Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 19 Jul 2021

New Video:
Magnolia champaca... get some Joy!

Champaka, or Joy Perfume Tree, is regarded as one of the most sacred trees of India and tropical Asia. Its flowers exude a divine fragrance that is exceedingly pleasing to the Gods... and women!..
(See more info about Champaka). This video presented by our video host David Mortimer.

WATCH NEW VIDEO >>

Meet Top Tropicals Team: David

About David in his own words:
"...I am passionate about health and living life to the fullest. I grew up in northern Wisconsin and my travels have allowed me to live in places like Colorado and Arizona before I arrived in SW Florida. I make fresh vegetable juices and cleansing programs for people as well as inspiring, educational and some funny videos on and Instagram. I got into gardening during the first month of the pandemic. After I harvested my first radish and ate it fresh I was hooked! I am excited to be working and learning in such a great environment like Top Tropicals. I hope to talk about all the cool plants with everyone while I am here!.."

Stay updated with TopTropicals Videos by subscribing to our channel at YouTube.com/TopTropicals and get our latest video news of what is fruiting and blooming!

WATCH NEW VIDEO >>

Joy Perfume Tree is available from our store.

Date: 30 Jun 2021

Black Magic of Colocasias

Spectacular unusual plants

Q: I need something unusual to plant next to a small pond at my front yard. It is full sun location. I need a plant that is not too messy and doesn't require much maintenance. Preferably without flowers, so they don't drop into the water, and not too tall. Any suggestions?

A: Your ideal solution is - colorful Colocasia hybrids with spectacular large leaves. Our favorite is variety Black Magic - it creates a magic tropical atmosphere. The color of the leaves in full sun is dark purple, almost black, and the brighter the light, the deeper the color.
Light colored varieties - Royal Hawaiian Maui Sunrise, with bright sunny stripes, or Illustris, in case you want to create a bright, mixed-color border around your pond. Colocasias are perfect plants for perimeter borders, and naturally are marginal plants around lakes and along river banks.

Photo above: for enhanced effect of your Black Magic Colocasias, use Black Magic Ti Leaf for the background planting... Cordyline fruticosa Black Magic - Hawaiian Good Luck Ti Leaf.

Date: 25 Jun 2021

Peanut Butter Fruit... tastes like peanut butter!

by Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

...One of the most fascinating exotic fruit, as amazing as Miracle fruit, Peanut Butter Fruit is loved by both kids and adults... and yes, it tastes exactly like peanut butter!.. Yet it is much healthier food, with many medicinal benefits...
...The easy, low-maintenance Peanut Butter Fruit tree is essential for any edible landscape, rare fruit collector, or tropical/subtropical garden. It has a great ornamental or screening value. Also can be grown in container, and will fruit indoors... Similar to fast-fruiting Annonas, and its close relatives Malpighia (Barbados Cherry) and Bursonima (Nancy Tree), Bunchosia tree starts fruiting in small size and at young age: 2-3 years from seed!..

CONTINUE READING >>

Date: 10 Jun 2021

Champaka - a true Joy of your life

by Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

...Champaka, or Joy Perfume Tree, is regarded as one of the most sacred trees of India and tropical Asia. Its flowers exude a divine fragrance that is exceedingly pleasing to the Gods... and women!..
...The tree was traditionally used to make fragrant hair and massage oils. Jean Patou's famous perfume, 'Joy', the second bestselling perfume in the world after Chanel No. 5, (but definitely the most expensive number one!) is derived from the essential oils of champaka flowers. The plant common name "Joy Perfume Tree" comes from this perfume. Many niche perfumers are now once again using Champaka Absolute as single note fragrances...
Planting a Golden Champaka really makes your home a sweet home. Also you can take the flower into your car, office, restroom, and anywhere you want to create fragrant atmosphere. It emits a unique warm fragrance which promotes a peaceful state of mind, reduces stress and helps you to relax and breathe easily. Looks like it is specially designed for moments of tranquil contemplation. It's the nature of Champaka - to remind us of the Divine in all things...

CONTINUE READING >>

Date: 5 May 2021

NEW: Top Tropicals B-Farm

Our new grow farm in Sebring, FL

Since the demand in rare tropical plants increased dramatically, we had to extend our nursery so we can satisfy all our customers' plant needs. So we started a new grow farm!
Our new, second location: Top Tropicals B-Farm in Sebring, FL (Highlands County), is still under construction, but we already grow a huge selection of rare flowering and fruiting plants for you. And of course Mr B is the supervisor of his own B-Farm!
Those who live in Central Florida, are welcomed to pick up their orders from B-Farm, save on shipping cost, and eliminate shipping stress for your plants. Please contact our Customer Service to make an appointment for picking up your order in Sebring. At B-Farm, our office is still under construction so we do not have regular hours open for public yet. For now, please shop online and you may pick up your plants either from our Ft Myers Garden Center, or from B-Farm in Sebring.
Please note: Due to 2 locations, some plants may or may not be available at one of the locations, please verify over the phone first, before planning your pick up trip!