Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Top Tropicals!

Smokey: "We made a list of everything we are thankful for this year."
Sunshine: "I helped. Mostly by napping next to it."
Smokey: "And that is exactly why sunshine naps are on the list."

Smokey and Sunshine wanted to share a short Gardener Thanksgiving Message about what they are thankful for this year:

"We are thankful for warm laps during cold mornings.
Thankful for every gardener who stopped to scratch our heads between loading carts.
Thankful for the smell of fresh soil, new plants, and boxes that make perfect cat forts.
Thankful for mango season (even though humans never let us eat the fruit).
Thankful for sunshine naps on potting tables and shade naps under benches.
Thankful for all the tiny moments when gardens and people slow down together.
And thankful that we get to share this tropical adventure with you."

From the whole Top Tropicals Team and PeopleCats, we wish you a warm, peaceful, plant-filled Thanksgiving 🙏 ♥️

🛒 Shop Tropical plants

Thank you for coming to Plant Market in Ft Myers

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

💘Rooted love lasts longer than flowers

Sunshine: Valentine Day soon. We need flowers.
Smokey: Nope. Heart-shaped hoya. Flowers fade. Plants stay.
Sunshine: Alright. One for my Valentine. One for me, with coffee.

💖 Sweetheart Hoya: a Valentine gift that lasts

Sweetheart Hoya (Hoya kerrii) has thick, heart-shaped leaves and a compact form that fits easily on a windowsill, desk, or shelf. It does not need constant attention, bright sun, or frequent watering. In fact, it prefers a lighter touch.

This is a plant that works well indoors, grows slowly, and forgives missed waterings. It is comfortable in normal home conditions and does not require special tools or experience. That makes it a good gift not only for plant lovers, but also for people who have never kept a houseplant before.

Unlike flowers, it does not come with an expiration date. It becomes part of daily life and stays there quietly, doing its job. Over time, it feels less like a purchase and more like something chosen with intention.

For Valentines Day, Sweetheart Hoya is a simple, lasting way to give something real.

Sweetheart Hoya care: quick how-to

• Light: Bright window light is ideal. Avoid harsh, hot direct sun.
• Water: Let the potting mix dry between waterings. When you water, water thoroughly, then let it drain.
• Feeding: Light feeding during active growth helps. A balanced fertilizer like Sunshine™ Robusta keeps growth steady and leaves healthy.
• Pace: Slow-growing and patient. Do not overwater or overpot.

❓Sweetheart Hoya: quick FAQ

• Is it good for beginners? Yes. It is forgiving and does not need constant attention.
• Can it live indoors year-round? Yes, in bright indoor light and normal home conditions.
• Does it need flowers to be special? No. The heart-shaped leaves are the main feature.
• Learn more: What is the best Valentines Day gift that actually lasts?

*️⃣ Stop Babysitting Your Trees - Grow Cold Hardy Avocados Instead

You always wanted an avocado tree. Not in Miami - right there in Central Florida, in your own yard. You planted one, it grew well for a few years, and it felt like you finally figured it out. Then 2026 hit. A few cold nights, temperatures dropped below what your area usually sees, and the tree was gone.

Here is the part most people miss: USDA zones are based on average minimums, not the worst freezes. One bad night can erase years of growth.

That does not mean avocado will not work. It means you planted the wrong variety. Cold hardy avocados are built for exactly this kind of surprise.

This USDA Zone map makes one thing clear: all of Florida can grow avocado. The question is not if - it is which variety. From North Florida (8b) to South Florida (11a), there is always an option that fits your conditions.

If you are outside Florida - in Texas, Louisiana, California, or anywhere else - the same rule applies. Start with your USDA zone, then choose the right type of avocado for it. You can check your local zone here

So what does this mean for your yard? It is not about trying again and hoping for a warmer winter. It is about choosing a tree that actually matches your zone.

Cold Hardy Avocado Varieties for Reliable Harvests

See more varieties in our Master Avocado Varieties table

Microclimate matters more than your zone. The same yard can have warm and cold pockets. Plant near a south-facing wall, under light canopy, or in a spot protected from wind, and you gain a few critical degrees on cold nights.

Young avocado trees need protection during their first winters. They have not built enough wood or root strength yet, so even a short cold snap can damage them. Simple steps like frost cloth, wind protection, or temporary covers can make the difference between a setback and a loss.

You may see avocados labeled as Type A or Type B. This refers to how the flowers open, not cold hardiness. Some people mix both types to improve pollination, and while a single tree can still produce fruit, having two different types is beneficial and can increase your harvest.

Practical Planting Advice

• Plant on a mound
  Raise the root zone 4-8 inches for fast drainage.
• Avoid low spots
  Standing water is worse than drought for avocados.
• Full sun
  Maximum light = stronger growth and better recovery.
• Use microclimate
  South-facing wall, light canopy, or wind protection adds critical warmth.
• Do not overwater
  Let the top layer dry slightly between watering.
• Protect first winter
  Cover young trees during cold nights.

✅ Stop Guessing. Plant What Works.

Cold hardy avocados are not theory - they are proven to handle real conditions. Choose the right variety for your zone, plant it correctly, and you stop replacing trees after every cold snap.

✨ Grow More. Save More.