Date: 18 Sep 2016
About Cold Protection...
Q: I have a question, if I'm in Okeechobee Florida zone 9b are there any plants that you sell that would have to be protected at all? I have a lot that I've purchased from you and don't want to lose any of them winter.
A: Sometimes it is hard to guarantee if certain plants are hardy enough in certain area. From our experience, tropical plant performance in non-tropical areas depend on many factors; a lot of times plants appear to be hardier than they are believed to be. Other times, an obviously hardy plant doesn't survive winter. So there always will be a chance of risk involved, while nice surprises are not an exception. We have been testing many tropical species throughout many years of our nursery experience. Wind protection in many cases is more important than temperature. Enclosed sections of your garden provide better chances to survive cold snaps. Generally speaking, here is the list of some plants (not complete list, just examples) that in our experience have been surviving light freezes without significant damage.
Q: I live in San Jose,CA. Got Mango Alphonso 2 yrs back and protected it for a year in a pot during winter. Last spring I planted it and during winter I put a freeze cloth to protect it but it died. How can I make sure it wont die if I buy this time plz?
A: Mango trees are tolerant only to light frost, once established.
If it gets below freezing in your area for more than a few hours, and especially if you have numerous nights with frost throughout winter, we recommend to keep mango tree in a pot.
This way it can be moved to protected area during cold night.
The more established the tree, the more chances to survive colder temperatures.
We also use plant booster Sunshine to increase plants cold tolerance
Cold protection is a lengthy subject. You may also use propane heaters during cold nights.
Here is some more information on cold protection.
Also, we recommend to check out our magazine Tropical Treasures (about pushing the limits of tropical gardening) for a detailed article on cold protection.
These are specific articles on Zone-Pushing in different issue #s regarding dealing with cold. See downloadable issues:
(#1) Growing Tropicals in Nontropical Climate, Three Freezing Nights in Southwest Florida
(#2) Temperature drops - an alert or a rehearsal?
(#5) Dealing with cold snaps, Cold hardy beauties
(#7) When winter is around the corner, Growing exotic Cordyline in colder climate
(#8) When the weather outside is frightful
(#9) Winter champions
(#11) Ready-for-winter checklist for in-ground plants
(#13) Winter checklist
(#18) Dealing with cold damaged plants
You may also order hard copies.
If temperatures drop below freezing in your area, remember to add Heat Pack
Date: 12 Jun 2025
Father's Day Sale!
This Father's Day, celebrate with a food forest - don't just mow, grow! Plant something meaningful that will not only bring joy today but also provide delicious fruit, edibles, and fragrant blooms for years to come. Whether you're a father or celebrating one, this is the perfect day to plant and nurture a garden that will thrive, just like the love you share with your family. Plant today to enjoy the fruits of your labor tomorrow!
Use the code below to save 15% on your entire order:
FATHERS25
Min order $150. Excluding S/H. Exp. 6-15-25
Reminder: use our FREE and DISCOUNTED SHIPPING for qualified orders
Join our local event:
June 14, 2025 - Father's Day Plant Market, 9 am - 4 pm
Join us on Saturday June 14 for Father's Day Plant Market
- Kids, bring your dads and surprise them with the gift of a tree! Let them
pick any tree they like and plant it together.
- Fathers, bring your kids and teach them how to connect with nature - show
them how to plant a tree and grow something lasting!
Stroll through our lush gardens, meet the friendly PeopleCats, and enjoy a fun day for the whole family. Our team will
help you choose the perfect plants for your space and guide you every step of
the way.
Event Highlights:
30% OFF online prices
FREE plant with any purchase (including Guava)
Gift bags for first 25 customers with $50+ order
$5-10 specials
$10-20 Large
Banana Trees - many varieties!
Exciting raffle prizes
Green
Magic fertilizer FREE samples
Live music by the Famous Hand Pan Lady!
Event discounts valid at both locations:
Ft Myers Garden Center: 13890 Orange River, Ft Myers, FL
Sebring B-Farm: 9100 McRoy Rd, Sebring, FL
Date: 7 Mar 2026
SUNSHINE Boosters: The Professional Advantage
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals with Smokey & Sunshine help
Here is why SUNSHINE Boosters are the smart choice for your garden this spring:
- Amino Acid Stability: Unlike traditional fertilizers that use synthetic EDTA chelators, our formulas are amino-acid based. This means 100% of the nutrients are bioavailable and consumed by the plant, leaving zero toxic residues or salt build-up in your soil.
- Safe for Every Watering: Because our concentrations are scientifically balanced and mild, they are safe for daily use. This eliminates the "feast or famine" cycle of dry fertilizers and prevents accidental root burn.
- Pure Taste for Edibles: Our delicate formulas do not contain excess salts, urea, or ammonium salts that can ruin the flavor of your harvest. Your fruit and vegetables will retain their pure, natural taste.
- Pollinator Friendly: Our boosters are designed to be safe for honeybees and other beneficial insects, making them the responsible choice for an organic-style garden.
🌿For Potted Plants: Breaking the "Foodless" Cycle
Container-grown plants are trapped in soilless mixes (peat, bark, perlite) that are structurally great but naturally nutrient-deficient.
- Total Nutrition: Since pots lack the natural "buffet" of the ground, SUNSHINE Boosters™ provide every essential mineral the plant cannot find on its own.
- No Salt Build-up: Our amino-acid based formulas are consumed entirely by the plant, leaving zero toxic residue or root-burning salts behind.
- Daily Safety: Our mild concentrations eliminate the "feast or famine" cycle of dry fertilizers, making them safe for use with every single watering.
For In-Ground Plants: Unlocking the Soil
Even in the ground, plants often struggle to absorb what they need because soil compounds can "lock up" nutrients.
- Enhanced Solubility: SUNSHINE Boosters create a slightly acidic environment that helps dissolve stubborn salts in the soil, making them accessible to roots again.
- Precision Delivery: We provide mobile elements like Nitrogen precisely when the plant needs to push new spring growth.
🌿The Foliar Advantage: Direct-to-Leaf Delivery
Did you know a plant leaf can absorb nutrients even more efficiently than the roots? Foliar feeding is your "emergency button" for instant results.
- Quick Fix: Foliar applications with Sunshine Superfood are the fastest way to correct yellowing leaves or visible deficiencies.
- Metabolism Boost: Sprays like SUNSHINE-Epi act as a bio-regulator, helping plants recover from the stress of spring temperature swings.
- Better Fruit: SUNSHINE Honey is applied to leaves to naturally move sugars to the fruit, increasing sweetness and flavor.
🌿The Calcium Problem: Solved
As your plants wake up this Spring, they need structural strength. Think of Calcium as the "cement" that holds plant cells together. Without it, new spring growth is doomed to fail.
Signs Your Plant is Starving for Calcium:
- Deformed Leaves: New growth looks twisted, hooked, or curled.
- Blackened Tips: The very edges of young leaves turn white, then quickly blacken and die.
The Industry Secret: The "Missing" Mineral
Most fertilizers, both dry and liquid, completely skip Calcium. Why? Because it’s a chemical nightmare to keep stable in a concentrated solution. Most manufacturers rely on your irrigation water to deliver Calcium, but tap water is inconsistent and often fails to provide what a hungry, growing plant needs.
The SUNSHINE Boosters: Stable Calcium in Every Bottle
We have successfully stabilized Calcium directly into every single Sunshine Booster formula. Whether you are using Bombino, Robusta, or Megaflor, you are delivering a precise, stable dose of Calcium with every watering. No lockout, no sediment, and no relying on the "luck" of your tap water. Just strong, healthy cell walls and perfect spring growth.
🌿SUNSHINE-Epi: The Year-Round Bio-Regulator
Whether it’s the transition of spring, the extreme heat of summer, or the dry air of indoor wintering, SUNSHINE-Epi is your plant’s primary defense. This natural Brassinosteroid acts as a powerful immune booster, helping plants navigate stress wherever it comes from.
- Universal Stress Shield: Protects against temperature swings (both heat and cold), drought, and transplant shock.
- Vigorous Development: Dramatically improves root growth and speeds up the metabolism of young seedlings and cuttings.
- Eco-Safe: 100% non-toxic to humans, pets, and pollinators.
Note: While Epi is highly effective, it is a performance booster, not a substitute for proper care. It works best when paired with the right light, water, and a consistent feeding program. It won't bring a dead plant back to life, but it will help a struggling one find its footing.
Sunshine: Agreed. My charm covers the delivery cost.
No coupon code required: The free shipping is automatically applied at checkout.
Complete Nutrition: Stock up on Robusta, Superfood, and Epi for the Spring growth push.
❓Frequently Asked Questions: SUNSHINE Boosters™
-
What water should I use for foliar spraying?
Tap water works perfectly for most. However, if your water is very "hard" (leaving white mineral spots on leaves), switch to distilled water for a cleaner finish and better absorption. -
How long does a diluted solution last?
For maximum potency and to avoid nutrient degradation, try to use your diluted mixture within a few hours of preparation. Keep away from direct sun. Fresh is always best! -
Can I use SUNSHINE Boosters as a daily foliar spray?
Yes! You can mist your plants daily to maintain high vigor, but you must reduce the dosage (use half the recommended strength) to avoid over-feeding. -
Can I mix boosters with pesticides or fungicides?
It is best to apply them separately. Mixing fertilizers with chemical pesticides in one tank can trigger reactions that "lock out" nutrients or reduce the efficacy of the treatment. -
Will the liquid stain my patio or hands?
No. Unlike traditional fertilizers with heavy blue or pink dyes, our solutions are clear or very light-colored. If you spill it, simply rinse with water—no stains, no mess. -
Can I mix different SUNSHINE Boosters together in one sprayer?
Yes. All SUNSHINE Boosters are chemically compatible. You can combine a "growth" booster like Robusta with a "micro-element" complex like Superfood in the same water to save time. -
Are these products safe to use around my pets?
Absolutely. Our formulas are 100% non-toxic and amino-acid based. Just ask Smokey and Sunshine—they are perfectly safe for households with curious cats, dogs, and children. -
Can I use these boosters on indoor plants?
Yes. They are ideal for indoor use because they don't produce a "fertilizer smell" and won't cause salt crusting on your decorative pots or furniture. -
Is it safe to use on fruit and vegetables I plan to eat?
Yes. Because our formulas contain no urea, nitrates, or harsh salts, they don't leave a "chemical" aftertaste. They actually help improve the natural sugars and flavor profile of your harvest. -
What is the best temperature for foliar spraying?
Apply when temperatures are below 85°F. Early morning or late evening is best; this allows the leaves to remain wet longer, giving the plant more time to absorb the nutrients.
Smokey: Simple. Spray Sunshine Robusta every five days during active growth.
Sunshine: Five days? Smokey, I barely remember where I left my coffee mug five minutes ago.
Smokey: That is exactly why we use Green Magic.
Sunshine: Fertilizer for forgetful gardeners?
Smokey: Controlled release. Sprinkle once and it feeds the plant for six months.
Sunshine: Six months? I can have a very good nap in that time.
Smokey: Exactly. The plant keeps eating slowly while you keep napping.
Sunshine: Perfect. Remember, I will bring the coffee. You bring the donuts.
Smokey: And next week we will show you exactly how Green Magic works and why plants love it. Stay tuned.
Date: 31 May 2024
Top 5 favorite Mango varieties
and Top 10 Condo Mango trees
How to chose the right variety of a Mango tree?
Q: The most Frequently Asked Question about fruit trees: What is your favorite Mango variety? Which mango varieties are the best? Help me to make a choice!
A: As we mentioned on our Introduction to Mango Varieties page, there are thousands of named mango cultivars available. Similar to the classification of avocados (see our Avocado Variety Guide), mango trees can be selected based on your specific needs. These needs can include tree size and growth habit, disease resistance and hardiness, and most importantly, fruit characteristics such as taste, texture, size, color, storage ability, juice and sugar content.
We are currently working on a comprehensive Mango Variety Guide and will be sharing it
with you soon. In the meantime, below are a few tips on selecting the right mango tree.
NOTE: all of the Mango varieties we offer are FIBERLESS!
Top 5 Favorite Mango we just love!
1. Alphonso - the best Indian cultivar in terms of sweetness and
flavor. One of the rarest varieties and sought after - sweet large juice fruit. Coconut-like flavor.
2. Maha Chinook - Many
consider it the best mango had ever tasted. Very rare mango variety from Singapore. This variety is semi-dwarf and great for pot culture. Nam Doc Mai close relative.
3.
Fralan - Super reliable producer and hardy tree. Green fruit, sweet and
juicy. Fralan means "Thunder" - as the fruit cracks when peeled.
4. Fruit Cocktail -
Flavor is an amazing palette of different fruit, with citrus, pineapple, and guava notes.
5. Nam Doc Mai - It's not just us, everyone loves this Mango!
The most popular variety: semi-dwarf and great for pot culture. Eaten green or ripe, a Thailand favorite. It is hands down the most sought after of the Asian mangoes and for good
reason.
Top 10 Dwarf "Condo" Mango
1.
Mallika - condo mango native to India. Among the best of the new generation of Indian dessert mangos. Intensely sweet, rich and highly aromatic flavor with hints of citrus and melon.
2. Ice Cream - far and away the most popular of the "condo mangoes." Flavored like the name. The tree can easily be maintained at a height of just six feet (!) making it ideal for container growing.
3. Julie - the most popular variety in Jamaica and many other Caribbean islands because of
its rich, sweet, coconut/pineapple-like flavor. It is a dwarf cultivar, great for containers, but keep in mind it's very cold sensitive, don't plant it in the ground if you get freeze in winter.
4. Okrung - Thai compact cultivar,
fruit eaten while green. The fruit is traditionally served in Thailand in combination with sticky rice. One of the most popular varieties in Thailand. The fruit is very sweet, with the highest sugar content.
5. Pickering - great for pot culture. It has a bushy, compact growth habit, and can be maintained in a container at just six feet (!). The fruit has a firm
flesh with a fantastic coconut/mango flavor.
6. Nam Doc Mai - The most popular variety for pot culture, we already mentioned in our favorites above.
7. Cogshall - an ultra compact grower. Suitable for container growing on a balcony, or planting in a suburban backyard. It can easily be maintained at just eight feet tall, and it will still produce a good size crop year after year. The fruit is very colorful and has a mild, sweet flavor. It is also fungus resistant.
8. Carrie - the flavor
is by far the most outstanding. It has absolutely no fiber and extremely rich in flavor, sweet, aromatic and a pure pleasure to eat. You will savor every mouthful! Its compact size makes it an excellent dooryard tree.
9. Diamond - It has a great taste very similar to Nam Doc Mai. Very compact, of a dwarf habit, great as condo mango.
10. Keitt - the best all-around late mango. It is very productive, good-flavored, and disease resistant. It also has a very long and late season. The compact tree is semi dwarf that bears 4-5 pound goliath fruit!
Photo above: Pim Seng Mun mango tree is a reliable and heavy producer.
Top 5 recommended vigorous growers and reliable producers
1. Glenn - Excellent eating quality, consistent production, and effortless to grow.
2. Pim Seng Mun - extremely productive mango.
3. Sweet Tart - New patented variety - exclusive offer.
4. Fruit Punch - Multi fruit flavor, delicious!
5. Orange
Sherbet - One of the best new varieties for backyard growing. Flavor is sweet citrus-orange and less lemony than Lemon Meringue mango. The tree is moderately vigorous.
Top 5 exotic varieties for rare fruit collection
Now that you have decided to collect them all but have limited space, these are the top 5 of the most interesting rare cultivars:
1. Kar Lon Long -
rare and unusual, native to India. Fruits that can weigh up to 5 lbs each! The unique flavor that has been described as being a cross between a mango and a pineapple.
2. Mun Kun Si - similar to Nam Doc Mai but much bigger. Rare variety, very popular
among Thai and Vietnamese people. The fruit are extremely sweet, fiberless and somewhat crunchy ("Mun" means crunchy). Very late producer, fruit may still be on a tree as late as January.
3. Pina Colada - very sweet, has rich flavor with a hint of coconut and pineapple.
4. Ugly Betty - awesome mango, great sweet flavor, while the fruit is real ugly! Slightly mis-shaped at the top - hence the name.
5. Giselle - from Zill's breeding program and was a seedling of a mango called Tower. It was described as a juice mango and is named after Gary's wife.
Date: 24 Aug 2025
Before eating ice cream, try this fruit from a house plant
Swiss Cheese Plant - Monstera deliciosa
- 🍨 Most people know Swiss Cheese Plant - Monstera deliciosa - for its big holey leaves, but here’s the wild part: this jungle climber also makes fruit. Real fruit. And it tastes like pineapple mixed with ice cream.
- 🍨 Have you tried Monstera fruit? Will you eat it again?
- 🍨 This plant grows in the rainforests of Mexico and Guatemala, where young seedlings crawl toward the shade until they find a tree to climb. Yes, they grow in the direction of the darkest area, not just merely away from light. Interesting, ah?
- 🍨 In time, it sends out a green, cone-like fruit nearly a foot long. It takes a while to ripen - about a year - and only when the scales start to lift can you peel them back and find the creamy pulp inside. Ice-cream sweet and tropical.
- 🍨 One catch though: never eat the fruit unripe. The pulp contains oxalic acid that is generally harmless but will burn your mouth. Best trick is to let it wrinkle a little, wrap it up, and wait until the scales loosen on their own. Then it's ready.
- 🍨 And for collectors? The Thai Constellation, with its cream-splashed leaves, is the crown jewel. Some specimens sell for thousands. Not bad for a "Swiss Cheese Plant"!
🛒 Shop Monstera plants
📚 Learn more:
How to harvest and eat Monstera Ice Cream
#Food_Forest #Container_Garden #Shade_Garden
🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals