Date: 17 Jun 2022
Mango trees: how to deal with cold weather
By Ed Jones, the Mango guy
...Well, you did it didn't you? You love fresh mangoes, don't you?
Wouldn't it be great to be able to pick your own mango fresh off a tree in
your back yard?
So you bought a mango tree hoping to do just that. You are in USDA growing
zone 10 or 11 aren't you? If so, you should have no problems with weather
extremes other than possibly an occasional frost in zone 10A. If you can cover
your tree, you will not likely see any damage. But what if you are a little
further north and you have decided to try your luck on the magnificent mango
fruit tree? Mangoes are a tropical fruit tree best grown in tropical zones with
temperatures that stay above 40F. If you are in zone 9A or 9B, you may still
have luck growing a mango tree...
Date: 26 Apr 2017
Plant Horoscope. Taurus Zodiac lucky plants: Apricot and Verbena
Taurus - 4/20-5/20.
Taurus is an EARTH sign ruled by the planet Venus.
Venus is the planet
that represents desire and beauty, regarded as the female embodiment of sexual
love and human appetite, so Taurus plants often have gorgeous flowers and
enticing fragrances and, occasionally, red fruit. It rules the internal sexual
organs, the nose and sense of smell.
Because Taurus rules the throat and
ears, the best plants for the Bull are often soothing to the throat, or may
calm the digestive system after overindulging in the finest foods. Taurus is
related to those things we want and value. It harmonizes various body systems,
and influences the complexion and facial appearance. Also under Venus's
dominion are the abdomen, kidney, thymus, and breasts. Venus-governed herbs are
soothing and help to regulate the body's metabolism through the endocrine
system (see Libra). Taurus herbs are traditionally used to attract money and
resources. Earthy Taurus sign is all about building a stable and comfortable
foundation and can help you generate greater abundance and prosperity in your
life.
Taurus Zodiac lucky plants: Aglaia, Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang),
Artabotrys (Climbing Ylang-Ylang), Cerbera, Night blooming jasmine, Chonemorpha,
Erblichia, Euodia, Hiptage, Iboza (Musk Bush), Anise, Lavender, Lonchocarpus
Lilac Tree, Nutmeg, Parijat, Camphor Basil, Osmanthus, Funeral tree, Quisqualis,
Satureja (Kama Sutra Mint Tree), Viburnum, Carissa, Murraya, Curry Leaf,
Bunchosia (Peanut butter fruit), Eucalyptus, Lily, Vitex agnus castus (Blue
Chaste Tree), Alstonia scholaris (Sapthaparni), Papaya, Maple, Jasmine, Guaiacum,
Camellia, Ephedra, Fuchsia, Geranium, Spider lily, Gardenia, Magnolia,
Plumeria, Paeonia, Verbena, Clerodendrums, Apple, Pear, Apricot, Peach, Plantain,
Olive, Grape, Pomegranate, Mango, Neem Tree, Cherry, Cypresses, all Berries,
Raspberry, Asparagus, Mint, Clove, Roses, Stagshorn fern, Catnip.
For links to these plants and other signs information, see full Plant
Horoscope
Date: 29 Nov 2023
What plants are good to order in Winter?
Photo above: Christmas time in Ukraine (left) and Florida (right)
Q: Are there any tropical plants that will do well if I order them in Winter? We just bought a house in New Jersey with a large sunroom, and I can't wait to fill it with tropical beauties! Should I wait until Spring, or do you have something for a Winter start?
A: This is indeed a very good question, as many tropical plant collectors grow their treasures outside the tropics. The short answer is - yes! You can start filling your tropical sunroom any time of the year, but some plants are easier to deal with in Winter than others. Below are some guidelines.
Winter bloomers today, left to right: Jatropha, Champaka, Brunfelsia, Calliandra, Leonotis.
1. Plants that prefer Winter shipping to avoid overheating stress:
- All plants with lush foliage such as Philodendrons, Medinilla
- Trees with fine feathery leaves such as Moringa, Jacaranda, Poinciana
- Some fruit trees sensitive to overheating during shipping: Papaya, Stawberry Tree, Starfruit (Carambola), Bilimbi.
2. Subtropical plants that are relatively cold hardy
- Fruit trees:
Loquats, Olives, Avocados, Tropical Cherries: Eugenia, Malpighia, Noni (more cold
hardy than you may think),
Canistel.
- Flowering trees: Champaka, Tabebuia.
- All Bananas
- see all relatively cold hardy
plants
3. Winter-dormant and/or deciduous plants: Adeniums, Plumerias, Gingers, Sugar Apple
, Peaches and
Plums, June Plum and Hog Plum.
See all deciduous/winter dormant plants.
4. Orchids, including Ground Orchids.
5. Winter flowers. Keep in mind that many tropical plants are
winter bloomers, and their flowering is most profuse in Winter months, so you
can enjoy the blooms right away:
Dombeya,
Thunbergia,
Gloxinia, Brunfelsia, Calliandra, Tibouchina, Barleria, Leonotis, Clerodendrums, Chinese Hat (Holmskioldia).
See all Winter bloomers.
Winter bloomers today, left to right: Clerodendrum minahasse, Variegated Malvaviscus Summer Snow, Kopsia fruticosa
6. Winter plant care. During Winter the daylight is shorter and temperatures are
cooler.
- Reduce watering
- Use only liquid amino-acid based fertilizer Sunshine Boosters (safe to use year around)
- Monitor insects.
7. Shipping in Winter. We ship year around. However, if it gets below freezing in your area, you may use FedEx Hold location, they are temperature controlled so you don't have to worry about a box being dropped off at your cold porch outside.
8. A note for mild climate residents. Most tropical plants can be planted in the ground year around. Some ultra-tropical tender species such Chocolate tree, Ylang Ylang, or small size Mango trees can be grown in pots until Spring and planted out once chances of cold spell are gone. Until then, they can be moved indoors for cold nights.
Think outside the box and bring tropical paradise indoors during the time when we need warmth the most! Tropical plants will brighten your short winter days and help you to have truly HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Date: 20 Nov 2023
Growing Dreams and Happiness:
A Decade at Top Tropicals
By Kristi VanBenschoten,
Top Tropicals Manager
"The purpose of agriculture is not the production of
food,
but the perfection of human beings"
- Masanoby Fukuoka -
Working with Top Tropicals for the past decade, I frequently hear heartwarming comments from customers like, "Oh, wow, this place is breathtaking," "You must adore working here," "Isn't it marvelous to be in harmony with nature every day?"
The truth is, yes, all these sentiments hold true, and I genuinely cherish every single one of these comments; however... If you were to inquire about my most cherished aspect of working here, I would have to say that my absolute favorite part is when a husband calls and says:
"My wife and I embarked on a honeymoon five years ago, and we stumbled upon this exotic wonder called Helicona Lobster Claw. My wife was captivated by it. I would love to surprise her with one for our upcoming anniversary. Do you happen to have them?.."
...Or when a bereaved wife sends an email, expressing:
"My beloved husband recently departed, and he held a deep affection for Gardenias. I wish to plant one in our front yard as a living tribute to his memory. Could you kindly recommend one?..."
Or, it could be the heartwarming scene of a new father visiting with his young son, exclaiming:
"I have a dream of creating a bountiful food forest for my children with fruit and other edibles. I want them to experience the enchantment of watching food grow and to impart the wisdom of cultivating it. Can you guide me in this endeavor?"
Or the passionate plant collector who has spent years on a quest to acquire that one elusive specimen, the final piece of their adored collection. We spare no effort in locating it, and when we succeed, it fills me with an indescribable joy!
You see, here at Top Tropicals, we don't merely sell plants; we trade in precious memories, lofty aspirations, and vivid visions for a brighter future. We deal in dreams. These dreams are nurtured in pots with a touch of fertile soil and an abundance of love. This is the essence of what makes Top Tropicals so special to me:
We Grow Happiness…
Date: 9 Nov 2023
Veterans Day: November 11
Special Deals
Our special Veterans Day sale on tropical plants is a salute to those who served! Enjoy this discount code - a small token of gratitude for our heroes:
VETERANS23
Your savings with this code:
5% off orders $100+
10% off orders $150+
15% off orders $200+
Excluding S/H. Exp. 11-12-23
Mango & Avocado Super Sale!
Instant 20% off Mango and Avocado trees
Celebrate Veterans Day with the taste of the tropics! Indulge in our exclusive offer on Mango and Avocado trees, available now at unbeatable prices. With the discount code above, your qualified purchase of these trees can be as low as:
$64 for Mango trees
$61 for Avocado trees
Hurry up! Limited time quantities - while supply lasts!
