Date: 8 Jun 2019
Chosing a good avocado tree
Q: I'm in coastal Broward County. I'm putting together an order on your web site, and one thing that I would like is an avocado tree. I'd like to have something as close to true "Hass" as possible. Which cultivar does well here in SE Florida, and is most like Hass in texture, creaminess, and flavor? I'm not a big fan of the yellow watery Florida avocados.
A: Mexican type of Avocado have dark skin and buttery texture,
while Florida green fruit types (West Indian type, with smooth skin), have lots
of delicious melting pulp, so it is a matter of preference.
In coastal Broward county you can grow a wide range of varieties since
your climate is very mild, so you don't have select cold-hardy varieties like
Winter Mexican, Brazos Belle or Joey, etc. Yet there are many interesting varieties that rare and much
more exclusive than Hass, with the same, or even better, quality buttery
fruit.
One of the most popular varieties - Brogdon, with red-purple colored pear-shaped fruit, very thin skin, and yellow buttery flesh. It is also very cold hardy.
Very interesting exotic avocado is Kampong - Sushi Avocado - see photo above. The flavor of this fruit very nice, oily, creamy, nutty, reminds of almonds. At the same time, it has solid consistency and if you cut a square it remains a shape of the square. It is the best Sushi Avocado! It tastes great as an appetizer when cut in squares with some shrimp cocktail sauce.
Three collectible varieties:
Anise - leaves that smell like Anise, very rare, the fruit is of excellent
quality, creamy and buttery.
Bacon - a large Mexican variety with dark-skinned medium-sized fruits, and
a rich creamy flavor. It has exceptional fruit that ripen in late fall and
into spring, they are easy to peel and have a light, subtle flavor. Another
outstanding feature of the Bacon avocado tree is its angelic sweeping branches
which helps keep the tree shorter and easier to pick its fruit.
Nishikawa is a very hot seller! Oval fruit somewhat resembles Hass, but
larger, and has very high oil content.
See all Avocado trees from our store
Recommended fertilizers:
Fruit Festival Plant Food - Super Crop Booster
Mango-Food - Smart Release Fruit Tree Booster
Date: 26 Oct 2018
Improving cold hardiness before winter: fertilizer and micro-elements
Q: I live in New Jersey and it is getting cool here, with temperatures in the upper 40s, but my tropical plant collection is in a heated sunroom (still around 70s). Should I continue fertilizing my plants? And if yes, my second question about deciduous Sugar Apple tree. Should I continue fertilizing it until it drops leaves?
A:
First of all, even though you live outside tropical
climate, your plants enjoy warm temperatures year round,
and can be treated like if they were in a Southern
garden.
Plant nutrients, both macro-elements (regular
fertilizer) and micro-elements (such as iron, manganese,
magnesium, copper, and other elements) play an important
role not only in overall plant health but also in plant
hardiness.
The rule of thumb is, even in warm climates we cut off
any fertilizer by the end of October. You still have
time for the last treatment this year (next will be in
March, or when your plants start showing new growth).
You may apply just a bit of slow-release granulated
fertilizer, or water-soluble by foliar spray, diluted
1/2 of label strength, to all evergreen species in your
collection.
The most important application before winter is
micro-elements and other plant boosters that will help
you plant collection survive winter months with a
shorter daylight and cooler temperatures. Now it is a
perfect time to make these simple steps:
1) Miscro-element applications, any one of: Superfood, Iron Supplement, Greenleaf.
2) Sunshine-T application: for
improving cold hardiness, plus immune system resistance
to insects and deceases.
3)
Sunshine-Honey application for all fruit trees to
encourage bigger and sweeter fruit next year.
Regarding your second question. Deciduous tropical plants like Annonas, Adeniums, Plumerias, etc - do not need regular fertilizer at this time, however, go ahead and apply microelements Superfood complex, as well as Sunshine-Honey, while leaves are still green. These two will give a kick-start to provide better flowering in spring, and production of sweeter fruit later.
Check out SUNSHINE boosters - all with free shipping!
Date: 16 Mar 2026
🌱 💪 Green Magic + SUNSHINE Boosters: A Complete System for Strong Plant Growth
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals with Smokey & Sunshine help
☀️🌱 Sunshine Boosters: Complete Plant Nutrition
Sunshine Boosters provide complete plant nutrition, including Calcium and micronutrients that plants need for strong growth. Because nutrients are delivered in liquid form, plants can absorb them quickly and respond almost immediately.
The Practical Problem
Liquid feeding works well, but it requires frequent application. In real gardens, many growers simply do not have time to add liquid fertilizer with every watering.
Green Magic: The Foundation
Green Magic solves this problem by providing steady background nutrition through controlled-release fertilizer. It feeds plants gradually, so they continue receiving nutrients even between liquid feedings.
Why This Combination Works
Together, this system provides both complete nutrition and steady feeding. Sunshine Boosters supply fast nutrients and Calcium, while Green Magic maintains a stable nutrient supply between feedings.
✍️ How to Feed Your Plants
📅 Step 1 – Start of the Growing Season
- Apply Green Magic around the root zone every 6 months.
In ground:- Small Shrubs (1–3 feet): Use approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup per plant
- Established Trees: Use 1/2 lb to 1 lb of product per 1 inch of trunk diameter.
- Small In-Ground Ornamentals: A common "spoon" rate is roughly 1 teaspoon per gallon of estimated root volume (or per sq. ft. of surface area).
- Spread evenly around the dripline. Avoid piling the granules against the base or trunk of the plant. For best results, lightly rake the granules into the top 1–2 inches of soil.
- Apply 1 tea spoon per 1 gal of soil (mix in with soil) every 6 months during active growth period, or with every re-potting.
- Water normally after application.
- Adjustment for Temperature. Because Green Magic is
temperature-controlled, adjust your rate if your local climate is extreme:
- Cooler Climates (<60°F average): Increase the rate by 20% to ensure enough nutrients are released.
- Hot Climates (> 80°F average): Decrease the rate by 20% to prevent over-releasing as the heat speeds up the process.
☀️🌿 Step 2 – Active Growing Season
- Apply Sunshine Boosters during the growing season.
- Regular feeding (maintenance): Mix with tap water according to the ratio on the label. For SUNSHINE Robusta use 25 ml (5 tsp)per gallon of water and spray leaves every 5-7 days during active growth.
- Correction feeding ("medicine" dose): if plants show visible nutrient deficiencies, combine SUNSHINE Robusta with SUNSHINE Superfood and spray every 5–7 days until new growth appears healthy. All SUNSHINE Boosters products are compatible and can be mixed with water in the same sprayer.
- Best time to spray: early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and leaves can absorb nutrients efficiently.
- Important: spray both the top and underside of leaves for maximum absorption.
📊 Seasonal feeding schedule with Green Magic and Sunshine Boosters.
| Season | Product | Method | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March) | Green Magic | Soil Surface | 6-month steady nutrient base. |
| Growing Season | Sunshine Boosters | Foliar (Every 5-7 days) | Calcium & Bio-available growth power. |
| Late Summer | Green Magic | Soil Surface | Replenish foundation for Fall. |
| Winter | Sunshine Epi | Foliar/Drench | Cold tolerance and shipping recovery. |
Quick Dose Reference
- Green Magic: 1 teaspoon per 1 gallon of soil volume.
- Sunshine Boosters: 25 ml (5 tsp) per 1 gallon of water.
- Pro Tip: Always spray in the early morning or late evening to prevent leaf scorch and ensure maximum absorption through the stomata.
❓Frequently Asked Questions: Plant Nutrition & Fertilizer
General Fertilizer Concepts
Why is the"Spring Fertilizer Rush"a problem?
Most gardeners apply a large amount of traditional fertilizer once in
March. This creates a"roller coaster"effect where plants get a sudden
spike of
nutrients followed by weeks of starvation. This leads to inconsistent growth
and potential"fertilizer burn."
What is"fertilizer burn"?
Traditional fertilizers are made of soluble salts. When too many salts
accumulate around the roots, they actually pull water out of the plant
tissues
(osmosis), dehydrating the plant and damaging sensitive root tips and leaf
edges.
Is there a difference between"Slow-Release"and
"Controlled-Release"?
Yes.
- Slow-Release: Relies on natural factors like moisture and soil microbes to break down. It is often unpredictable.
- Controlled-Release: Uses engineered polymer membranes (like Polyon) to release nutrients at a specific, predictable rate based primarily on temperature.
Green Magic & Temperature
How does temperature affect my fertilizer?
Most fertilizers are lab-tested at 75°F. In hot climates
(90°F+), the nutrients release much faster. A"6-month"fertilizer
might only last 3
months in the summer heat.
How should I adjust Green Magic for my local weather?
- Cooler Climates (<60°F): Increase the application rate by 20%.
- Hot Climates (> 80°F): Decrease the application rate by 20% to prevent over-releasing.
The Calcium Gap
Why doesn't Green Magic contain Calcium?
Calcium salts are highly soluble and can destabilize the polymer coating
used in controlled-release granules. Therefore, most high-quality granules
leave Calcium out. You can provide Calcium by using SUNSHINE Boosters
Why is Calcium so important for new growth?
Calcium is the"bone"of the plant, building strong cell walls. Unlike
other nutrients, it is immobile—the plant cannot move it from old
leaves
to new ones. If you don't provide a constant supply, new leaves and fruit
will
emerge distorted or weak.
Advanced Science & Troubleshooting
What makes Sunshine Boosters"Bioavailable"?
Unlike most liquid fertilizers that use EDTA chelators, Sunshine Boosters
are amino-acid based. They use organic acids and glycine to escort minerals
into the plant, allowing it to incorporate nutrients into its proteins
almost
immediately.
Will these fertilizers affect the taste of my fruit?
No. Sunshine Boosters are made from pharmaceutical-grade components and
contain no urea or harmful salts, ensuring your harvest (like Mangoes or
Avocados) has a pure, natural flavor without a chemical aftertaste.
✨ Green Magic - 15% Off This Week
Build the foundation for the entire growing season with a steady, long-lasting nutrient base.
No coupon needed. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.
Smokey: Not quite. Green Magic is the steady base diet. Sunshine Boosters are the weekly power drink during active growth.
Sunshine: Ah. Like my regular meals and donuts on top.
Smokey: Exactly. Plants eat slowly from Green Magic, and once a week they get a fresh boost.
Sunshine: Sprinkle once, then boosters every week. The plant grows, I drink coffee, and nobody forgets anything important.
Smokey: Except where you left the donuts.
Sunshine: Smokey... nobody forgets donuts. Ever
Date: 27 Apr 2020
How to feed a Mango tree...
and to grow a Dwarf Mango
How to fertilize a Mango tree
Q: My mango trees that I bought and planted last august now have fruit. I bought 2 types of fertilizer from you and never used it. Should I use your fertilizer now?
A: It is a perfect time now to fertilize your plants as they
start active growth.
For mango trees, we recommend liquid fertilizer Sunshine Booster - Mango Tango. It is formulated for Mango trees,
especially for container grown. It improves quantity and quality of flowers and
ability to set fruit, reduces bud-flower-fruit drop. Can be used as often as
with every watering. For best results, use in combination with Sunshine Honey and Sunshine Superfood plant supplements. Its scientifically-balanced
stable formula is organic Amino-acid based and has NO EDTA chelators to eliminate
nutrients lockup; it does not affect crop taste.
Additionally, you may use slow-release granulated fertilizer Mango-Food once a month during hot season only. Dosage: 1 teaspoon per
each gal of soil.
Water-soluble fertilizers can be also used, however, those are usually
EDTA-chelated which is not as efficient as Amono-acid based Sunshine Boosters and
may create nutrients build up, especially if overdosed in containers.
For in-ground mango trees, you may use all the above, and slow-release
granulated fertilizer can be applied in larger quantities: spread a handful
around the drip line.
Remember that only liquid Sunshine Boosters can be applied year around. With other fertilizers, you need to be careful not to overdose, and apply only during hot weather (when night temperatures are steadily above 65F).
How to grow a Dwarf Mango tree
Q: I received the Ice cream mango tree in great condition (thank you for the ingenious packing job) on Wednesday and have planted it in a pot slightly bigger than the root ball. I plan to grow the tree on my front porch, so how big a container should I ultimately use when the tree outgrows this pot? How big a container does it need to fruit? I hope to keep it around 6-7 feet high, if possible. I live in Hawaii.
A: Ice Cream mango is a perfect variety for container culture, and it should be happy in Hawaii. You did everything right. Keep it in this small pot for now and wait until it starts vigorous growth in Summer. Once it starts growing (and you will notice roots growing too, sometimes they try to grow through the holes in the bottom of the pot), then it's time to step up into a bigger container (7-10 gal). Eventually you may use container size as large as 15 gal. Ice cream mango is slow growing and compact, and you will be able to maintain it under 7 ft with very minimal pruning if any.
Date: 16 May 2024
When Bigger means Better
Everybody loves shopping online nowadays, and plants are no exception. Buying plants by mail order is not uncommon anymore; it only takes one click, and luckily, there are many sources - from big shopping malls like Amazon to small backyard nurseries that sell their seedlings on eBay or Facebook - all delivered to your door. But plants are alive... So when doing your online plant shopping, you must ensure that you fully enjoy your experience and are happy with a healthy plant that a) doesn't die; b) recovers quickly; and c) starts growing fast, so you can see flowers and fruit as soon as possible.
The rule of thumb for shipping plants: bigger plants undergo shipping better, experience less stress, less leaf drop, and recover quicker than plants with smaller root systems. So when it comes to buying plants online, the bigger, the better. Unfortunately, many mail-order plant sources may sell you a tiny twig that has very few chances of surviving. Shipping is very expensive today, so shipping a bigger size plant may cost more than the plant itself.
Below is a piece of advice on how to make the best plant selection for your garden...
Photo above: Loquat trees in 3 gal containers.
5 important rules on how to buy trees online
1. Find a source with bigger plants. Check reviews, ask friends
for recommendations, inquire from the company about the size of their plants
and how they pack their plants for shipping.
TopTropicals offers well-established, strong plants with developed root
system, in container sizes 1, 3, 7, 15 gallon, directly from a tropical
Florida growing farm. Our unique plant-packing techniques are state of the art!
2. Price not always reflects the size and quality of the plant
TopTropicals offers many deals, discounts and sales, while still
providing the biggest and strongest plants grown in real tropical conditions.
3. Most fruit trees must be grafted to produce good fruit. Make
sure you are not purchasing a seedling when it comes to Mango, Avocado,
Peaches and some other trees with named varieties that don't come true to seed.
TopTropicals offers only grafted - Mango,
Avocado and a large number of other tropical cultivars.
4. Pick up when possible from the nursery your ordered from, or
get a delivery, instead of shipping the plants. A drive to the nursery will save you more time and money in the
future, plus you can hand-pick the biggest and healthiest specimens.
TopTropicals is open 7 days a week for your convenience. Visit our Ft Myers Garden Center or Sebring Farm to select the biggest plants.
5. Take advantage of X-Large size plant material if you live
outside the tropical zone and are trying to zone-push your tropical garden.
Bigger plants will establish faster and have more chances to survive cold winters.
Again, it will save you money in a long run (although bigger plants may be
more expensive, but their survival rate is much higher when it comes to cold
nights).
TopTropicals offers X-Large flowering and fruiting trees (7-15-25
gallons), and most of the varieties you see in our online
store can be custom-ordered in big sizes. Delivery and installation
available.
Photo above: Avocado trees in 7 gal containers.
Photo above: Magnolia champaca