Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 15 Feb 2020

Araucaria: A Case of Mistaken Identity

by Mark Hooten, the Garden Doc

There is a particular kind of tall narrow tree, commonly seen planted in yards all over the Florida peninsula... They perhaps resemble Northern spruces or firs, and basically everyone knows them as "Norfolk Island Pines". For many years, I also did not question their identity. Not only are they planted very commonly here in Florida, but are also found for sale, often as potted "Christmas Trees" in every major nursery, big box store, and often grocery stores across the country. They are all sold as Norfolk Island Pines. Basically everyone knows them under that name. However, they are NOT!..

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Date: 22 Oct 2024

How to grow Jackfruit in a pot:
the biggest fruit in the world

Jackfruit  -  Artocarpus  heterophyllus

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

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!

Jackfruit  -  Artocarpus  heterophyllus

Learn more:
About Jackfruit
How to grow the biggest fruit on Earth
Cheena - Jackedack

Videos:
Jackfruit Fruit

Jackfruit  -  Artocarpus  heterophyllus

Jackfruit  -  Artocarpus  heterophyllus

Date: 18 Apr 2025

Want Constant Blooms? Plant Clerodendrums

Your Shortcut to a Colorful Garden

Cat  with  Bleeding  Heart  Clerodendrum

Q: Q: I live in Florida, and while everything is green, I want more color in my garden and patio. What low-maintenance perennials can add nonstop blooms without constant care? I'm tired of annuals that don't last. Do such plants even exist?

A: Yes, they do - and your perfect solution is Clerodendrums. These colorful tropical perennials grow fast, bloom for most of the year, and thrive in both sun and shade. They're easy to care for, relatively cold-tolerant, and come in many shapes: shrubs, vines, and even small trees. Ideal for both garden beds and containers.

Why Grow Clerodendrums?

Clerodendrum  philippinum  -  Cashmere  Bouquet

Clerodendrums are tough, reliable, and visually striking plants:
- Fast-growing with a compact habit
- Available in many forms: shrubs, vines, and small trees
- Colorful flowers, many of them are sweetly fragrant!
- Thrive in sun or shade; cold tolerant; not picky about soil
- Bloom repeatedly or continuously
- Excellent for pots, patios, or indoors

Clerodendrums as Shrubs

Clerodendrum  ugandense  and  mastacanthum

- Clerodendrum bungei - Glory Bower: fragrant pink blooms, spreads quickly
- Clerodendrum incisum - Musical Note: unique buds shaped like musical notes
- Clerodendrum inerme - Wild Jasmine: salt-tolerant, good for seaside areas
- Clerodendrum mastacanthum - Pink Butterfly Bush: long-blooming, eye-catching pink
- Clerodendrum paniculatum - Pagoda Flower: layered red-orange towers of flowers
- Clerodendrum philippinum - Cashmere Bouquet: double fragrant flowers, shade-tolerant
- Clerodendrum ugandense - Blue Butterfly: delicate blue blooms that attract pollinators

Clerodendrums as Vines

Clerodendrum  thomsoniae  -  Bleeding  Heart

- Clerodendrum thomsoniae - Bleeding Heart: classic red-and-white contrast, climbs easily
- Clerodendrum speciosum - Red Bleeding Heart: vivid magenta blooms, great on trellises

Clerodendrums as Small Trees

Clerodendrum  quadriloculare  -  Winter  Starburst

- Clerodendrum minahassae - Fountain Clerodendrum: upright, white flower sprays
- Clerodendrum sahelangii - Champagne Clerodendrum: cascading white blooms
- Clerodendrum quadriloculare - Winter Starburst: purple leaves, late winter blooms
- Clerodendrum schmitii - Chains of Glory: dangling flower clusters, unusual look
- Clerodendrum wallichii - Bridal Veil: long white flowers, graceful arching branches

Clerodendrum  minahasse

Date: 22 Apr 2025

Celebrate Earth Day - Plant a Tree, Power the Planet!

Earth  Day  April  22

This Earth Day, join the world's largest civic movement for the planet! Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day brings over a billion people together in support of a greener future. The 2025 theme, "Our Power - Our Planet ", encourages bold action - like planting trees that clean our air, feed our families, and brighten our landscapes.

Ready to grow your impact? Grow something powerful!

Get 10% OFF everything in our store using this code:

EARTH2025

Min order $100, excluding S/H. Exp. Exp 4-27-25.

Cat  with  trees  in  nursery

Date: 12 Jun 2025

Father's Day Sale!

Happy  Father's  Day  Cat

This Father's Day, celebrate with a food forest - don't just mow, grow! Plant something meaningful that will not only bring joy today but also provide delicious fruit, edibles, and fragrant blooms for years to come. Whether you're a father or celebrating one, this is the perfect day to plant and nurture a garden that will thrive, just like the love you share with your family. Plant today to enjoy the fruits of your labor tomorrow!

Use the code below to save 15% on your entire order:

FATHERS25

Min order $150. Excluding S/H. Exp. 6-15-25

Reminder: use our FREE and DISCOUNTED SHIPPING for qualified orders

Mango  trees  in  pots


Join our local event:
June 14, 2025 - Father's Day Plant Market, 9 am - 4 pm

Join us on Saturday June 14 for Father's Day Plant Market
- Kids, bring your dads and surprise them with the gift of a tree! Let them pick any tree they like and plant it together.
- Fathers, bring your kids and teach them how to connect with nature - show them how to plant a tree and grow something lasting!
Stroll through our lush gardens, meet the friendly PeopleCats, and enjoy a fun day for the whole family. Our team will help you choose the perfect plants for your space and guide you every step of the way.

Event Highlights:

30% OFF online prices
FREE plant with any purchase (including Guava)
Gift bags for first 25 customers with $50+ order
$5-10 specials
$10-20 Large Banana Trees - many varieties!
Exciting raffle prizes
Green Magic fertilizer FREE samples
Live music by the Famous Hand Pan Lady!

Event discounts valid at both locations:

Ft Myers Garden Center: 13890 Orange River, Ft Myers, FL
Sebring B-Farm: 9100 McRoy Rd, Sebring, FL

Top  Tropicals  Plant  Market