Date: 16 Feb 2019
Deciduous plants soon sprouting
Many people believe that living in a warm climate will dissuade a plant from its deciduous nature. However, deciduous plants react to not only temperate but also shortened hours of daylight and changes in precipitation. Additionally, some plants will drop foliage in phases between new growth, and others use abscission to aid in pollination; blooming without wind-blocking leaves and making flowers more visible for insects.
When pruning a deciduous tree or shrub, it's generally best to wait until late winter or early spring, before the plant begins to leaf out. Avoid pruning during periods of new growth; during this time, the plant is weakened by the struggle to reestablish its growth process. Before pruning your deciduous plant, first research the specific plant, as there will always be exceptions to general instruction. For example, many Rubus varieties desire to prune in late fall, as their buds are developed during the dormant winter season. Some trees may have flower or fruit during winter while having no leaves, give them a chance to flower before pruning.
On the photo: Winter flowering Bombax ceiba
Date: 11 Jul 2024
Five most popular Avocado varieties
Food Forest
"What is the best variety of Avocado?"
"Do you have the one with small black fruit and bumpy skin?"
"I have avocado with very large green fruit, what variety is it?"
These are frequently asked questions we get from our customers. This basic "classification" by black/green doesn't encompass all the wonderful qualities avocados have to offer. There are numerous hybrids in cultivation, and once you plant your first tree and taste the REAL fruit (not from the grocery store), you'll be eager to explore other varieties. While it's true that avocado fruit can vary in "butter" content, most superior varieties are equally delicious. First comes first -
The most popular Avocado varieties this year are:
1. Brogdon - red-purple pear-shaped fruit, 7-15 oz. Skin is very thin, yellow buttery flesh. Fruit ripens in late summer-fall. Very cold hardy.
2. Hass - probably the most popular, but this tree prefers drier climate (Florida is humid, so we plant adaptable Florida Hass here). The fruit is dark-colored with a rough and bumpy skin, turns black when ripe.
3. Fuerte - a dwarf and a very cold hardy variety. Everybody's favorite "Condo Avocado": perfect for container culture and small yards. The mature tree in the ground is under 15 ft; 6-7 ft in containers.
4. Oro Negro - Oro Negro means "black gold" in Spanish, which is an incredibly appropriate name for this fruit. This Monroe hybrid (with big size fruit) is crossed with a Mexican type which would explain the black skin. The flesh is rich and buttery with a creamy texture.
5. Winter Mexican - one of most cold hardy varieties, Guatemalan x Mexican origin. Mature trees may withstand temperatures in the mid 20s. Oblong fruit, 12-18 oz, thick green skin. Very vigorous tree, bears heavily and regularly in December-January.
Learn more: Avocado Variety Guide - check this out for interactive chart of Avocado varieties and sort them by flower type A or B, tree habit, fruit shape and quality, cold hardiness, origin, season and more!
Photo above: Avocado Hass
Photo above: Avocado Fuerte
Photo above: Avocado Oro-Negro
Photo above: Avocado Winter-Mexican
Date: 30 Aug 2024
Save Double This Labor Day Weekend!
"The fruit of your own hard work is the sweetest." - Deepika Padukone
Labor Day is the perfect time to transform your yard into a tropical paradise! Join us this weekend to find large, well-developed fruit trees and stunning flowering tropical plants, ready to add beauty to your life. Take advantage of the summer growing season and give your garden the boost it deserves. Don't miss out on these incredible plants to make your yard a true oasis!
Labor Day sale: double your savings now!
Automatically save 10% on orders over $200 (excluding S/H), and use code below for an extra 10% off! Double your savings today!
LABORDAY24
Use the code to get an extra 10% off on orders over $200 (excluding
S/H). If your total after the code still exceeds $200, enjoy an additional
automatic 10% discount! Exp. 9-2-24
Additional instant discount:
5% off $100-200 orders
...and more deals below - make it a steal with the code!
Date: 27 Sep 2024
Hurricane Helene update:
We are safe and shipping on schedule!
We want to thank everyone who reached out with their concerns and well wishes. We're happy to let you know that we are safe and doing well! As with any hurricane in Florida, predicting the exact path and impact is always uncertain until the last moment. Fortunately, we were spared from the worst of Hurricane Helene's effects. While we had a few trees come down and some broken branches, our team is already hard at work cleaning up.
All of our plants are in great condition, looking beautiful, and ready to ship to their new homes. Rest assured:
All orders are being shipped on schedule!
Date: 8 Nov 2024
Mark your calendars: December 14, 2024
Holiday Plant Market
Saturday, December 14, 9 am - 4 pm
Save the date! Join us on December 14 for our Holiday Plant Market!
It's the perfect time to find unique holiday gifts in our Tropical Wonderland, where lush greenery and vibrant blooms replace snow. Discover a stunning variety of tropical plants, from fragrant flowering shrubs and rare vines to fruit trees and spice plants - ideal for holiday giving!
Enjoy amazing deals with plants starting at just $5 and $10, plus receive a free plant with every purchase. Our plants have grown big and beautiful over the summer. Bring friends and family to explore, and let our friendly PeopleCats help you find the perfect plants. Celebrate the season with us in full tropical style - we can't wait to see you there!
Highlights of the event:
30% OFF online prices, one day only!
(excluding 15 gallon material and rare plants)
$5 and $10 plants
Raffle
Free plant with any purchase as a token of our appreciation
Event discounts valid at both locations:
Ft Myers Garden Center: 13890 Orange River, Ft Myers, FL
Sebring B-Farm: 9100 McRoy Rd, Sebring, FL
