Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 20 Jan 2026

7 steps for a care-free Spanish Tamarind - the easiest rare fruit to grow

Vangueria infausta (Spanish Tamarind, Wild Medlar)

Vangueria infausta (Spanish Tamarind, Wild Medlar)

🍊 7 steps for a care-free Spanish Tamarind - the easiest rare fruit to grow



Yes, it can handle light frost - Vangueria infausta (Spanish Tamarind, Wild Medlar) - we just discovered it can handle cold snaps! After a few cold nights in January, our young tree planted just a few months ago, still looks happy and strong!
If you are looking for a tough little fruit tree that thrives on neglect but gives you something truly special in return - try this rare, compact fruit tree. Spanish Tamarind is native to southern Africa, it is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and surprisingly cold-hardy once established - making it a great choice even for gardeners in borderline zones.

Here’s how to grow this resilient gem:

🌞 Sun and soil



Spanish Tamarind loves full sun, but will tolerate light shade. It isn’t picky about soil as long as it drains well - sandy, rocky, or loamy, it will grow just fine. No special amendments needed.

💧 Watering



Once established, it's very drought tolerant, but young trees need regular watering to develop a deep root system. In containers, water when the top inch of soil is dry. In the ground, water deeply but infrequently.

❄️ Cold tolerance



Now for the surprise: while it’s considered a tropical fruit, Wild Medlar can handle brief dips into the mid-30s F without damage, especially when mature and dormant. In Sebring, FL, we’ve seen this tree shrug off light frosts with no protection!
And what makes this even more impressive? The tree has beautiful, lush velvet leaves - soft to the touch and tropical in appearance - yet surprisingly hardy for such large, tender-looking foliage.
  • · Young plants should be protected the first couple winters
  • · Grow in containers if you’re in USDA zone 8 or lower
  • · A little mulch around the base helps stabilize soil temps in winter


Growing in pots



This tree is very compact and does well in containers. Use a large, well-drained pot and a loose soil mix. Keep it outside in spring through fall, then bring it indoors before a hard frost. It grows slowly and stays compact for years, making it a great fit for patios or balconies.

🍊 When to expect fruit



With enough sun and time, your tree can start fruiting in 2-3 years. Mature trees can bear 20-40 small round fruits per season, ripening to a golden-brown with a tangy-sweet flavor. The fruiting season may vary depending on your local climate, but typically occurs in late summer to fall.

🛠 Maintenance? Almost none.

  • · No special pruning needed (except to shape)
  • · No major pests or diseases reported
  • · Tough and low-maintenance in the landscape


🏆 Final thought: grow it for the surprise



Spanish Tamarind - Wild Medlar - is a tree that rewards patience. It's unusual, beautiful in its own scruffy way, and packs a punch with cold tolerance, drought resistance, and tasty fruit. Spanish Tamarind belongs in every experimental garden or food forest - especially if you love growing things no one else in the neighborhood has.

🛒 Add rare Spanish Tamarind to your rare fruit collection

📚 Learn more:

Plant Facts

Vangueria infausta
Wild Medlar, Spanish Tamarind
USDA Zone: 9-11
Small tree 10-20 ftFull sunModerate waterEdible plantDeciduous 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.Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
  • Vangueria infausta - Spanish Tamarind in Plant Encyclopedia
  • The wild fruit with a secret: health benefits of rare Spanish Tamarind - the exotic fruit you've never heard of

    • #Food_Forest #Remedies #Discover

    🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

    Date: 25 Mar 2026

    Forget the Tropics: These 5 Condo Mango Varieties Thrive in Your Living Room

    Mngo tree in a pot

    Mngo tree in a pot

    Forget the Tropics: These 5 "Condo Mango" Varieties Thrive in Your Living Room 🥭

    A tropical orchard in your living room? It’s more possible than you think. While wild mango trees can tower at 60 feet, "condo mango" varieties allow you to harvest juicy, sun-ripened fruit right next to your sofa.
    If you have a sunny window and a bit of patience, here is exactly how to grow a potted mango tree indoors.

      • 🌳 Why "Condo Mangoes" are the Secret to Success



      Most people fail because they plant a seed from a grocery store mango. Don't do that. Seeds take up to a decade to fruit and grow far too large.

      Instead, look for grafted, dwarf varieties. These are bred to:

    •  Stay compact (6–10 feet).
    • •  Fruit within 1–3 years.
    • •  Thrive in the limited root space of a container.


    🌳 The 5 Best Mango Varieties for Indoor Pots



    Choosing the right cultivar is 90% of the battle. These five are the gold standard for indoor growers:
    • •  Pickering: The #1 choice for pots; naturally tiny. Rich, fiberless, and coconut-heavy.
    • •  Cogshall: Slow-growing and easy to prune. Classic, ultra-sweet tropical taste.
    • •  Ice Cream: Extremely compact; thrives in small spaces. Creamy texture, like mango sorbet.
    • •  Carrie: High disease resistance; very productive. intense, spicy-sweet aroma.
    • •  Mallika: A semi-dwarf Indian favorite. Exceptional, honey-like sweetness.



    🌳 4 Essentials for Indoor Mango Care



    1. Light: The "Make or Break" Factor

    Mangoes are sun-worshippers. They need at least 8 hours of direct light daily.

    The Pro Move: Place your tree in a south-facing window. If you live in a cloudy climate, a high-quality LED grow light isn't optional - it’s a necessity to prevent leaf drop and encourage flowering.

    2. Strategic Watering

    Mango trees hate "wet feet." Use a fast-draining potting mix and a pot with large drainage holes.

    The Rule: Let the top 2 inches of soil dry completely before watering deeply.

    3. Temperature & Humidity

    Keep your room between 65F and 90F. If you are comfortable, the tree is likely comfortable. Avoid placing it near drafty AC vents or heaters that sap humidity.

    4. The "Bee" Factor (Pollination)

    Indoors, you lack wind and insects. When your tree flowers, gently shake the branches or use a small paintbrush to move pollen between blooms to ensure fruit sets.

      • 👉 Quick Tips for a Better Harvest


    • •  Pot Size: Start with a 15-inch wide container and "up-pot" every two years.
    • •  Pruning: Don't be afraid to snip! Pruning the tips encourages branching, and more branches mean more fruit.
    • •  Fertilizer: Use a balanced organic fertilizer with micronutrients (like magnesium and iron). We recommend Sunshine Mango Tango specifically formulated for mango trees, and a micro element supplement - Sunshine Superfood - these are safe to use with every watering.


    🛒 Dicover Condo Mango

    📚 Learn more:
    #Food_Forest #How_to #Discover #Mango

    Plant Facts

    Mangifera indica
    Mango
    USDA Zone: 9-11
    Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunModerate waterYellow, orange flowersPink flowersEdible plantSeaside, salt tolerant plant
    🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

    Date: 5 May 2025

    🎀 Five plant gifts she'll love this Mother's Day

    Q: My mother loves gardening and I am thinking to buy her a live plant to make her happy. What plant do you recommend?

    A: At Top Tropicals, we have a big selection of wonderful gift plants . Below are a few suggestions for you, these plants are large, developed and ready to bloom or fruit!

    1. Joy Perfume Tree

    Magnolia (Michelia) champaca, Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka

    The Champaka or Joy Perfume Tree (Magnolia champaca) - is a top choice for Southern landscapes, prized for its striking columnar shape and fragrant, fruity bubble gum-scented blooms - you won't be able to stop sticking your nose in this flower! A signature plant at Top Tropicals, it's known for producing the world's most expensive perfume, Joy. The Joy Perfume Tree blooms on and off year-round and is currently in full bloom at our farm in Sebring, FL, filling the air around with fantastic sweet scent. This tree thrives in both pots and the ground, growing bushy and full as it matures. At Top Tropicals, we have beautiful Champaka trees in all sizes, from 3-4 ft tall (ready to bloom in a year) to 6-10 ft tall (already bloomed) for local pick up or delivery.
    Learn more, with a short video.

    Order Joy Perfume Tree

    2. Tropical Raspberry Mysore

    Raspberry Mysore Tropical, Rubus albescens (niveus)

    Tropical Raspberry Mysore (Rubus albescens) - is the perfect solution for those missing Northern fruit in hot climates. Unlike traditional raspberries that can't handle the heat, this fast-growing Raspberry from India thrives in humid, hot conditions and produces juicy, sweet fruit almost year-round! The clusters of purple-black fruit are packed with flavor, and the plant is perfect for large containers, producing plenty of fruit in no time. Cold-hardy to the upper 20s F, it's an easy-to-grow, fast producer. We have beautiful, fruit-ready 3 gal Raspberry bushes, ready to add a burst of sweetness to your garden!
    Learn more, with a short video.

    Order Your Juicy Tropical Raspberry

    3. Fragrant Jasmine Sambac

    Jasminum sambac

    Jasminum Sambac is widely regarded as the most fragrant jasmine, cherished by tropical gardeners and plant collectors alike. Native to India, this jasmine is the source of jasmine perfume oil and the signature ingredient in jasmine tea. With various varieties offering unique flower sizes, shapes, and growth habits, it’' perfect for both sun and shade, thriving as a container plant or indoor favorite. Its delightful fragrance fills the air, and with the help of Sunshine Pikake plant booster, you can enjoy even more blooms. Jasmine Sambac, along with Champaka, is another signature plant of Top Tropicals. Through the decades, we've collected all the available varieties in cultivation - check them out!
    Learn more about Jasmine Sambac varieties, with a short video.

    Order Fragrant Jasmine Sambac

    4. Everbearing mulberry

    Mulberry tree Dwarf Everbearing (Morus sp.)

    The Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry (Morus sp.) - is the perfect way to enjoy fruit year-round! This beautiful, cold hardy bush produces sweet, juicy mulberries starting from the very first year - often the same season you plant it. With its dwarf habit (easily maintained at 4-6 ft), it's perfect for containers and small spaces. Cold-hardy and drought-resistant, this productive plant thrives in various climates, from USDA zones 5 to 10! The fast-growing Mulberry will provide fruit year-round, and with minimal care, it will flourish in almost any soil. Our Everbearing Mulberry bushes produce enough fruit for both birds and breakfast - we pick a handful every day!
    Learn more, with a short video.

    Order Compact Everbearing Mulberry Bush

    5. Medinilla Coral Spike

    Medinilla scortechinii - Orange Coral Spike

    Rare Medinilla scortechinii - Orange Coral Spike - is a rare gem that brings a touch of the ocean to your garden! With bright orange stems bursting into star-shaped blooms, it looks like something straight from a coral reef. Compact and easy to grow, this plant stays under 2-3 ft tall, making it perfect for pots, hanging baskets, or as an epiphytic accent. The glossy dark leaves contrast beautifully with the vibrant orange panicles, and it thrives in bright shade. A must-have for collectors of unusual tropical plants, this coral spike adds a bold pop of orange wherever it grows - but hurry, it doesn't stay in stock for long!
    Learn more, with a short video.

    Order Rare Coral Spike

    Shop More Gift Plants

    Date: 11 May 2023

    The Wonderful World of Tamarind:
    from Planting to Plating

    Tamarind tree

    Q: I use a lot of tamarind in my cooking. Can I grow my own Tamarind fruit? Can Tamarind tree grow in North Florida? Will Tamarind grow well outside or should I keep it in a pot?

    A: Originating from tropical Africa, the Tamarind - Tamarindus indica - is a tropical tree that is highly appreciated for its ornamental beauty, delightful shade, and soft texture.

    Tamarind is a highly valued culinary ingredient, with its tangy and sweet-sour flavor profile making it a popular addition to many dishes. It is frequently used in South Asian, Latin American, Caribbean, and African cuisines to add a touch of acidity and sweetness. Tamarind paste, made from the fruit's pulp, is a key ingredient in Worcestershire sauce, tamarind chutney, and many curry dishes. The seeds, when roasted and ground, can be used as a coffee substitute or as a thickening agent in sauces and stews....

    Tamarind tree is prized for its versatile fruits and numerous health benefits. The tree can be grown outside in warm climates, as well as in pots and indoors... even as bonsai!
    CONTINUE READING >>

    Learn more

    Tamarind fruit

    Shop Tamarind Trees

    Date: 15 Jul 2024

    How Mulberry fruit helps with diabetes

    Fruit of Mulberry Tree (Morus x Alba hybrids)

    Fruit of Mulberry Tree (Morus x Alba hybrids)

    Mulberry fruit

    Mulberry fruit

    🍇 How Mulberry fruit helps with diabetes

    • 💜 Mulberry Tree (Morus x Alba hybrids) originated from China. Everyone knows this sweet, tasty, juicy fruit but very few people are aware of its amazing health benefits.
    • 💜 Mulberry fruit can lower blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. They improve the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut. Eating this fruit slows the breakdown of sugar in the stomach so that it's absorbed more slowly into the blood. This helps the body keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
    • 💜 Mulberry fruit have a low glycaemic index, making them suitable to consume after meals to avoid spikes in sugar levels.

      • 💜 More health benefits of Mulberry:


      - help prevent fatty liver diseases, and lower cholesterol levels.
      - Mulberry leaves show their benefits against cardiometabolic risks, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity
      - Due to flavonoids and other phytochemicals, Mulberry juice has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, specifically against breast cancer cells.
    • 💜 Mulberry is called Tree of Life for a reason.
      • Revelation 22, Verse 2: "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
    • 💜 Mulberry Tree is very cold hardy and can grow in wide range of climate zones, from USDA 5 to 10. Dwarf cultivars available - perfect for container culture. One of them is called Dwarf Everbearing - it fruits virtually year around!


    🛒 Plant your own Mulberry tree

    #Food_Forest #Remedies

    🏵 TopTropicals
    ◂ Previous pageNext page ▸Most recent entry ▴Blog table of contents