Q: I want to grow my own pineapples, which
varieties do you recommend for the best production? Do I need any special organic
fertilizer?
A: Growing your own pineapple is pure bliss. Watching the transformation from a small crown
into a luscious fruit is immensely rewarding. Every tropical gardener should
experience the joy of growing this tropical gem and relishing its sun-kissed
sweetness straight from the garden. Pineapples are easy to grow and can
fruit in containers too, so if you live in a colder climate, no problem! They
will take very little space in your greenhouse or sunroom. Just remember to feed
your pineapple plants with Sunshine Boosters so they will feed you the biggest and the sweetest
fruit! Sunshine Boosters are natural, organic-amino-acid based plant nutrients
that are perfect for any edibles.
There are several varieties of pineapples in commercial cultivation. Below
are the most interesting cultivars. Discover the pineapple paradise!
Elite Gold:
Bursting with tropical flavor and vibrant gold flesh, Elite Gold dazzles with
its unique taste and ornamental beauty.
Florida
Special: Perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity, this variety thrives in warmer
climates, gifting you a taste of Florida's sunshine.
Sugar Loaf:
Irresistibly sweet with a hint of citrus, Sugar Loaf's compact size makes it
an ideal choice for container gardening.
White Jade
(Spineless Sweet): Exceptionally sweet and without spines, White Jade pampers
you with a delectable, thorn-free harvest.
Lava Burst
(Burgundy Variegated Rainbow): This visually stunning ornamental pineapple
variety boasts striking burgundy and green leaves, resembling a rainbow of
colors. Its fruit edible but small; its exceptional beauty adds a touch of exotic
elegance to any garden or indoor space. Lava Burst is a delightful
conversation starter and a captivating addition to your plant collection, making it a
favorite among pineapple enthusiasts for its aesthetic appeal.
Embrace the sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of savoring
homegrown, mouthwatering pineapples - nature's sweetest gift!
To assist our customers in creating a happy and enjoyable gardening
experience this year, we consulted with our horticulturist to compile a list of
ten recommended items. Here are the results...
1. A favorite. Get yourself a favorite small flowering plant that is compact, manageable, and easy. Such as Ground
Orchid. Keep it in a pot or plant in the ground by the entryway where it can
be seen often and enjoyed. 2. A fruit of your labor. You need at least one (or one more) fruit tree for your
garden, or for container culture if you live in colder climate. Growing and
especially harvesting tropical fruit will make you happy. The Winner of the last
year was Cherry
Lolita - an easy, compact fruit tree that can produce almost year
around. Some fruit
trees will fruit right away! 3. Be exclusive. A rare plant is a must for every gardener. It can be a useful gem such as
Noni Tree
or an unusual-looking like a Bat Lily - Tacca. Show your friends and neighbors something different
they have never seen! 4. Make it cool. Finally plant that shade tree by your driveway. Yes it takes time to grow, but the sooner
you plant it, the sooner you get that shade! There are some fast growing species, some only take a couple of years to the mature
size. 5. Beauty. If you have an ugly fence or unwanted view in your yard,
cover it with a
flowering vine. Look at the beauty every day and make your life better.
Replace a boring standard hedge with colorful flowering shrubs that will make you smile. 6. Scent. Add some fragrant plants to your landscape and inhale their healing magic. 7. Tropical. For a shady corner, select a showy tropical with lush foliage such as Philodendron or Monstera, or
all time favorite
Banana. Get a feel of tropics. 8. Happiness of giving. Buy a gift plant for someone you care about but don't know how to thank them.
Live plant is the best expression of love and gratitude. If you are unsure
what plant to pick, ask our Team or simply buy a Gift Certificate that will never expire - let them chose the plant they
like. 9. Food for all. A set of quality liquid fertilizers is a must - try Sunshine Boosters that can be used year around. They will make your
plants healthy, strong, fast growing, cold hardy and disease-resistant. You can
choose formulas for different plant types from our selection, or simply buy online a Nutrition Kit of 8 bottles that will cover all your needs and save you
50% on fertilizer cost! 10. Share. Subscribe your friend to TopTropicals Newsletter so they can get a weekly Piece of Tropics in
their mailbox. Cool Cat Photos come as a bonus!
Make sure to always have on hand at least 2 main formulas of Sunshine
Boosters - Robusta for vegetative growth, and C-Cibus
Date: 14 May 2019
How to get gingers to bloom
Q: I have several gingers in my yard, including Red Torch, Lobster Claw, and Red Bamboo Ginger, they grow beautifully but only produce large dark
green leaves and no flowers. Is there anything I can do to make them bloom? Do
they need any special fertilizer?
A:Gingers are easy to grow tropical plants with so many benefits, giving
us unique spice, and showy flowers (including long-lasting cut flowers!) -
where other plants fail, especially in deep shade. They are not fussy about
soils and even water once established. To keep your gingers happy, follow these
simple steps:
1. Bright light is essential for flowering, but planting gingers in
semi-shade or filtered light will keep them stress-free from burning summer rays.
2. Water gingers regularly until they established and start producing
new leaves and stems. Once they start clumping, you may reduce watering to a
minimum 9once a week or so), or rely on your sprinkler system.
3. Once the plant is established, start using fertilizer to induce
flowering and healthy growth.
- We recommend granulated "smart release" fertilizer for all tropical
plants. For gingers, the best formula is Tropical Allure. It provides all macro- and microelements essential for
the healthy growth of the plant.
- Apply balanced water-soluble plant food for Gingers, Heliconias and
Bananas -
Broad Leaf Plus - once a month.
- Additionally, you may also add to the menu flower booster Pink N Good Daly Plant Food - this fertilizer is used in very low
concentration and can be used with every watering.
4. Remove old dry and yellowing leaves with sharp cutters to avoid pest
problems and keep good air circulation around these clumping plants.
5. Keep soil covered with 1"mulch to protect from weeds and maintain
the optimal amount of moisture for the rhizomes.
