Date: 2 Mar 2026
😼😺 The Story Behind Smokey and Sunshine 🐾
Smokey: Not so fast, genius. Twenty five degrees is not the North Pole. And polar bears and penguins do not share zip codes.
Sunshine: You always pour cold water on my brilliance. Fine. Where do we start?
Smokey: Well, first you go talk to Tatiana. She graduated from the Geography Department. She can explain climate zones. Cherry of the Rio Grande can grow in North Florida, Texas, and similar climates. Let’s master that before we conquer Arctic.
Sunshine: So… Phase One: Geography?
Smokey: Exactly.
Some stories are easier to tell with a little humor. Smokey and Sunshine were never just mascots. They represent the two forces behind every decision we make here: bold ideas and careful reality. One dreams big. The other checks the climate zone map. Together, they remind us that growing plants is part science, part optimism, and always personal. If you have ever wondered why they keep appearing in our newsletters, you can read their full story on the Smokey and Sunshine page. They have been with us longer than most people realize.
🐾 Learn the Story of Smoky and Sunshine
Freeze Testing of Grumichama and Cherry of Rio Grande 🍒❄️
When temperatures dropped to 25F, with wind chill near 14F, winter made it clear which tropical trees were truly resilient. Some plants burned back. Tender growth collapsed. But our established Eugenia cherries stood steady. Leaves held. Branches stayed flexible. The canopy remained intact.
Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia aggregata) and Grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis) are among the most cold-hardy tropical cherries for Southern gardens. Both are native to Brazil and thrive in USDA Zones 9b–11, and even protected 9a sites.
Cherry of the Rio Grande produces dark ruby fruit that ripens almost black, with a rich, full cherry flavor. It flowers early in spring and can fruit well into summer. Mature trees can tolerate brief drops into the low 20s once established. Trees typically grow 8 to 15 feet tall, remain naturally compact, and often begin fruiting within 2 to 3 years.
Grumichama is an evergreen tree known for both beauty and productivity. In spring, it covers itself in white starburst flowers that attract pollinators. Within about four weeks, glossy purple-black fruit develops. Established trees tolerate temperatures into the upper 20s and grow well in the ground or in 5–10 gallon containers. Mature trees can produce hundreds of fruits per season.
Across the Eugenia group, strengths are consistent: early bearing, compact growth, heat tolerance, light freeze endurance, and low pest pressure. They are adaptable to different soils, need modest water once established, and perform in full sun or partial shade. Birds enjoy the fruit, but there is usually plenty to share.
Nutritionally, Eugenia cherries provide Vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and notable Vitamin A that supports eye health. They offer sweetness with real dietary value.
In the kitchen, they are simple and rewarding. Cherry of the Rio Grande makes an easy compote. Simmer the fruit with a small amount of water until soft, mash lightly, and spoon over pancakes or warm bread. Grumichama turns into a deep red jam with sugar and lime, or can be blended into a bright spoon drizzle over vanilla ice cream.
Even when not fruiting, both trees remain attractive year-round with glossy evergreen foliage and clean structure. They fit well into edible landscapes, small yards, and container gardens.
Winter will return. The difference lies in planting fruit trees that can handle heat, humidity, and the occasional cold snap. If you are building a food forest for lasting harvests, cold-hardy tropical cherries like Cherry of the Rio Grande and Grumichama deserve a place in your garden.
Date: 23 Feb 2026
Macadamia Tree Care
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals with Smokey & Sunshine help
🌳 Growing Macadamia Tree
Macadamia is not a fragile tree, but it does have preferences. If you respect them from the beginning, the tree rewards you for decades.
- Start with the site. Drainage is everything. Macadamia will tolerate cool weather better if planted in a well-drained area. Avoid low spots where water sits after rain. If your soil is dense or clay-like, build a mound or improve drainage before planting.
- Choose full sun whenever possible for the best nut production.
- Planting location matters. A south or southeast exposure near a wall can create a warmer microclimate that buffers cold nights. Freeze plus wind is more damaging than temperature alone. Macadamia handles cold better when protected from winter wind.
- Dig a hole about twice as wide as the container, but no deeper than the root ball. Set the tree level with the surrounding soil. Do not bury the trunk.
- Water regularly during the first three months while the tree establishes roots.
- Fertilize lightly. Macadamia does not respond well to over-fertilizing. Macadamias prefer mild liquid fertilizers, SUNSHINE Boosters Robusta is ideal for it. You may also use controlled release Green Magic every 6 months, it is especially formulated for hot climate. To keep leaves healthy deep green without yellowing, micro elements must be applied on regular basis, we recommend to always have handy Sunshine Superfood micro nutrients complex.
- Young trees should be protected if temperatures drop below freezing. Once established, they become far more resilient.
- Harvest timing: Nuts mature 6-7 months after flowering. Husk splits naturally when ready. Fallen nuts should be collected quickly.
- Flower and Nut Drop: Many gardeners panic when they see flowers or small nuts drop, but Macadamia naturally sheds excess fruit. It does not mean failure; the tree simply keeps what it can afford to feed.
- Macadamia is relatively low-maintenance, but watch for squirrels and rats. They love the rich nuts as much as humans do, so be sure to collect fallen nuts quickly.
- Root Sensitivity: Macadamia roots dislike disturbance. Transplant carefully. Avoid root damage.
- Macadamia is not a fast-return crop. It begins producing a few years and increases gradually. But once mature, it becomes a steady, reliable part of your garden.
Learn more: Macadamia - Hard Sweet Nut and Hardy Tree
🌱 Growing Macadamia in a Pot
- Container size: Start large. A 15-25 gallon pot is ideal for long-term growth.
- Drainage: Critical. Use a container with multiple drainage holes.
- Soil mix: Use a high-quality, well-draining container mix. Avoid heavy garden soil. Top Tropicals Abundance soil-less mix is specially formulated for pot growing
- Light: Full sun is best. Strong light improves flowering and nut production.
- Watering: Water deeply, then allow the top layer to dry slightly before watering again. Avoid constant saturation.
- Feed lightly and consistenly. SUNSHINE Boosters Robusta liquid fertilizer is safe to use with with every watering. During hot season you may add controlled release Green Magic every 6 months. It is essential to apply micro elements on Macadamias: Sunshine Superfood micro nutrients complex.
- Cold protection: If temperatures drop below freezing, move the container to a protected area such as a garage or greenhouse.
- Pruning: Prune lightly to control size and maintain airflow within the canopy.
- Expectations: Container trees may produce fewer nuts than in-ground trees, but they offer mobility and climate control.
- Smokey says: Container trees offer mobility and climate control so you never have to worry about a freeze!
✍️ More About Macadamia from Garden Blog
🚫 Common Mistakes When Growing Macadamia
-
Planting in poorly drained soil:
The most common mistake. Macadamia will decline quickly in heavy, waterlogged ground. If drainage is questionable, plant on a mound. -
Overwatering young trees:
Newly planted trees need consistent moisture, not constant saturation. Wet roots lead to root problems. -
Over-fertilizing:
Too much fertilizer causes weak growth and nutrient imbalance. Feed lightly and avoid heavy nitrogen applications. -
Planting too deep:
The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Do not bury the trunk. -
Ignoring micronutrients:
Macadamia is very prone to iron, zinc, and copper deficiencies. Yellowing leaves may signal a micronutrient issue. Applly Sunshine Superfood on regular basis. -
Expecting instant production:
Macadamia takes time. Early years build structure. Patience is part of success. -
Skipping cold protection for young trees:
Established trees are tougher, but young plants should be protected below freezing.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Macadamia toxic to pets? While the nuts are a superfood for humans, they are toxic to dogs. If you have a dog that tends to forage in the garden, ensure you harvest fallen nuts promptly or fence the base of the tree during the drop season.
- Which varieties are best for the "Survivor" garden? Look for Macadamia integrifolia (smooth-shell) or hybrids like 'Beaumont' (M. tetraphylla x M. integrifolia). Hybrids often show slightly better cold tolerance and more consistent "home garden" production.
- How tall will my tree get? In the ground, an unpruned Macadamia can reach 20–30 feet. However, they respond very well to "heading back" (pruning the top) to keep them at a manageable 12–15 feet for easy harvesting.
- Do I need two trees for cross-pollination? Macadamias are self-fertile, meaning one tree will produce nuts. However, planting two varieties near each other often results in a significantly heavier "nut set" due to cross-pollination.
- Why are the leaves on my Macadamia prickly? Don't panic—this is normal! Some species, particularly M. tetraphylla, have serrated, holly-like leaves. This actually makes them a great "defensive" hedge against intruders or deer.
- When exactly should I harvest? The tree tells you when it's ready. Don't shake the tree; wait for the nuts to fall naturally. In Florida, this usually happens between August and November. If the green outer husk hasn't split yet, let them sit in a shaded, dry spot until they do.
- My tree has "clusters" of flowers but no nuts. What happened? Macadamias produce long racemes (flower spikes) with hundreds of tiny blooms. It is normal for 90% of these to fall off. The tree only keeps what it can afford to "feed." Boost your success by using a combination of Sunshine C-Cibus liquid fertilizer and SUNSHINE Superfood micro element supplement during the flowering stage to help the tree retain more fruit.
- Can I grow them from a nut I bought at the store? Unlikely. Commercial nuts are usually roasted or dried at high heat, killing the embryo. Even if a raw nut sprouts, it may take 10–12 years to fruit and the quality is a gamble. Buying a grafted tree saves you a decade of waiting.
We don’t just sell plants; we test them. The data from this February freeze proves that with the right selection and proper drainage, 'tropical' doesn’t have to mean 'fragile.' Don’t wait for the next cold front to find out what in your garden is vulnerable. It is time to replace those empty spots with proven survivors that offer both beauty and a premium harvest. If it can stand up to 25F in our fields, it’s ready for your backyard.
Coming in Part 2...
Smokey is already crunching the numbers on our next survivor, and Sunshine found another tree that stayed perfectly green in the wind. Stay tuned to see which fruit tree made the cut!
Date: 23 Feb 2026
❄️ The Hardiness Report: February 2026 ❄️
🐾 Smokey & Sunshine’s real-world survival data from our Sebring, Florida Research Gardens. Smokey analyzed the data. Sunshine just stayed happy. Here is what they found.
Smokey: This is macadamia strength.
Sunshine: I should put a macadamia nut in my coffee and borrow some of that strength.
Smokey: Do not get too nutty yet. It still needs curing and cracking.
📊 Weather Data – February 1–6, 2026
Sebring, Florida – 132 years of recorded observations
This was not a light frost. It was a prolonged, windy, penetrating hard
freeze.
- 🌡 Minimum temperature: 25F
- ❄️ Wind chill: 14F
- ⏳ Duration: 3 nights of 8–10 hour hard freeze
- ☀️ Daytime temperatures: around 50F for 7 days
- 🌀 Wind: sustained 20 mph, gusts 40–50 mph
While all our plants in pots were protected in greenhouses, our in-ground plantings faced the freeze outdoors. We covered what we could. Even so, some plants were damaged, some died, and some surprised us by surviving.
In the next few newsletters, we will share the real survivors - the plants that proved themselves in the ground, under real conditions. Smokey and Sunshine have been out in the fields assessing the damage from the February 1–6 freeze. While many plants struggled, the Macadamia proved to be a true standout. This is how we grow them to handle the tough years.
Why does this matter? Because we have gotten used to warm winters, and this freeze was a rude awakening. Not everyone lives in Miami. If you garden in places where a real cold event can happen, you have to be prepared - and you have to plant what can take it.
🌰 Macadamia: Freeze Tested and Standing
When temperatures dropped to 25F with wind chill near 14F, our established macadamia trees remained upright, green, and structurally intact. Leaves held. Branches stayed firm. No collapse, no panic.
That is not luck. That is macadamia hardiness.
Often considered a "tropical luxury nut," macadamia proved it can handle more than many gardeners expect. In USDA Zones 9b-11, with proper drainage and site selection, it is not just ornamental - it is a long-term food tree with real resilience.
In a winter that reminded us not to take warmth for granted, macadamia earned its place on the survivor list.
The nut itself is famous for its strength. The shell is among the hardest in the nut world, requiring serious pressure to crack. Inside, the kernel is creamy, buttery, rich, and deeply satisfying. High in monounsaturated fats and naturally low in sugar, macadamias have long been valued both for flavor and for nutrition.
The tree is equally impressive. An evergreen with tough leaves and elegant spring flowers, it matures into a productive, manageable canopy. Nuts develop slowly over six to seven months. Production begins in a few years and increases steadily as the tree matures. Plant it once, and it can reward you for decades.
Cold will come again. It always does. The question is not whether winter will test your garden. The question is whether your trees are ready. Macadamia proved it is. If you are building a garden that feeds you for decades, this is a tree worth planting.
🛒 Add Macadamia Tree to your garden
Date: 18 Feb 2026
⭐️ Choosing the Right Variety of Jasmine Sambac
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals
One of the reasons Jasmine Sambac is so fascinating is that it does not come in just one form. Each variety has its own personality.
If you want a compact patio plant, Arabian Nights or Little Duke are excellent choices. They stay tidy, bloom generously, and are easy to manage in containers.
If you prefer elegant, elongated petals and a refined look, Belle of India is a favorite. It can be grown as a small bush or trained lightly as a vine.
For those who love full, carnation-like double flowers, Grand Duke of Tuscany and Grand Duke Supreme are classic selections. They are vigorous and make impressive shrubs in warm climates.
If you need a stronger climber for fences or hedges, Maid of Orleans performs beautifully in full sun while Mysore Mulli prefers semi-shade.
Collectors often enjoy rare forms like Mali Chat or newer hybrids such as Gundu Malli, which combine traits from different lines.
How to Grow Jasmine Sambac Successfully
Sambac is not difficult, but it responds best to consistency.
Light: Full sun produces the most flowers. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade is acceptable. Indoors, place it in the brightest window available.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix such as Sunshine Abundance. Sambac does not like heavy, constantly wet soil.
Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the top layer to dry slightly before watering again. Reduce watering during cooler months.
Pruning: Light trimming after a bloom cycle encourages branching. More branches mean more flower buds.
Feeding: Sambac is a heavy bloomer, and fragrance takes energy. During active growth, feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer that supports flowering such as Green Magic (controlled release every 6 months) or liquid Sunshine Boosters Pikake (formulated especially for fragrant flowers) - with every watering. I prefer formulas slightly higher in potassium to encourage stronger bud formation and richer bloom cycles. Consistent feeding during warm months makes a visible difference in both flower count and intensity of scent.
With proper care, Jasmine Sambac will reward you not just with flowers, but with perfume that changes the atmosphere of your entire garden.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Jasmine Sambac
-
Does Jasmine Sambac need full sun?
It flowers best in full sun. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade is acceptable. Indoors, give it the brightest window possible. -
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes. Sambac performs beautifully in containers. Many gardeners prefer pots because it is easier to control size and move during cold weather. -
How often does it bloom?
With proper light and feeding, it blooms in cycles throughout the warm season. Consistency in care makes flowering more reliable. -
Why is my plant not blooming?
The most common reasons are insufficient light or irregular feeding. Increase light first, then review your fertilizing routine. -
Is it difficult to grow indoors?
Not if you provide strong light and good air circulation. Compact varieties adapt especially well. -
Is it frost tolerant?
No. Jasmine Sambac is tropical. Protect it from temperatures below 40F and bring it indoors before frost.
🌸 Year of the Horse Special – Jasmine Bonus
Celebrate 2026 with the fragrance of Jasmine plants. For a limited time, enjoy special savings when you grow one of the most wanted perfume plants in cultivation.
Date: 18 Feb 2026
🔥 Blazing into the 2026 with hot jasmines
Smokey: It's jasmine, Tiger. A shrub. Not Wembley. Calm down.
💮 2026 Year of the Horse - and the Plant I Trust Most
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals
Every new year carries its own energy.
2026 is the Year of the Horse - a year of movement, fire, momentum, and bold decisions. It is not a quiet year. It pushes us forward.
When fellow gardeners ask me what to grow in a year like this, my answer
is simple:
Grow something that balances strength with grace.
For me, that plant is Jasmine Sambac.
In many cultures, Sambac represents devotion, purity, and deep affection. In the Philippines it is the national flower - Sampaguita - woven into garlands for weddings and sacred ceremonies. In Hawaii, it becomes leis - a symbol of welcome and connection - Pikake. In India, it perfumes temples and homes.
This is not just a fragrant shrub.
It is a plant tied to love, loyalty, and continuity.
The Horse runs forward.
Jasmine anchors the heart.
In a fiery year like 2026, I believe we need both.
And that is why I always return to Jasminum sambac.
✅ Why Jasmine Sambac?
Over the years I have grown thousands of plants, but very few have the staying power of Jasmine Sambac.
It is not just fragrant. It is intensely, unmistakably fragrant. One open flower can perfume an entire patio. In the evening, the scent becomes deeper and richer.
But what makes Sambac truly special is its adaptability.
It can grow as a compact patio shrub, a flowering hedge, or a climbing vine. It performs beautifully in containers. It tolerates both full sun and partial shade. The more light you give it, the more flowers it rewards you with.
And unlike many tropicals, Sambac does not bloom just once. With proper care, it flowers in cycles throughout the warm season.
For gardeners, that combination is rare: beauty, perfume, flexibility, and repeat bloom.
That is why it has remained one of the most wanted fragrant plants in cultivation.