fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can provide a range of health benefits, including improved digestion, boosted immunity, and reduced inflammation. It is recommended to eat a slice of a pineapple after every meal to keep healthy digestive system.
5. Collectable varieties: The pineapple plant can be easily propagated by cutting off the top of a pineapple fruit. However, for those seeking excellent quality, it is recommended to choose superior hybrids from professional growers. Become the proud owner of "The King of Fruits" collection! It takes up minimal space and provides fresh fruit throughout the year.
Read more about Pineapple: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit - Pineapple.
Remember to add Sunshine Ananas fertilizer to your purchase for a long lasting Pineapple crop season.
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:
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:
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.
Chayas health benefits: a must-have tropical leafy vegetable for sustainable gardening
Chaya, Maya Spinach, Kikilchay, Chaykeken - Cnidoscolus aconitifolius
- 🌿 What is Chaya?
· Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) is a little-known, nutrient-packed leafy green.
- · It is a small perennial tree or shrub, native to the Yucatan Peninsula.
- · Also known as Maya Spinach, Kikilchay, or Chaykeken.
- · Younger leaves and stems are used like spinach: cooked and served with oil or butter.
- 🌿 Health Benefits:
· Rich in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A & C.
- · Aids digestion, improves circulation, and supports lactation.
- · Used in folk medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and anemia.
- 🌿 Important Tip:
· Always cook the leaves (boil for 10-15 minutes) to neutralize toxins and make them safe to eat.
- 🌿 Growing Chaya:
· Fast-growing perennial, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
- · Perfect for food forests or backyard gardens.
- · Propagate easily from 6-12 inch stem cuttings and make more to eat!
- · Can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and be continuously harvested with proper care.
🌿 Garden Benefits:
- · Pretty white flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
- · Resilient to drought and thrives in various soil types. Heat and cold tolerant.
🛒 Start growing your Chaya today for a sustainable garden!
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Discover
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Why is it called the Fruit of the Gods? Jambolan health benefits
Syzygium cumini - Jambolan, Java Plum
- 🟣 Fragrant & Flavorful: Enjoy purplish-black berries with a sweet or mildly tangy taste, perfect raw or transformed into tarts, sauces, and jams. This Divine Berry is Syzygium cumini - Jambolan, or Java Plum.
- 🟣 Cultural & Medicinal Significance: Revered in Ayurveda, Unani and Chinese medicine, with seeds, leaves, and bark offering therapeutic uses. In Hindu mythology, it's known as the "fruit of the gods" with Lord Rama and Lord Krishna both linked to its divine history.
- 🟣 Health Benefits of Jambolan. Incorporating Jambolan into your diet can be a flavorful and healthful choice, offering a range of benefits:
· Blood Sugar Regulation: May lower blood sugar levels; low glycemic index supports healthy control.
- · Cardiovascular Support: Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress; potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
- · Digestive Health: High in fiber, promoting digestion and alleviating constipation.
- · Liver Protection: Protects the liver and supports detoxification.
- · Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation associated with chronic conditions.
- · Oral Health: Antimicrobial seeds help combat oral bacteria and promote dental health.
- · Skin Health: Antioxidants help fight oxidative damage, promoting youthful skin.
- · Weight Management: Low in calories, high in fiber, aids in satiety and digestion.
- · Kidney Health: Diuretic properties help flush toxins and reduce kidney stone risk.
- · Immune Boost: Vitamin C and antioxidants enhance immune function.
🟣 Privacy & Beauty: A fast-growing, bushy tree that doubles as an ornamental, forming dense screens in just two seasons, ideal for privacy or creating a beautiful barrier in your garden. Check out a video of the tree in earlier post: How to get a large, bushy, exotic fruit tree in no time.
🛒 Embrace both beauty and flavor with Jambolan!
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Discover
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Date:
The Benefits of Companion Planting
Q: What is companion planting?
A: Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different crops or types of plants together in a way that benefits all plants. This practice has been used for centuries, and it can be especially useful in tropical gardens where there is a diversity of plant life: trees, shrubs, vines and climbers, ground covers, fruit and edibles, and different flowering ornamentals. It is a great way to improve the health and yield of fruit tree crops while reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. By choosing the right companion plants and planning your garden layout carefully, you can create a vibrant and diverse ecosystem that will benefit both your plants and the environment.
Companion planting involves:
Planting different crops together to repel insects: adding such plants as Lemon grass, Patchouli leaf, or Moujean Tea near your vegetables can deter aphids and other pests.
Attracting pollinators - Butterfly plants. Many tropical crops, such as passion fruit, papaya, mango, and avocado, rely on pollinators to produce fruit. Companion planting can help to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.
Providing nutrients to the soil, adding mulch and low growing plants (ground covers) to preserve moisture.
Planting a variety of different types of plants together in order to create a more resilient ecosystem that is less susceptible to pests and diseases.
To get started, plan your garden layout and choose companion plants with
similar water and light requirements.
For example, plant in the same group lush foliage plants, gingers, and flowering brunfelsias in shady areas; plant jasmines and gardenias in full sun and very well-drained spots.
Rotate annual crops regularly and experiment with combinations to find what
works best. By doing this, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits
both your plants and the environment, reducing the need for harmful
chemicals.
What are the health benefits of Gardening?
Therapeutic effect of gardening is not just a modern discovery. Throughout history, various cultures have recognized the mental and physical benefits of gardening...
🏺 In ancient Egypt, physicians prescribed walks through gardens for patients struggling with mental health issues.
🕯 During the Middle Ages in Europe, monastery gardens were designed not only for sustenance but also for meditation and relaxation.
🔮 Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.
😅 The physical activity involved in gardening also provides exercise, contributing to overall health.
🌳 So, whether you're tending to a small indoor herb garden or cultivating a vast outdoor plot, the act of gardening can be a powerful tool for both mental and physical wellness.
🛒 Shop tropical spice plants and herbs
#Edible_Forest #Remedies
🏵 TopTropicals
How Mulberry fruit helps with diabetes
Fruit of Mulberry Tree (Morus x Alba hybrids)
Mulberry fruit
- 💜 Mulberry Tree (Morus x Alba hybrids) originated from China. Everyone knows this sweet, tasty, juicy fruit but very few people are aware of its amazing health benefits.
- 💜 Mulberry fruit can lower blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. They improve the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut. Eating this fruit slows the breakdown of sugar in the stomach so that it's absorbed more slowly into the blood. This helps the body keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
- 💜 Mulberry fruit have a low glycaemic index, making them suitable to consume after meals to avoid spikes in sugar levels.
- 💜 More health benefits of Mulberry:
- 💜 Mulberry is called Tree of Life for a reason.
- 💜 Mulberry Tree is very cold hardy and can grow in wide range of climate zones, from USDA 5 to 10. Dwarf cultivars available - perfect for container culture. One of them is called Dwarf Everbearing - it fruits virtually year around!
- help prevent fatty liver diseases, and lower cholesterol levels.
- Mulberry leaves show their benefits against cardiometabolic risks, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity
- Due to flavonoids and other phytochemicals, Mulberry juice has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, specifically against breast cancer cells.
Revelation 22, Verse 2: "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
🛒 Plant your own Mulberry tree
#Food_Forest #Remedies
🏵 TopTropicals