Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 6 Jun 2026

Avocado Ulala (Super Hass): the hidden world beyond green and black

Avocado Ulala (Super Hass) fruit close up

Avocado Ulala (Super Hass) fruit close up

Avocado Ulala (Super Hass)

Avocado Ulala (Super Hass)

Avocado Ulala (Super Hass): the hidden world beyond green and black



Avocado Ulala (also spelled "Ooh La La" or "U-La-La") , often marketed as Super Hass, produces attractive dark purple-black fruit reminiscent of Hass but on a smaller tree. The flesh is rich, creamy, and high in oil, making it an excellent fresh-eating avocado. Its combination of cold tolerance, manageable size, and premium fruit quality has earned it a loyal following.

· Botanical name: Persea americana 'Ulala' (Super Hass)
· Origin: Louisiana
· Cold hardiness: Tolerates temperatures around 20°F
· USDA zones: 9a-11
· Flower type: A
· Tree size: Approximately 25 ft x 15 ft
· Growth habit: Upright and moderately vigorous, with a narrower canopy than many traditional avocado varieties
· Fruit size: 6-10 oz
· Fruit shape: Pear-shaped
· Fruit color: Purple-black when ripe
· Skin: Thick and easy to peel
· Flesh: Creamy, smooth, and rich
· Flavor: Buttery, nutty, and excellent for fresh eating
· Season: November-February
· Best use: Fresh eating, slicing, and premium guacamole
· Special feature: Produces dark-skinned Hass-like fruit while offering better cold tolerance than traditional Hass
· Why growers love it: Ulala combines the appearance and flavor that made Hass famous with improved cold hardiness and a productive tree. The attractive purple-black fruit, rich flesh, and winter harvest season make it a favorite among avocado enthusiasts. 👉 More

💡 Avocado tip: The best fertilizer is consistency


Avocados prefer small, regular feedings rather than large doses. Light feeding throughout the growing season often produces better results than occasional heavy fertilization. We recommend SUNSHINE C-Cibus - Amino-Acid Crop Booster - safe to apply with every watering, year around.

🛒 Explore cold hardy Avocado varieties

📚 Learn more:


· Avocado Variety Guide: Snack or Guacamole? Collector's inspiration
· Avocado Fuerte: the hidden world beyond green and black
· Avocado Florida Hass: the hidden world beyond green and black
· Avocado Brogdon: the hidden world beyond green and black
· Avocado Joey: the hidden world beyond green and black
· Avocado Fantastic: the hidden world beyond green and black
· Avocado Fantastic Quick Facts
· Cold-hardy avocado survival groups - what the numbers really mean
· How to protect Avocado from cold and how hardy is it?
· Avocado that laughs at frost: Mexicola Grande for cooler climates
· Cold hardy Avocado Joey - you eat it with the skin

📖 Our Book: Avocado Variety Guide, Snack or Guacamole?
·
Hard copy · PDF File Download

#Food_Forest #Avocado #Discover

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Date: 5 Jun 2026

Pitaya Eureka Red: dragon fruit beyond pink and white - A Collectors Guide

Pitaya Eureka Red: dragon fruit, Hylocereus

Pitaya Eureka Red: dragon fruit, Hylocereus

🍉 Pitaya Eureka Red: dragon fruit beyond pink and white - A Collector's Guide



Most people think dragon fruit is a mild, white-fleshed fruit with bright pink skin; then they discover Eureka Red - the highly sought-after, red-fleshed dragon fruit variet, a hybrid of Hylocereus polyrhizus and Hylocereus costaricensis. It is prized for its bold tropical flavor, intense sweetness, and vibrant, antioxidant-rich dark red juice. Originally selected in Nicaragua, Eureka Red is a self-pollinating variety that produces large fruit with deep red flesh and a flavor that is noticeably richer than many common white-fleshed dragon fruits. It belongs to a group of dragon fruits prized not only for their beauty but also for their intense color and higher antioxidant content.

🔸 A fruit that stands out



The first thing you'll notice is the flesh. Slice open a ripe Eureka Red and you'll find a vivid ruby-red interior packed with tiny black seeds. The contrast between the bright pink skin and dark red flesh makes it one of the most striking dragon fruits you can grow.

The fruit are typically large, often larger than many standard white-fleshed varieties, making them especially rewarding for home gardeners.

🔸More flavor than you might expect


Many people describe white-fleshed dragon fruits as refreshing and mildly sweet. Eureka Red takes things a step further.

The flavor is richer and more complex, with berry-like notes and a deeper sweetness balanced by a pleasant tang. The texture remains smooth and juicy, making it excellent for eating fresh, blending into smoothies, or adding dramatic color to fruit salads and desserts.

🔸 Easy to grow and productive



One reason Eureka Red has become popular among collectors is that it is self-pollinating. A single plant can produce fruit without requiring a second variety for cross-pollination.

Like other dragon fruits, it is a climbing cactus that thrives in warm climates, appreciates good drainage, and rewards growers with enormous fragrant white flowers that open after sunset. Once established, the plants can be remarkably productive.

🔸 Why collectors love it



Dragon fruit enthusiasts are always searching for varieties that combine beauty, flavor, and reliability. Eureka Red checks all three boxes. Its large fruit, deep red flesh, self-pollinating nature, and excellent flavor have earned it a place among the most desirable dragon fruit varieties for home gardens.

If you've only tasted the typical supermarket dragon fruit, Eureka Red is a reminder that the world of dragon fruits is far more colorful - and flavorful - than most people realize. 👉 More...

🛒 Explore and collect Dragon Fruit varieties

📚 Learn more:

Pitaya Plant Facts

Botanical name: Hylocereus sp.
Also known as: Pitaya, Pitahaya, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large shrub 5-10 ft tallVine or creeper plantSemi-shadeFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWhite, off-white flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

· Dragon fruit Hylocereus in Plant Encyclopedia
· Pitaya David Bowie: Dragon Fruit Beyond Pink and White
· A Quick Guide to Dragon fruit varieties: Red, White, Yellow, Purple and more...
· What is the best Dragon fruit with red flesh?
· Planting your own Dragon Fruit plantation
· Do-It-Yourself Support Structure for Dragon Fruit
· Why you need to grow your own dragon fruit
· Do red, white and yellow Dragon fruit taste differently?

#Food_Forest #Dragon_Fruit #Discover

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Date: 4 Jun 2026

Mango Rainbow - Van Dyke

Mango Van Dyke

Mango Van Dyke

Mango Rainbow - Van Dyke 🥭🌈

🥭 Van Dyke: bright color, bold flavor, and easy to grow.

🔸Sweet, rich flavor with a subtle spicy twist
🔸Smooth, juicy flesh with little to no fiber
🔸Beautiful red blush over golden skin

A classic Florida mango with reliable production and good disease resistance.
Ripens June to July with consistent crops.
The tree grows vigorous with an open, spreading canopy - easy to manage and very productive.

If you want a mango that looks as good as it tastes, Van Dyke is a solid choice. More 👉

🛒 Shop Mango varieties

📚 Learn more:
Mango Tree - Mangifera indica - in Plant Encyclopedia
#Mango_Rainbow - varieties you should try

#Food_Forest #Mango #Mango_Rainbow

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
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Date: 3 Jun 2026

Avocado Fuerte: the hidden world beyond green and black

Avocado Fuerte

Avocado Fuerte

Avocado Fuerte

Avocado Fuerte

Avocado Fuerte: the hidden world beyond green and black



Before Hass became the world's dominant avocado, Fuerte was considered the gold standard. This historic Mexican-Guatemalan hybrid produces medium-sized pear-shaped fruit with exceptionally smooth, buttery flesh and outstanding flavor. Cold-hardy and productive, Fuerte remains one of the finest eating avocados ever developed; and it's one of the very few dwarf varieties suitable for containers.

· Botanical name: Persea americana 'Fuerte'
· Origin: Guatemalan x Mexican hybrid
· Cold hardiness: Tolerates temperatures around 20°F and is one of the more cold-hardy classic avocado varieties
· USDA zones: 9a-11
· Flower type: B
· Tree size: Approximately 15 ft x 20 ft
· Growth habit: Compact to semi-dwarf, making it easier to manage than many traditional avocado varieties, well suited to home gardens and containers
· Foliage: Dense evergreen foliage with an attractive, spreading canopy
· Fruit size: 12-14 oz
· Fruit shape: Pear-shaped
· Fruit color: Green to green-black
· Skin: Medium-thin, smooth, and easy to peel
· Flesh: Creamy, buttery, and rich in oil
· Flavor: Rich, nutty, and widely regarded as one of the finest-tasting avocados
· Season: November-June
· Best use: Fresh eating, slicing, salads, and gourmet dishes
· Special feature: Historic variety that dominated the avocado industry before Hass became popular
· Why growers love it: Fuerte combines exceptional flFuerte combines exceptional flavor, good cold tolerance, and a compact growth habit that makes it easier to fit into smaller landscapes. One of the few avocado varieties considered suitable for container culture, it has long been a favorite among collectors and home gardeners who appreciate its rich buttery flesh, manageable size, and extended harvest season. 👉 More

💡 Avocado tip: Prune for width, not height
When a branch grows 10-12 inches, trim the tip. This encourages multiple side branches and creates a stronger, more productive tree.

🛒 Explore cold hardy Avocado varieties

📚 Learn more:


· Avocado Variety Guide: Snack or Guacamole? Collector's inspiration
· Avocado Florida Hass: the hidden world beyond green and black
· Avocado Brogdon: the hidden world beyond green and black
· Avocado Joey: the hidden world beyond green and black
· Avocado Fantastic: the hidden world beyond green and black
· Avocado Fantastic Quick Facts
· Cold-hardy avocado survival groups - what the numbers really mean
· How to protect Avocado from cold and how hardy is it?
· Avocado that laughs at frost: Mexicola Grande for cooler climates
· Cold hardy Avocado Joey - you eat it with the skin

📖 Our Book: Avocado Variety Guide, Snack or Guacamole?
·
Hard copy · PDF File Download

#Food_Forest #Avocado #Discover

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date: 1 Jun 2026

Pitaya David Bowie: Dragon Fruit Beyond Pink and White - A Collectors Guide

White Pitaya David Bowie: Dragon Fruit, Hylocereus

White Pitaya David Bowie: Dragon Fruit, Hylocereus

🍉 Pitaya David Bowie: Dragon Fruit Beyond Pink and White - A Collector's Guide



Most people know dragon fruit as a bright pink fruit with white flesh from the grocery store. But that's only the beginning. The world of dragon fruits is surprisingly diverse, with varieties ranging from white to deep purple, giant fruit to compact producers, and flavors that can remind you of kiwi, pear, melon, berries, or even lemonade. In this series, we'll explore some of the most interesting dragon fruit varieties, highlighting their appearance, flavor, growth habits, and what makes each one special.

🔸 At first glance



David Bowie (Hylocereus undatus x monacanthuis) looks like a classic dragon fruit - bright red skin, white flesh, and a familiar appearance. But spend a little time with this variety and you'll discover why collectors actively seek it out. David Bowie is one of the most popular white-fleshed dragon fruit varieties, prized for its large fruit, reliable production, and refreshing flavor.

🔸 A classic dragon fruit done right



This self-pollinating variety produces medium to large fruit, often approaching a pound in weight. The bright red skin is decorated with numerous green-tipped fins, giving the fruit an especially dramatic appearance.

Among white-fleshed dragon fruits, David Bowie is known for producing larger-than-average fruit while maintaining excellent eating quality.

🔸 Refreshing flavor with a citrus twist



Unlike some dragon fruits that are valued mainly for appearance, David Bowie delivers a flavor that keeps people coming back.

The flesh is mildly sweet and refreshing, often compared to a cross between kiwi and pear. What makes it memorable is a pleasant tangy character and subtle lemony finish that brightens the flavor and makes it especially enjoyable chilled.

The fruit is excellent eaten fresh and is also popular for smoothies, fruit salads, and garnishes.

🔸 Easy to grow and rewarding



David Bowie is self-pollinating, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners who want reliable fruit production from a single plant.

Like other dragon fruits, it is a vigorous climbing cactus that produces spectacular night-blooming white flowers before setting fruit. The blooms are large, fragrant, and beautiful enough to make the plant worth growing even before the harvest arrives.

🔸 Why collectors love it



Not every dragon fruit has to be purple, yellow, or unusually exotic to earn a place in a collection.

David Bowie remains popular because it combines everything growers want - attractive fruit, dependable production, large size, refreshing flavor, and self-pollinating flowers. Sometimes the classics become classics for a reason. 👉 More...

🛒 Explore and collect Dragon Fruit varieties

📚 Learn more:

Pitaya Plant Facts

Botanical name: Hylocereus sp.
Also known as: Pitaya, Pitahaya, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large shrub 5-10 ft tallVine or creeper plantSemi-shadeFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWhite, off-white flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

· Dragon fruit Hylocereus in Plant Encyclopedia
· Why white-flesh Dragon fruits deserve more attention
· A Quick Guide to Dragon fruit varieties: Red, White, Yellow, Purple and more...
· What is the best Dragon fruit with red flesh?
· Planting your own Dragon Fruit plantation
· Do-It-Yourself Support Structure for Dragon Fruit
· Why you need to grow your own dragon fruit
· Do red, white and yellow Dragon fruit taste differently?

#Food_Forest #Dragon_Fruit #Discover

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals