1-22-2023: New Lunar Year

Customer message: Happy new year! My family is Chinese and we celebrate the lunar new year this weekend… the year of the rabbit. Wasn't sure if this email was sent in error (maybe your founder is Vietnamese? I think they celebrate the year of the cat...

Answer: You are right, it is a Year of the Rabbit in Chinese calendar, and it is also a Year of the Cat in Vietnamese, both starting from January 22nd, 2023. While in Chinese culture it is called a Year of the Rabbit, the Cat was seen as more relevant to the daily lives of Vietnamese farmers, who valued the cat's ability to protect their crops from rats, squirrels... Here at Top Tropicals we have a multi-national team, and although we don't have a Vietnamese person yet, but we have lots of cats - all kinds!

Happy New Year of the two furry friends:
RABBIT and CAT!

Flowers in the photo above: Clerodendrum philippinum - Cashmere Bouquet, Scent Malli. Very fragrant off-white flowers, carnation-like, coming in big clusters. Shade tolerant shrub, great for shade gardens as well as indoor culture to enjoy tropical fragrance year around.

The brightest lives of Sunflowers

"...Despite knowing they won't be here for long, they still choose to live their brightest lives - sunflowers..."
- Rupi Kaur -

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Photo above: Ukrainian Sunflowers. This photo was sent to us today from Ukraine by Alex & Lena, and Oksana (daughter of our Catalog Editor Marina Rybka). Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their country.

Mark your calendar:
June 19, 2021
Summer Solstice Celebration with PeopleCats

Special Event you can't miss!

First day of Summer and the longest day of the year! Live Jazz in the Garden, lots of cool vendors and "A Roof for Rufus" cat adoptions...
Come join the Top Tropicals crew for the longest planting day of the year. Onika, Bella, Mark and David will be here soaking in the sun and helping you to pick the right plants...

Saturday, June 19th
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Top Tropicals is proud to partner with A Roof for Rufus cat adoptions. Each cat attending this event has been hand picked and approved by King.
Don't miss this event! Talk to the kitties and find your companion in life. PeopleCats never betray and they will love you forever!

SEE KITTIES PROFIILES >>

In the photo: PeopleCats from Roof for Rufus Rescue waiting for their forever homes.

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!

Healthy Plants: Q&A from Mr Booster

Jasmine Grand Duke flowering

Q: Hey can you help me figure out why my jasmine grand duke supreme is not flowering? Ive had it for almost a year (in NY) and only had 1 flower bloom and that immediately turned brown and died. Since then no flowers have come. The leaves are green and healthy and its growing like crazy but not flowers. Please help me figure this out.

A: For profuse flowering, Jasmine sambac needs 2 things: bright light and special plant food. We have plenty of both here in Florida. If your grow this plant indoors in colder climate, get it to flowering can be a bit tricky.
Your plant grows well overall with lots of vegetative growth, this is a good sign, it means it's healthy, and not being overwatered which is one of the most common problems with Sambacs. You're doing a great job! This jasmine just needs more sun and fertilizer.
Make sure to keep it in the brightest spot of your home. The more hours of light, the better. When night temperatures stay above 65F, it is beneficial to bring the plant outside on a balcony, patio, or in a garden in full sun as a potted specimen (move to bright light gradually). You should give this Jasmine plenty of food with every watering. We recommend SUNSHINE Pikake - Fragrant Flower Booster. This is a natural fertilizer that can be applied to plants year round without risk of burning the roots or nutrient lock up in the soil. It provides all necessary elements for the flowering cycle - just add a bit into watering can, every time you water.