Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 15 Dec 2025

Thank you for coming to Plant Market in Ft Myers

Kristi  Vanbenschoten,  Top  Tropicals  manager,  holding  Persephone  the  cat
    on  her  shoulder  in  the  garden

Kristi Vanbenschoten, Top Tropicals manager, and Persephone the cat

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our Holiday Plant Market last Saturday, December 13, 2025. It was great to see familiar faces, meet new visitors, and watch the garden fill with people exploring, asking questions, and choosing new plants to take home. Our CatsPeople were busy greeting guests, supervising carts, and making sure everyone felt welcome. Your support and good energy are what make these events special for us. We hope your new plants settle in beautifully, and we look forward to seeing you back in the garden soon!

Check out Event Mementos

Persephone  the  cat  at  Garden  Event

Date: 20 Dec 2025

🎄 From our home and garden to yours!

Christmas  yard  decoration  showing  a  festive  holiday  train  with  Santa,  a
    snowman,  and  gift-filled  cars  displayed  on  a  front  lawn  in  a  warm-climate 
 neighborhood.

Hello friends,

From our home and garden to yours, we wish you a warm and peaceful holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, as it comes to a close, Kwanzaa, Feliz Navidad, the New Year, or all of the above, we hope your days are filled with light and the promise of what is growing ahead.

Gardening connects us across seasons, cultures, and traditions, and we are grateful to share this journey with you.

Date: 4 May 2026

🎉 Work First. Celebrate Anyway. That Is the Plan.

Sunshine  cat  holding  large  mango  tacos  in  a  garden  nursery  while  Smokey
   works  on  laptop  with  margarita  and  donuts  on 
 table
Smokey: Work first. Celebrations later.
Sunshine: I am celebrating efficient workflow.
Smokey: Impressive. Somehow your workflow smells like tacos.
Sunshine: I assembled mango tacos. Join my festivities.

Cinco de Mayo has a way of sneaking up the right way. The weather settles, the evenings stretch a little longer, and suddenly everything moves outside - plants, people, and whatever happens to be for lunch. It is the kind of day where you stay out longer than planned, something cold is sweating on the table, and dinner becomes whatever sounds good.

This year, it was mango tacos. Not a recipe we planned - just a few ripe mangoes that needed a purpose and the kind of lazy inspiration that shows up around 5pm in the garden. Nothing complicated. Just something warm from the pan and a quick assembly that somehow feels like a celebration.

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

It's funny how a good meal can send you down a rabbit hole. One bite of something fresh and you start wondering where it came from, whether you could grow it yourself, and how much better it might taste if you did.

That is really the point. A small shift from planning to picking, where the line between the garden and the kitchen starts to blur. If you are growing fruit, or thinking about it, this is your reminder: the best meals usually start about ten feet from your back door.

🛒 Start with one plant - Shop Fruit Trees

Date: 4 May 2026

🍲 Where the Garden Becomes the Kitchen

Close-up  of  Capsicum  annuum  x  chinense  Biquinho  pepper  plant  with 
 clusters  of  small,  bright  red,  teardrop-shaped  fruits  hanging  among  glossy 
 green  leaves,  some  still  green,  with  water  droplets  visible  after  rain.

Biquinho pepper loaded with fruit - small, beak-shaped peppers ripen from green to bright red, offering intense fruity habanero flavor with little to no heat on a compact, heavy-producing plant.

Sweet Pepper Plant Facts

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
Also known as: Sweet Pepper, Chilli Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Ornamental pepper
USDA Zone: 4 - 10
Highligths Small plant 2-5 ftFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyBlue, lavender, purple flowersWhite, off-white flowersEdible plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Irritating plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region

A lot of plants that thrive in Florida heat have deep roots in Mexico, and not just as ornamentals. Think coral vine or flame vine climbing a fence in summer, or bird of paradise sitting at the edge of a patio like it owns the place. These are not plants that need coaxing. They grow fast, full, and unapologetically. Then there are the plants you actually eat: peppers, prickly pear , sweetleaf, and fruit trees like avocado, guava, and sapodilla. They do not just decorate the yard. They change how the yard works, and how the kitchen feels all year.

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

That is the part that sneaks up on you. Gardening stops being about having a pretty yard and starts becoming a way of living. Mango tacos taste different when you picked the mango yourself. Everything does.

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

Four  Kent  mangoes  with  red,  green,  and  yellow  blush  arranged  on  a 
 plate.

Kent mango - classic late-season variety with smooth, fiberless flesh and rich, sweet flavor.

🍀Mexican Plants That Thrive With Minimal Effort

by Tatiana Anderson, Top Tropicals Garden Expert

Close-up  of  Lippia  dulcis  (Aztec  Sweet  Herb)  showing  small  white 
 button-like  flowers  with  pale  green  centers  surrounded  by  serrated  bright 
 green  leaves  on  a  low-growing  plant.

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb in bloom - a low-growing Mexican herb with tiny white flowers and remarkably sweet leaves that can be eaten fresh or added to fruit dishes, traditionally used since Aztec times for coughs and colds.

Aztec Sweet Herb Plant Facts

Botanical name: Phyla dulcis, Lippia dulcis, Phyla scaberrima, Lippia mexicana
Also known as: Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyOrnamental foliageWhite, off-white flowersEdible plantSpice or herb plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Fragrant plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region

These Mexican plants are surprisingly easy to grow if you give them what they expect: sun, heat, and good drainage. Most of them are built for tough conditions and will grow fast with minimal care once established.

The one rule that matters: fill the planting hole with water. If it does not drain in 5-10 seconds, plant on a mound or use a container.

Flowering vines will take off quickly, edibles like peppers and sweetleaf lippia are very forgiving, and cactus types prefer to be left alone rather than overwatered.

For full, step-by-step growing tips and plant-specific advice, read our blog - we break everything down in practical, real-world terms.

📚 Top Tropicals Garden Blog

Large,  dense  Senecio  confusus  (Mexican  Flame  Vine)  covered  in  clusters 
 of  bright  red-orange  daisy-like  flowers  climbing  over  a  trellis  against  a 
 blue  sky.

Mexican Flame Vine in full bloom - a fast-growing, drought-tolerant climber that quickly covers fences with vivid red flowers, attracting pollinators and adding bold color with minimal care.

Mexican Flame Vine Plant Facts

Botanical name: Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides, Senecio confusus
Also known as: Mexican Flame Vine, Orangeglow Vine
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantVine or creeper plantFull sunWater Requirement: Low. Allow soil to dry out between wateringsWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryYellow, orange flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersInvasive plantPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeFlood tolerant plantSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

🛒 Shop heat tolerant plants

🌮 Sunshine’s Mango Taco 😺

Fresh  mango  tacos  loaded  with  juicy  chunks  and  bright  toppings, 
 surrounded  by  whole  and  sliced  mangoes  for  that  tropical  feel.

Mango Tacos

This is not cooking. This is assembly.

What you need

  • Tortillas
  • 1 ripe mango (diced)
  • Something warm (sweet potato, chicken, or leftovers)
  • A little onion (optional)
  • Lime (or bottled lime juice)
  • Sour cream or yogurt
  • Salt and pepper

How Sunshine does it

  1. Heat whatever you have in a pan
  2. Put mango in a bowl, add lime and a pinch of salt
  3. Mix sour cream with lime (this is your sauce)
  4. Put everything into a tortilla
  5. Enjoy with a margarita

Sunshine's rules

  • No measuring
  • No recipes
  • If it tastes good, it is correct

Want this to be normal?
Start with a mango tree. That is usually how it begins.

🛒 Plant your own mango tree

💌 Mother's Day is one week away

Still deciding? A gift card is the easiest option. With our bonus, it is also the best value.

Mother’s  Day  themed  Top  Tropicals  gift  certificate  with  a  pink 
 decorative  frame  filled  with  jasmine,  plumeria,  magnolia,  and  champaka 
 flowers,  tropical  fruits  across  the  center,  and  a  Happy  Mothers  Day  banner 
 at  the  top,  with  space  for  certificate  details  and  message.

Mother’s Day Top Tropicals gift certificate

🎁 Get a Gift Card

Date: 22 Apr 2026

Secrets of Real Mango Flavor

Top-down  view  of  a  white  tray  filled  with  assorted  mango  varieties  in 
 different  shapes  and  colors,  including  green,  yellow,  red,  and  orange, 
 arranged  outdoors  on  a  textured  surface.

A colorful mix of mango varieties - different shapes, colors, and flavors all in one harvest.

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

Mango Practical Growing Tips (Keep It Simple)

  • Sun: Full sun is key. 6–8+ hours daily for best growth and fruiting.
  • Soil: Excellent drainage is critical. In pots, use well-draining mix with added perlite or sand. Mango does not like wet roots.
  • Watering: Water deeply, then let soil dry slightly before watering again. Avoid constantly wet soil.
  • Containers: Excellent for pots. Condo mango varieties stay compact and are easy to manage on patios.
  • Feeding: Light but consistent feeding during active growth makes a big difference. Use controlled-release Green Magic for steady nutrition, and supplement with liquid Sunshine Boosters Mango Tango during warm months to push growth and fruiting.
  • USDA Zones: Best suited for Zones 9b–11. In Zone 9b, choose a warm, protected microclimate (south-facing wall, patio, or near structures) and be prepared to protect during cold snaps. In Zones 10–11, mango grows reliably in-ground. If you live in colder zones, grow in a pot so you can move the tree indoors or protect it during cold weather.
  • Cold Protection: Protect young trees during cold nights. Use cover or place near a wall or warm microclimate. Mature trees are more tolerant.
  • Airflow: Good airflow helps prevent disease and keeps growth clean.
  • Spacing: Give the tree room for light and airflow. Even compact trees benefit from space.

Mango  tree  Van  Dyke  growing  in  an  orchard,  loaded  with  ripening  mango 
 fruits,  surrounded  by  mulch  and  irrigation,  under  a  bright  blue  sky  with 
 scattered  clouds.

A fruiting mango tree Van Dyke in the grove, heavy with developing mangoes and enjoying full sun.

Mango Winter Care (Very Important)

Mango is not a truly cold-hardy plant. It performs best in USDA Zone 9b and warmer, where freezes are rare and short. In borderline areas, winter protection becomes part of the routine. Mango trees should be covered during cold nights, and planting near a south-facing wall helps protect from cold winds. That small microclimate can make a real difference. If your winters are less predictable, growing mango in a container becomes the simplest solution. It gives you full control — you can move the tree to a protected space when temperatures drop, and bring it back into the sun when conditions improve.

That is where condo mango varieties make the most sense. They are naturally compact, easier to manage in pots, and still produce full-size, high-quality fruit. You get all the benefits of a mango tree without needing a large yard or perfect climate — just sun, a container, and a bit of seasonal movement when needed.

📚 Mango tips from our Blog

Growing Mango in a Pot (Condo Mango Made Easy)

Young  mango  tree  growing  in  a  large  black  nursery  pot,  supported  with 
 stakes  and  drip  irrigation,  bearing  several  green  mango  fruits,  set  in  a 
 lush  garden  with  flowering  shrubs  and  a  sunny  lawn  in  the  background.

Young mango tree in a container, already holding fruit and thriving in a sunny garden setting.

Growing mango in a container is one of the easiest ways to control size, soil, and winter protection. Condo mango varieties stay naturally compact and adapt well to pots, making them ideal for patios, small spaces, or colder climates. You get full flexibility — move the tree when needed, manage its growth, and still enjoy real tree-ripened fruit.

  • Pot size: Start with 3–7 gallon, move up to 15–25 gallon as the tree grows.
  • Soil: Use fast-draining mix such as Abundance soilles mix.
  • Sun: Place in full sun. More light = better growth and fruiting.
  • Watering: Water deeply, then let soil dry slightly before next watering.
  • Feeding: Use controlled-release Green Magic for steady nutrition, plus liquid Sunshine Boosters Mango Tango during active growth.
  • Climate Flexibility: Can be grown in any USDA zone when kept in a container. Simply move indoors or to a protected area during cold weather to keep the tree safe.
  • Pruning: Light pruning keeps the tree compact and productive.

Once you taste a real mango from your own tree, everything changes. It is no longer something you buy — it is something you grow, wait for, and look forward to every season. What felt like hype suddenly makes sense. The passion people have for mango is not exaggerated — it just comes from a completely different experience.

And for people who have never tasted a fresh, juicy mango warmed by the sun, that moment comes as a surprise — the first time they realize what mango is actually supposed to taste like.

As Smokey quietly puts it: Now you know.

📚 More about Condo Mango

🛒 Shop Condo Mango

Landscape  infographic  showing  how  to  cut  a  mango  in  five  steps.  Step  1 
 -  slicing  along  each  side  of  the  pit.  Step  2  -  separating  the  two  cheeks  and
   the  pit.  Step  3  -  scoring  the  mango  flesh  in  a  grid  pattern.  Step  4  - 
 turning  the  cheek  inside  out  to  create  cubes.  Step  5  -  scooping  or  slicing 
 the  cubes  to  eat.  Bright  yellow  background  with  whole  and  cut  mangoes  and 
 green  leaves  decorating  the  layout.

Simple step-by-step guide to cutting a mango into clean, easy cubes - from slicing off the cheeks to popping and scooping the fruit.

🎥 Watch Mango videos

🛒 Shop Mango Trees

Close-up  of  a  cluster  of  ripening  mangoes  hanging  from  a  branch, 
 showing  red  and  purple  blush  tones  against  a  blurred  outdoor  background.

Cluster of ripening mangoes developing rich color on the tree just before harvest.

Taste the Mango Difference - Save 10%

Once you taste a real mango from your own tree, everything changes. Now you know. Get 10% off with coupon code MANGO2026 on 3 gal mango trees.
Offer valid through 04/28/2026.
Discount applies to 3 gal plants only. Not valid on previous purchases and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Offer subject to change without notice.