Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 29 Nov 2016

December Fest on Dec 10, mark your calendars!

Topic: Edible landscape. 10:00am - 2:00pm. Agenda:

Class @ 11:00am by Robert Riefer. How to keep pests off of maturing fruit.
Class @12:00pm Super foods by Zoe Merring. Benefits of Soursop, barbados cherry, goji, moringa. Benefits and recipes.

Discounts on all edibles
Prize giveaways at 12:00pm and 2:00pm (must be present to win)

20% off After-Cyber-Monday sale! Now that everybody is done with shopping for monitors and speakers, it is time to get some happy stuff! 20% off on all fruit trees, 1 day only! Enjoy your shopping and get the plants you always wanted at a low price!

Date: 28 Sep 2025

Guava Tree Plant Care

Tips from Top Tropicals Plant Expert - Tatiana Anderson

Guava trees for sale in 3-gallon nursery pots, healthy young plants with green foliage.

Where to Plant Outdoors

Guavas love full sun — aim for 6–8 hours of direct light. They’re adaptable to many soils but do best in well-drained, organic-enriched mixes. Plant them in a spot where you can water easily; guavas are thirsty trees during fruiting.

Container & Indoor Growing

Don’t have space or live in a cooler climate? Guavas thrive in large pots. Use well-drained potting mix. LINK TO OUR SOIL Keep them on a sunny patio during warm months and bring them indoors when nights dip below freezing. Compact varieties like Dwarf Hawaiian Rainbow or Tikal are especially good for pots.

Winter Care

Mature guavas can handle a light frost (down into the high 20s F), but young plants need protection. If planted outdoors, cover them with frost cloth on cold nights. Container guavas can be wheeled into a garage, greenhouse, or bright indoor window until the weather warms.

Watering and Fertilizing

Water deeply once or twice a week, more often in hot weather or when fruit is developing. They don’t like soggy soil, but they won’t complain about short floods either. Fertilize 3–4 times a year during the growing season with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer. Guavas especially love potassium and phosphorus for strong flowering and heavy crops. We recommend liquid crop booster Sunshine C-Cibus and balanced controlled release fertilizer Green Magic.

Pruning

Prune after fruiting to keep them compact and open up airflow. Remove crossing or dead branches. In containers, trim back vigorous shoots regularly to manage size and encourage more fruiting wood.

Pests and Problems

Guavas are generally tough and pest-resistant. The main thing to watch for in humid or rainy climates is mealybugs - those cottony white clusters on leaves or stems. They're easy to manage with neem oil or a quick spray of horticultural soap.

Fruit time

Guavas fruit young - often within a year or two.

Pollination

Guavas are self-pollinating, so you'll get fruit even with a single tree. Planting more than one tree, however, often boosts harvests and gives you a longer fruiting season.

If you've ever wanted instant gratification from a fruit tree, guava is it.

Ruby Supreme Guava tree with a large ripe yellow fruit, variety known for sweet pink flesh and reliable harvests.

🍴 Guava Recipes

With all that fruit, the next question is always: "What do I do with it?" Here are our favorites:

  • Cas Guava: Make Agua de Cas

    Boil halved Cas Guava fruits with sugar, simmer, strain, and bottle. Dilute with water when serving. The concentrate keeps for months in the fridge.
    Check out the recipe.

  • Hawaiian Gold: Make Drinks

    Perfect for Mojitos or Margaritas. Sweet, tangy juice pairs beautifully with lime and mint. Learn more

  • Araca Pera: Guava Wine

    Famous in Brazil, where the fruit is turned into a vibrant rosу wine. Locals say it’s the taste of summer in a glass — and yes, you can make it at home too. Learn more...

  • Quick snack: Guava Grilled Cheese

    Spread guava paste or fresh mashed fruit with cheese, grill until golden. Sweet and savory heaven. Learn more...

  • Simple Guava Juice

    Blend ripe guavas with water, ice, and a little sugar if you like. Instant refreshment.

✅Ready to Grow? Whether you want fresh juice, sweet fruit, or even your own guava wine, we’ve got the best varieties in stock right now. Your future self, sipping guava juice on a hot summer afternoon, will thank you.

👉 Order your guava tree today

Tabby cat sitting between a glass of yellow guava juice with white guavas and a glass of pink guava juice with green guavas and cut pink guava fruit.

Date: 18 May 2026

Want Massive Mulberry Harvests? Do These 5 Things Before May Ends

Want Massive Mulberry Harvests? Do These 5 Things Before May Ends Want Massive Mulberry Harvests? Do These 5 Things Before May Ends

🍇 Want Massive Mulberry Harvests? Do These 5 Things Before May Ends



Don’t let your mulberry tree fool you. While they are incredibly low-maintenance, what you do in May dictates your summer harvest. Avoid these common mistakes for a bumper crop of juicy berries.

Mulberry trees are famously bulletproof, handling intense heat and pumping out massive crops with little care. But May is the month that decides it all. Right now, they are pouring energy into fruit development. A few simple mistakes this month can quietly sabotage your harvest.

Fortunately, maximizing your crop is easy if you follow these five simple rules:
  1. 1. The Deep Soak Rule
    While established mulberries tolerate drought, moisture stress causes them to drop young berries early. Drop the sprinkler—frequent, shallow watering only wets the surface. Instead, give the tree a slow, deep soak that penetrates the root zone. Check the soil two inches down; if it’s dry, water thoroughly.
  2. 2. Lock it in with Mulch
    Late spring heat evaporates soil moisture fast. Apply a 2-to-4-inch layer of pine bark or compost to keep roots cool and suppress weeds. Crucial rule: Leave a 4-inch gap around the base of the trunk. Piling mulch against the bark traps moisture and invites devastating fungal rot.
  3. 3. Don't Over-Fertilize
    Mulberries are naturally vigorous. If you feed them this month, use a balanced, slow-release organic plant food. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Excess nitrogen triggers a massive explosion of green leaves, causing the tree to completely forget to grow fruit.
  4. 4. Put the Pruning Shears Away
    Heavy spring pruning clips off active fruiting wood and decimates your harvest. Mulberries are also notorious "bleeders" - cutting now causes them to lose significant sap, stressing the tree during fruit set. Only remove dead or damaged wood. Save major shaping for winter dormancy.
  5. 5. Exploit the Softwood Cuttings Window
    Want more trees? May is prime time for softwood cuttings. Cut a few 6-inch flexible green stems, strip the lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and tuck into moist potting mix in partial shade. They root incredibly fast!

    Mulberry Plant Facts

    Botanical name: Morus sp.
    Also known as: Mulberry
    USDA Zone: 8 - 11
    Highligths Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyEdible plant
    Get personalized tips for your region

    🛒     Choose from Mulberry varieties


📚 Learn more:


Mulberry (Morus hybrids) in Plant Encyclopedia
Mulberry yogurt swirl: Quick-n-Fun exotic recipes
Why gardeners say this is the best Mulberry ever
What are the best Mulberry varieties

#Food_Forest #Discover #How_to

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date: 3 May 2026

3 Olive Trees Worth Planting in Your Yard Right Now

3 Olive Trees Worth Planting in Your Yard Right Now
3 Olive Trees Worth Planting in Your Yard Right Now

Olive trees aren’t just for the Mediterranean anymore. In warm parts of the U.S. - including much of Florida - certain varieties handle heat, humidity, and even occasional cold better than people expect. If you’ve been thinking about adding something useful, low-maintenance, and long-lived to your garden, olives deserve a spot on your list. Here are three varieties that actually make sense to grow.

1. Arbequina: Compact, Productive, and Beginner-Friendly

Arbequina is one of the easiest olives to grow, especially if space is limited. It is naturally compact, which makes it great for containers or small yards. It starts producing early compared to other olives, handles heat well, and adapts to different soils. The fruit is mild, buttery, and excellent for oil. If you want an olive tree that behaves well and produces without much fuss, this is the one. More...

2. Coratina: Bold Flavor and Strong Growth

Coratina is a completely different type of olive - vigorous, tough, and known for intense flavor. It is fast-growing and very hardy once established, and it produces heavily under the right conditions. The fruit is high in oil content with a flavor that is strong and peppery, making it prized for premium olive oil. This is a great choice if you want a more traditional, high-performance olive tree with character. More...

3. Leccino: Reliable and Cold-Tolerant

Leccino is known for consistency and is one of the most widely planted olives for a reason. It is more cold-tolerant than many other varieties and is a reliable producer year after year. It has a medium growth habit that is easy to manage, and the fruit works well for both oil and curing. If your area gets occasional cold snaps, Leccino is a safer bet. More...

Why olives make sense in your garden

Olives check a lot of boxes most fruit trees don’t. They are drought-tolerant once established and don’t need rich soil; average or even poor soil is fine. They are long-lived trees that can produce for decades and have low pest pressure compared to many tropical fruits. They’re not high-maintenance, and they don’t demand constant attention.

What to know before you plant

A few practical points make all the difference. Full sun is non-negotiable, and drainage matters because if water sits, the roots suffer. Light pruning keeps trees productive and manageable. Some varieties produce better with cross-pollination. In Florida conditions, airflow and avoiding overly wet soil are key.

If you want a tree that looks good, produces something useful, and doesn’t need babysitting, olives are hard to beat. Choose Arbequina for small spaces and ease, Coratina for strong growth and bold oil, or Leccino for reliability and cold tolerance. Plant one - or plant all three - and you’ll start to see why olive trees have been grown for thousands of years.

Shop Olive trees

"Learn more:
Olea europea - Olive Tree - in Plant Encyclopedia
Grow your own Olive Oil
Marinated green olives: quick-n-fun exotic recipes
How to grow your own Olive

Shop Olive trees

#Food_Forest #How_to #Discover

Olive Plant Facts

Botanical name: Olea europea
Also known as: Olive
USDA Zone: 8 - 11
Highligths Plant used for bonsaiSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWater Requirement: Low. Allow soil to dry out between wateringsWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryEdible plantPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsEthnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region
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Date: 4 May 2026

🍲 Where the Garden Becomes the Kitchen

Close-up of Capsicum annuum x chinense Biquinho pepper plant with clusters of small, bright red, teardrop-shaped fruits hanging among glossy green leaves, some still green, with water droplets visible after rain.

Biquinho pepper loaded with fruit - small, beak-shaped peppers ripen from green to bright red, offering intense fruity habanero flavor with little to no heat on a compact, heavy-producing plant.

Sweet Pepper Plant Facts

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
Also known as: Sweet Pepper, Chilli Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Ornamental pepper
USDA Zone: 4 - 10
Highligths Small plant 2-5 ftFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyBlue, lavender, purple flowersWhite, off-white flowersEdible plantEthnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Irritating plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region

A lot of plants that thrive in Florida heat have deep roots in Mexico, and not just as ornamentals. Think coral vine or flame vine climbing a fence in summer, or bird of paradise sitting at the edge of a patio like it owns the place. These are not plants that need coaxing. They grow fast, full, and unapologetically. Then there are the plants you actually eat: peppers, prickly pear , sweetleaf, and fruit trees like avocado, guava, and sapodilla. They do not just decorate the yard. They change how the yard works, and how the kitchen feels all year.

Avocado Plant Facts

Botanical name: Persea americana, Persea gratissima
Also known as: Avocado, Alligator Pear, Aguacate, Abacate
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyEdible plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region

That is the part that sneaks up on you. Gardening stops being about having a pretty yard and starts becoming a way of living. Mango tacos taste different when you picked the mango yourself. Everything does.

Mango Plant Facts

Botanical name: Mangifera indica
Also known as: Mango
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryYellow, orange flowersPink flowersEdible plantSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

Four Kent mangoes with red, green, and yellow blush arranged on a plate.

Kent mango - classic late-season variety with smooth, fiberless flesh and rich, sweet flavor.

🍀Mexican Plants That Thrive With Minimal Effort

by Tatiana Anderson, Top Tropicals Garden Expert

Close-up of Lippia dulcis (Aztec Sweet Herb) showing small white button-like flowers with pale green centers surrounded by serrated bright green leaves on a low-growing plant.

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb in bloom - a low-growing Mexican herb with tiny white flowers and remarkably sweet leaves that can be eaten fresh or added to fruit dishes, traditionally used since Aztec times for coughs and colds.

Aztec Sweet Herb Plant Facts

Botanical name: Phyla dulcis, Lippia dulcis, Phyla scaberrima, Lippia mexicana
Also known as: Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyOrnamental foliageWhite, off-white flowersEdible plantSpice or herb plantEthnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Fragrant plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region

These Mexican plants are surprisingly easy to grow if you give them what they expect: sun, heat, and good drainage. Most of them are built for tough conditions and will grow fast with minimal care once established.

The one rule that matters: fill the planting hole with water. If it does not drain in 5-10 seconds, plant on a mound or use a container.

Flowering vines will take off quickly, edibles like peppers and sweetleaf lippia are very forgiving, and cactus types prefer to be left alone rather than overwatered.

For full, step-by-step growing tips and plant-specific advice, read our blog - we break everything down in practical, real-world terms.

📚 Top Tropicals Garden Blog

Large, dense Senecio confusus (Mexican Flame Vine) covered in clusters of bright red-orange daisy-like flowers climbing over a trellis against a blue sky.

Mexican Flame Vine in full bloom - a fast-growing, drought-tolerant climber that quickly covers fences with vivid red flowers, attracting pollinators and adding bold color with minimal care.

Mexican Flame Vine Plant Facts

Botanical name: Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides, Senecio confusus
Also known as: Mexican Flame Vine, Orangeglow Vine
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantVine or creeper plantFull sunWater Requirement: Low. Allow soil to dry out between wateringsWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryYellow, orange flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersInvasive plantPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeFlood tolerant plantSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

🛒 Shop heat tolerant plants

🌮 Sunshine’s Mango Taco 😺

Fresh mango tacos loaded with juicy chunks and bright toppings, surrounded by whole and sliced mangoes for that tropical feel.

Mango Tacos

This is not cooking. This is assembly.

What you need

  • Tortillas
  • 1 ripe mango (diced)
  • Something warm (sweet potato, chicken, or leftovers)
  • A little onion (optional)
  • Lime (or bottled lime juice)
  • Sour cream or yogurt
  • Salt and pepper

How Sunshine does it

  1. Heat whatever you have in a pan
  2. Put mango in a bowl, add lime and a pinch of salt
  3. Mix sour cream with lime (this is your sauce)
  4. Put everything into a tortilla
  5. Enjoy with a margarita

Sunshine's rules

  • No measuring
  • No recipes
  • If it tastes good, it is correct

Want this to be normal?
Start with a mango tree. That is usually how it begins.

🛒 Plant your own mango tree

💌 Mother's Day is one week away

Still deciding? A gift card is the easiest option. With our bonus, it is also the best value.

Mother’s Day themed Top Tropicals gift certificate with a pink decorative frame filled with jasmine, plumeria, magnolia, and champaka flowers, tropical fruits across the center, and a Happy Mothers Day banner at the top, with space for certificate details and message.

Mother’s Day Top Tropicals gift certificate

🎁 Get a Gift Card

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