Date: 24 Jun 2018
Growing tropicals from seeds.
From Kristi the Wizard of Rose: I grow many plants from seeds, both for my personal collection, and for TopTropicals. I receive many questions from customers who want to grow tropical plants from seeds. Some of them live in colder climates and try to extend growing season of their tropical collections by starting new varieties early in the year from seeds. These are a few tips that may be helpful.
Q: What do I need to do to speed up germination process?
A:
Many factors affect germination. Considering you get fresh
seeds (for example from TopTropicals) and Mother Nature
gives them a good kick start, there are a few things that
may speed up germination:
1) Scarification. Large seeds with a hard outer
shell can be slightly sanded down just enough for moisture
to get inside to wake up the seed during the pre-soaking.
Be careful not to damage the seed. See example of Lotus seed
scarification.
2) Pre-soaking. We recommend pre-soaking most of
the seeds for only a few hours (3-8 depending on species.
Some seeds are very sensitive to moisture and may start
rotting if stay wet without air circulation. Small seeds,
especially tiny ones like dust, should not be soaked.
3) SUNSHINE-S treatment. Adding a few drops of SUNSHINE-S booster when
pre-soaking seeds increases their germination rate 3-5
times.
4) Temperature. Warm temperatures help germination.
If grown indoors, put seeds containers or trays in the
warmest spot of your house; you may use heat pads.
Outdoors, putting them in full sun helps a lot, just don't
let soil to dry out.
Use only special porous seed germination mix
Date: 19 Jul 2022
New video: Royal Poinciana
The most beautiful tropical shade tree
"The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees
in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is
like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry
M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)
One of the most conspicuous flowering trees seen in the tropics, Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) has bright fiery red/orange
blossoms cover its mimosa type leaves which close up and go to sleep for the
night.
This large tree, which naturally assumes a spreading umbrella shape, is now
found in gardens, parks, and planted along streets throughout the tropics.
In late spring, as the new leaves appear, the tree is covered with masses of
five-petalled red flowers resembling orchid flowers. Blooming is followed by
long, flattened, leathery dark brown or black seed pods. Delonix requires full
sun and adequate space to take its characteristic form....
Read Article about this tree.
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Date: 24 Oct 2025
Guava fudge: quick-n-fun exotic recipes
Guava fruit
Guava fudge
🔴A tropical fudge-like sweet.
🍴 Guava fudge: quick-n-fun exotic recipes
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe guava pulp
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook guava pulp with sugar in a pan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until mixture thickens and pulls away from sides.
- Pour into a greased pan and let it cool.
- Cut into small squares and enjoy your tropical fudge.
🛒 Grow your own sweet guava fruit
📚 Learn more:
- Six guava varieties that will keep you picking year-round
- How to grow a Guava Tree: Practical Guide to Growing Guava
- More about #Guava
#Food_Forest #Recipes
🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Date: 4 Nov 2025
The secret Brain Food growing in my backyard (and it tastes like green peas!)
Tropical Asparagus (Sauropus androgynus)
🏆 The secret Brain Food growing in my backyard (and it tastes like green peas!)
- 🌿 Katuk, or Tropical Asparagus (Sauropus androgynus), is one of the most underrated edible plants you can grow. This leafy tropical shrub is a superfood in disguise. It grows fast, looks lush, and its tender young shoots taste just like green peas.
- 🌿 Native to Southeast Asia, Katuk is a kitchen staple in places like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. The leaves and shoots are used in soups, stews, and stir-fries with egg or seafood. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious - rich in nutrients linked to improved memory and reduced cognitive aging: folate, lutein, and especially vitamin K, which is rare in plants.
- 🌿 Katuk thrives in sun or partial shade, needs little care, and grows into a dense, bushy plant that gives you edible greens all year round. If you want something that feeds both your garden and your health, this one’s a winner!
🛒 Add Katuk Superfood to your Food Forest
Lean more:
🍴 Katuk egg stir-fry: Quick-n-Fun exotic recipes
✔️ Discover the health benefits of Katuk: a Superfood for your mind and body
📚 Tropical Asparagus, Katuk: Grow your own food
📱 How to cook with Katuk
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Discover
🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Date: 11 Nov 2025
Fruits with the most vitamin E, according to dietitians
Fruits with the most vitamin E
🥭 Fruits with the most vitamin E, according to dietitians
- 🔛 Vitamin E works as an antioxidant that helps fight inflammation throughout the body. While nuts and seeds top the charts, some fruits quietly add their share to your daily needs - especially when eaten with a bit of healthy fat. According to New York City Nutrition, vitamin E anti-inflammatory action supports heart, brain, and skin health.
- 🔛 Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, meaning it fights inflammation in the body. Because of this anti-inflammatory role, vitamin E is beneficial for immune health, heart health, eye health, brain health, and skin health.
- 🔛 Adults need about 15 milligrams a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Deficiency is rare, but it’s smart to get vitamin E from a variety of foods. Fruits alone don’t provide large amounts, but they can complement vitamin-E-rich foods like almonds or sunflower seeds.
- 🔛 Since vitamin E needs fat for absorption, pair fruit with something creamy or crunchy - like yogurt, olive oil, nuts, or seeds - for best results.
- 🔛 Here are some fruits that naturally offer vitamin E:
- 🍊 Sapote 1 cup = 3.7 mg vitamin E. A tropical favorite with rich orange flesh and a flavor somewhere between pumpkin pie and sweet potato, with hints of honey and almond, Sapote is great fresh, blended in shakes, or scooped over ice cream. It also packs calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
- Blackberries 1 cup = 1.7 mg vitamin E. Deep color, bold flavor, and plenty of antioxidants, Blackberries are high in fiber and low in calories. Dietitian Keri Glassman calls them her top fruit for fighting inflammation.
- 🥭 Mango 1 cup = 1.5 mg vitamin E. The “king of fruits” brings more than tropical sweetness, Mango supports digestion, helps you feel full longer, and delivers both vitamin A and E in one juicy package.
- 🍉 Guava 1 cup = 1.2 mg vitamin E. This fragrant fruit has a flavor that lands between strawberry and pear, Guava is also one of the highest-fiber fruits and surprisingly rich in protein for a fruit.
- 🍑 Persimmon 1 fruit = 1.2 mg vitamin E. An autumn favorite that looks like an orange tomato but tastes sweet and mellow, Persimmons are rich in vitamins A and C and make a colorful, fiber-filled snack or dessert.
- Avocado 1 fruit = 0.9 mg vitamin E. Creamy, mild, and versatile, Avocado’s healthy fats help your body absorb vitamin E while protecting heart health. Try it on toast, in salads, or as a smooth butter substitute in baking.
🛒 Plant more remedies in your food forest
📚 Learn more:
- Plant a fruit tree - and breathe easier: fruit might be the surprising key to healthier lungs
- 11 tropical fruits to eat instead of taking a fiber supplement
- Tropical fruit health benefits guide - what fruit and edibles can help with health issues and vitamin deficiencies, Part 1 and Part 2.
- Five best fruit trees to plant in Summer
- 10 best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes
- Top 10 fruiting plants you'll ever need for your health benefits
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Discover
🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals