Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 30 Aug 2018

6 Things to Do on Labor Day Weekend

TopTropicals

1. Plant a tree... or a shrub, even just a small perennial will do. This plant will make you feel good and accomplished for the whole year, until next Labor Day (or even longer!). You will always see this fruit of your work and remember your motivation, so things are not that bad with you!

2. Pull 66 weeds. Needless to say, you have plenty of those in your yard at the moment. Why 66? Just do it and see what happens. If you don't see any happy results, pull another 66.

3. Fertilize all plants in your garden or potted collection with slow release fertilizer and microelements. Remember, this is the last chance to give them food and strength to survive, before winter. Starting October, all leftover fertilizer goes to storage, even in tropical gardens.

4. Apply SUNSHINE booster to protect your plants from cool temperature, help to go into dormancy and rest without stress.
Remember, there are products for all your pre-winter needs: Sunshine-T for improving cold tolerance, Sunshine-BC for caudex and bonsai plants, Sunshine-H for houseplants, and general booster Sunshine-E to cover all occasions... 50 and 100 ml bottles available for large plant collections.
Sunshine-Honey should be applied on all fruit trees to ensure their next year successful crop.

5. Add extra mulch in those areas where it was washed off with summer rains or broke down. One day of mulch work will provide 6 months of safe overwintering for your plants.

6. Have a BBQ or simply a nice meal with your friends or family. Enjoy your holiday relaxation after hard work weekend and recharge your Happiness for many days to come.

Date: 7 Mar 2026

SUNSHINE Boosters: The Professional Advantage

By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals with Smokey & Sunshine help

Sunshine  Boosters  plant  fertilizers  lineup  including  Bloom,  Pikake, 
 Robusta,  Omnibus,  Ananas,  Mango  Tango,  Citrus,  and  MegaFlor

Sunshine Boosters for different types of plants

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

Schlumbergera  Christmas  cactus  with  abundant  red  blooms  after  feeding 
 with  Sunshine  Megaflor  fertilizer

Schlumbergera - Christmas cactus - after boosting flowers with Sunshine Megaflor

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

Mango  tree  blooming  produsely  after  applying  Sunshine  Mango  Tango 
 Booster

Mango tree blooming produsely after applying Sunshine Mango Tango Booster

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.

🛒 Feed your plants

Don't let your garden wake up to an empty nutrition plate.
Smokey: Save your gas money for donuts. We're shipping the boosters for free.
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.
Offer valid through 03/14/2026. Free shipping offer is valid on SUNSHINE Boosters liquid products only. Not valid on previous purchases and cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons, or discounts. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Sunshine  Boosters  plant  supplements  including  Superfood  micro  element 
 complex,  Epi  biostimulant,  and  Honey  fruit  enhancer

Sunshine Boosters micro elements and supplements - Superfood micro-element complex, Sunshine Epi biostimulant and Sunshine Honey supplement for better fruit

❓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.

What Fertilizer to Use and How?

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer keeps plants green during active growth season - apply only once in 6 months.
Sunshine: Smokey, you saved my coffee tree. But what do I do now so it stays happy?

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.

🛒 Feed your plants

✍️ Learn more about fertilizers

Date: 22 Feb 2023

Benefits of growing your own tropical fruit

"The fruit of the mango tree is no longer forbidden. Indeed, it has been recommended to me by the physicians as an antidote to the plague."
- Louis IX, King of France -

Fluffy  cat  with  a  tray  of  tropical  fruit

Q: Why do you want to grow your own tropical fruit tree?

A: Growing your own tropical fruit tree can have many benefits. Here are a few reasons why someone might choose to grow their own tropical fruit tree:

1. Fresh, flavorful fruit: When you grow your own tropical fruit tree, you have access to fresh, flavorful fruit that you may not be able to find at your local grocery store. Tropical fruit, like avocado, mangoes, papayas, and passionfruit, jackfruit, Dragon Fruit, Annona have a short shelf life, and the fruit you find at the store may have been harvested weeks ago. When you grow your own fruit tree, you can pick the fruit when it's fully ripe and enjoy it at its peak flavor. Besides, some rare fruit like Akee or Sapodilla simply never offered from the store.

2. Environmental benefits: Growing your own fruit trees can have environmental benefits. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen, which can help reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, growing your own fruit trees reduces the need to transport fruit long distances, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Cost savings: Depending on where you live and the availability of tropical fruit, growing your own fruit tree can be a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite tropical fruits.

4. Gardening and outdoor hobby: Growing a fruit tree can be a fulfilling and rewarding outdoor hobby. It can also be a great way to teach children about where their food comes from and the importance of taking care of the environment.

Overall, growing your own tropical fruit tree can be a great way to enjoy fresh, flavorful fruit, reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and enjoy a fulfilling outdoor hobby.

Taking  a  picture  of  a  mango  tree  loaded  with  fruit

In the photo: Mango tree in Top Tropicals garden.

Date: 6 Dec 2018

Seven rules of cold protection for tropicals

TopTropicals.com

Q: I was always wondering how you guys manage to grow true tropical trees in Florida? I live in Puerto Rico and we have Breadfruit trees growing here in a wild... but my sister lives not far away from you, in Orlando, which is much colder, and I wonder if I can get her a Breadfruit tree for Christmas?

A: Your sister can grow a Breadfruit tree in Orlando either in a pot (and bring it indoors during cold periods) or in the ground inside a structure (an elclosed conservatory with heating system). See our customer's Greenhouse in Virginia. Cold protection of tropical plants is a lengthy subject and we have many interesting publications about it in our managine Tropical Treasures and on the website. In a nutshell, when growing tropicals outside of tropical climate, you need to follow these 7 rules:
1. Cut watering to a minimum. Cold+wet kills tropical roots.
2. Water thirsty plants before a cold night. Jucy leaves have fewer chances to be cold-zapped.
3. Wind protection is more important than a temperature drop. Plant tropicals close to a house or surrounded by other trees.
4. Duration of a cold period is more critical than the cold itself. If expecting long cold hours, bring up all available protection resources. Christmas lights or propane heaters - as long as there is a heat source, everything helps!
5. Remove plastic covers during the daytime so plants don't get "cooked" in the sun. Fabric covers are better than plastic.
6. Grow ultra-tropicals in containers and bring them inside the garage or even indoors during the cold.
7. Use SUNSHINE plant boosters and feed your plants well during Summer to improve cold hardiness.

Related topics:
About Cold Protection
Cold protection - winter action for your plant collection
Improving cold hardiness before winter: fertilizer and micro-elements
Cold hardy tropical fruit trees

Date: 23 Jul 2025

Five best fruit trees to plant in Summer

James Coconuts and Bob introducing Five best fruit trees

🌳 Five best fruit trees to plant in Summer



☀️ Summer might be scorching, but it’s actually a great time to plant fruit trees that love the heat. If you've got sunshine and a little space, these five tropical picks will reward you with fresh, homegrown fruit - some you’ll never find in a store!

1.🥭 Mango - the King of all fruit, a must have in every garden. Fiberlress varieties only! You can't buy those in the store.

2. Avocado - a must have super-fruit in everyone's diet, grow your own!

3.🐲 Dragon fruit - heat tolerant easy plant with low water needs, sweet fruit-bearing cactus

4. 🍉 Guava - by far the most flavorful tropical fruit, great for Summer drinks

5. 🍐 Black Sapote - fast growing, heat- and flood-tolerant, fruit tastes like chocolate pudding

📚 Learn more from previous posts:

🛒 Explore the finest rare tropical fruit trees

#Food_Forest #Discover

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals