Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 28 Sep 2025

Guava: The Healthiest Fruit You Can Grow

Collage  of  guava  varieties:  pink,  white,  Cas,  red  Cattley,  and  golden 
 Cattley  guavas,  shown  as  whole  fruits,  cut  sections,  and  clusters  on  the 
 tree.

Guava varieties: Pink flesh (upper left quarter), White flesh and Cas (upper right quarter), Red Cattley Guava (bottom left quarter) and Golden Cattley (bottom right quarter).

Let’s talk Guava. Few fruits check as many boxes: flavor, productivity, health, and adaptability. We’ve grown guava trees at Top Tropicals for years here in Florida, and it never fails to surprise people with how easy it is — and how quickly it rewards you.

🌿 Health Benefits

We know the first question:"Why guava in addition to all the other fruit trees I could plant?"Because guava is one of the healthiest tropical fruits you can eat and grow — and it produces faster than almost anything else.

  • Vitamin C powerhouse — guava has four times more vitamin C than oranges. One fruit covers your daily needs and then some.
  • Potassium and fiber — good for balancing blood pressure and keeping your heart strong.
  • Antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C — these keep your skin glowing and help protect your cells from damage.
  • Dietary fiber — aids digestion and helps keep blood sugar steady.
  • Guava is a true"food as medicine"tree you can plant right in your backyard or in pot.

♥️ Our Favorite Varieties are Available Now

We currently have a DOZEN excellent guava varieties in stock selected by our plant expert Tatiana Anderson — something special for every garden. Our top picks are:

Pink Guavas

  • Barbie Pink – Yellow pear-shaped fruit with thick pink flesh, sweet and juicy. Cold hardy for a tropical fruit. The best seller.
  • Hong Kong – Large, round, smooth pink fruit. Sweet flavor, very few seeds, and very productive.
  • Tikal – Our top pick. Fast-growing, disease-resistant, and produces the sweetest pink guavas with very few seeds.

White Guavas

  • Indonesian White – Aromatic, classic white-fleshed guava with an excellent tropical flavor.
  • Kilo White – Giant fruit up to 2 lbs (1 kilo) each! Few seeds, creamy white flesh, and fruits even in containers.

Compact/Dwarf

Dwarf  Guava  Hawaiian  Rainbow  tree  with  dense  green  foliage,  inset 
 showing  pink-fleshed  guava  fruit  with 
 seeds.

Dwarf Guava Hawaiian Rainbow

Specialty Varieties

Cas  Guava  fruits  on  tree,  with  ripe  yellow  and  unripe  green  fruit,  one 
 cut  open  to  show  pale  flesh.  Traditional  Costa  Rican  Agua  de  Cas 
 fruit.

Cas Guava with zero sugar for Costa Rican Agua de Cas drink

  • Cas Guava – Bold, tangy, almost zero sugar. The traditional Costa Rican Agua de Cas drink comes from this fruit. Cold hardy.
  • Hawaiian Gold, Yellow Strawberry Guava – The sweetest Strawberry Guava, golden fruit, great for fresh eating and drinks.
  • Brazilian Araca Pera – Rare hybrid used for Guava Wine in Brazil. Tart, concentrated juice makes excellent wine, sorbet, or jelly. Learn more...
  • Pineapple Guava, Guavasteen – Feijoa sellowiana. Strongly perfumed fruit, best enjoyed when the pulp is mixed with sugar – like forest strawberries. Cold-hardy, tolerates freeze, and doubles as a great windbreak. Learn more...

Pineapple  Guava  (Feijoa  sellowiana)  fruit  and  flowers.  Green  oval  fruit
    with  soft  aromatic  flesh,  and  white-red  blossoms  with  long 
 stamens

Pineapple Guava, Guavasteen – Feijoa sellowiana

Every one of these thrives here in Florida or in warm climate. Some are better in pots, some as landscape trees, but all produce generously.

🎥 Watch short videos about Guava:

💲 Special Offer – 20% off Guava Fruit Plants!

Get 20% OFF already discounted Guava plants with code

GUAVA2025

Min order $100. Excluding S/H, valid online only, cannot be combined with other offers.

Hurry, offer expires October 02, 2025!

Explore Guava Fruit Plants

Date: 7 Oct 2025

🌸 Caring for Winter-Blooming Trees

Smokey  the  tuxedo  cat  plants  a  young  Bauhinia  blakeana  tree  in  the 
 ground  while  Sunshine,  a  ginger  cat,  relaxes  in  a  wicker  recliner  with  a  cup
    of  pumpkin  latte.  A  Callistemon  Little  John  bottlebrush  blooms  beside  him, 
 surrounded  by  pumpkins,  autumn  leaves,  and  warm  golden 
 light.

Tips from Top Tropicals Plant Expert - Tatiana Anderson

When northern gardens fade into gray, our tropicals wake up. Winter is color season here - and even if you live up north, you can still enjoy these same flowering trees indoors or on a sunny patio.

From the fiery Royal Poinciana to the golden Tabebuia and violet Jacaranda, these eight trees prove that winter can bloom anywhere

How to Care for Winter-Flowering Trees

We're often asked, at Top Tropicals, “Can I really grow tropical trees in winter?” Yes — with the right light and care, you can. Here’s what works best both outdoors and indoors, according to our expert, Tatiana Anderson.

🌡️ Fall Planting Guide

Let’s talk about timing, because that’s the part most people get nervous about. Everyone asks: “Isn’t it too cool to plant now?” — and the answer is no! Fall and early winter are actually the best months for tropicals in Zones 9 to 11.

Here’s why: the air has cooled off, but the soil is still warm. Roots love that combination. They quietly spread underground while the rest of the plant takes a break. By spring, those roots are ready to feed a burst of new growth — and that’s when you’ll see the first big flush of flowers.

Pick a sunny spot that gets plenty of light — six to eight hours if you can. Loosen the soil and mix in compost or pine bark so it drains well. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the pot and just as deep. Set the plant level with the ground, backfill, and water it deeply to settle everything in. Then add mulch — two or three inches is plenty — but keep it away from the trunk so it can breathe.

Tatiana’s tip: “Fall planting builds roots while everyone else is resting. By spring, your tree wakes up ready to grow.”

🌳 Outdoor Care (Warm Climates Zones 9–11)

Now, let’s talk about what happens after planting — because real gardening starts once the plant is yours. Tropical trees thrive on routine: steady sunlight, deep watering, and just a bit of attention.

Water them about once a week when the weather is mild, more often if it’s dry or windy. Always check the soil first — if it feels dry two inches down, go ahead and water. Mulch helps more than most people realize — it keeps roots cool in summer and warm in winter, and it saves you from watering as often.

Now, for those of you in Zone 9, here’s the truth: your trees can take a chill, but they don’t love surprises. A quick night in the upper 20s F won’t hurt mature plants, but young ones appreciate a little help — a frost cloth or being planted at the south side.

And don’t underestimate the wind. Cold, dry gusts can burn leaves faster than frost. Use fences, hedges, or taller shrubs as windbreaks, and take advantage of microclimates — those warm pockets next to the house, brick patios, or corners that get extra afternoon sun.

Tatiana’s tip: “A tropical garden in Zone 9 isn’t about fighting nature — it’s about cooperating with it. Find the warm corners, protect from the cold wind, and your trees will thank you with flowers all winter.”

🏚️ Indoor & Patio Care (Cooler Climates)

For our northern friends — yes, you can grow tropicals indoors! You just need good light, warm air, and a little attention.

Pick a large pot, with drainage holes and a light tropical soil mix. Place it in a bright window — south or southwest if you can — or under grow lights for about 12–14 hours a day. Keep temperatures between 65 and 85 F, and water when the top inch of soil dries out.

Misting helps keep leaves clean and adds humidity. Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so all sides get sun. In summer, move your plant outdoors gradually so it can enjoy real sunlight — then bring it back in before nights drop below 40 F.

Tatiana’s tip: “Don’t be afraid of growing trees in pots. They adapt beautifully — just select the right trees and pay attention to their needs.”

✔️ Learn more: Secrets of Winter planting - tropical planting breaks the rules.

🎥 Watch short videos about Winter Bloomers:

Royal  poinciana,  Flamboyant  tree,  Delonix  regia

💲 Special Offer – 20% off Winter Bloomers!

Get 20% OFF winter bloomers with code

BLOOM2025

Min order $100. Excluding S/H, valid online only, cannot be combined with other offers.

Hurry, offer expires October 13, 2025!

👉 Explore Winter Flowering Plants

Date: 12 Dec 2025

🎄 Holiday Plant Market:
Saturday, Dec 13, 2025, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 🎉

Smokey  the  tuxedo  cat  and  Sunshine  the  ginger  cat  sitting  at  a  table, 
 studying  a  Holiday  Plant  Market  flyer  with  a  notepad,  coffee  cup,  and 
 donut.

Smokey: We invited people, so we need to be prepared for the crowd.
Sunshine: I am prepared. I saw yummy donuts on the flyer.
Smokey: Of course you did, genius. You are responsible for donuts and coffee.

It is almost here. Our big end-of-season Plant Day. All year we grow the rare and unusual plants that will be featured at this event, and Saturday is the day they finally meet their new homes. The garden turns into a small holiday escape: fresh air, bright colors, music, snacks, and the PeopleCats greeting everyone like they have known you for years.

Meet PeopleCats crew in charge

TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  King
King
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  King
Sushi
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  Snitch
Snitch
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  Paisley
Paisley
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  Persephone
Persephone
TopTropicals  CatPeople:  cat  Loki
Loki

Why you should come

It is December in Florida - warm breeze, sunshine, and perfect planting weather. While the rest of the country is scraping frost off windshields, you're choosing which banana tree to take home. Come enjoy a colorful Saturday surrounded by plants, music, snacks, and friendly PeopleCats. This is your holiday escape, your plant-hunting adventure, and your chance to bring home something amazing before the season ends.

Not Local?

Not everyone is lucky enough to live close by. For our online customers, here is 20% for online orders:

EVENT2025

Valid for online orders only. Minimum order $120 (excluding shipping and handling). Cannot be combined with any other discounts, coupon codes, automatic promotions, or special offers. Not valid on previous purchases. One use per customer. Code must be entered at checkout. Offer valid through the end of Sunday, 12/14/2025

Learn more about the event

🛒 Go Shopping

Date: 30 Apr 2024

What is your cats Zodiac sign?

What is your cats Zodiac sign?
♉️ 😸 What is your cat's Zodiac sign?
Cat Horoscope: Taurus Cats 4/21-5/20


❓ How to know the astrological sign of your cat? It can be determined by either their date of birth or adoption, as adoption is often considered a second birth for cats.

✨ You can discover the astrological traits that describe the cat, such as their independence, diva-like tendencies, sense of humor, intelligence, and more.

✨ It's also important to consider the astrological relationship between cats and plants...

♉️ Taurus Cats are:
▪️sybarites
▪️gourmands
▪️pragmatic
▪️excellent ratters
▪️possessive

🌟 Learn more about Taurus Cats and discover their lucky plants

#PeopleCats #Horoscope

JOIN 👉 @TopTropicals

Date: 22 Mar 2026

Do Fruit Trees Increase Property Value? Tropical Plants That Pay Off

Yard with fruiting tropical trees

Yard with fruiting tropical trees

Landscaped yard in Florida

Landscaped yard in Florida

Mango tree fruiting in the garden

Mango tree fruiting in the garden

Do Fruit Trees Increase Property Value? Tropical Plants That Pay Off 🏡

Can your backyard pay for itself? Learn which 12 tropical fruit trees real estate experts say are the smartest investment for your landscape. Discover how tropical fruit trees like mango and avocado add "edible equity" and curb appeal to your property, making it more desirable to future buyers. Turn your yard into a private paradise that lowers grocery bills and boosts home value.

In warm climates like Florida, a mango tree isn't just landscaping - it’s a food-producing asset. Mature tropical fruit trees offer "edible equity," saving homeowners hundreds in grocery bills while creating a unique, memorable aesthetic for buyers.

Mango Plant Facts

Botanical name: Mangifera indica
Also known as: Mango
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryYellow, orange flowersPink flowersEdible plantSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

🥭 1. Focus on "Instant Recognition" Favorites



Trees buyers already know and love provide the strongest ROI. They signal that the yard is already productive - something new builds can’t offer.

•  Top Picks: Mango, Avocado, Papaya, Banana, Guava, and Loquat.

Avocado Plant Facts

Botanical name: Persea americana, Persea gratissima
Also known as: Avocado, Alligator Pear, Aguacate, Abacate
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyEdible plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region

•  The Value: A single mature avocado or mango tree can yield hundreds of pounds of fruit annually.

🥭 2. Create a "Memorable Discovery" with Exotic Varieties



Unusual fruits turn a standard yard into a tropical orchard, acting as a conversation piece during home tours.

•  The Exotic List: Jackfruit, Sugar Apple, Soursop, Sapodilla, Ice Cream Bean, and Star Fruit.

🥭 3. Strategic Placement for Energy Savings



Large-canopy trees like jackfruit or mango do more than provide food; they act as natural insulation.

•  Natural Cooling: Strategic planting reduces afternoon sun exposure and lowers AC costs.
•  Indoor/Outdoor Flow: Use trees to frame window views, block neighbors, and create private "outdoor rooms."

🥭 4. The Power of the "Mini Orchard"



A collection of 3–5 trees creates a stronger emotional pull than a lone plant. Buyers begin to visualize a lifestyle of smoothies and harvests.

•  Winning Combos: Mango + Avocado + Papaya or Guava + Star Fruit + Banana.

🥭 5. Maintenance: Health Equals Value



Fruit trees only add value if they look manageable. A neglected tree suggests a neglected home.

•  Pre-Sale Prep: Prune for tidiness, mulch the base, and clear fallen fruit.
•  Spacing Matters: Avoid overcrowding; ensure buyers can walk comfortably through the yard without feeling "closed in."

🥭 The Long-Term Play



Unlike decorative plants that may need frequent replacement, fruit trees appreciate over time. Because a mango tree takes years to reach peak production, the best time to plant for future resale value is now. By the time you list, your yard will offer shade, privacy, and a harvest that buyers find hard to resist.

🛒 Start Growing Your Edible Equity - Find the Perfect Fruit Tree for Your Yard

📚 Learn more:


Mango trees in Plant Encyclopedia

#Food_forest #How_to #Discover

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals