Date: 18 Sep 2016
About Cold Protection...
Q: I have a question, if I'm in Okeechobee Florida zone 9b are there any plants that you sell that would have to be protected at all? I have a lot that I've purchased from you and don't want to lose any of them winter.
A: Sometimes it is hard to guarantee if certain plants are hardy enough in certain area. From our experience, tropical plant performance in non-tropical areas depend on many factors; a lot of times plants appear to be hardier than they are believed to be. Other times, an obviously hardy plant doesn't survive winter. So there always will be a chance of risk involved, while nice surprises are not an exception. We have been testing many tropical species throughout many years of our nursery experience. Wind protection in many cases is more important than temperature. Enclosed sections of your garden provide better chances to survive cold snaps. Generally speaking, here is the list of some plants (not complete list, just examples) that in our experience have been surviving light freezes without significant damage.
Q: I live in San Jose,CA. Got Mango Alphonso 2 yrs back and protected it for a year in a pot during winter. Last spring I planted it and during winter I put a freeze cloth to protect it but it died. How can I make sure it wont die if I buy this time plz?
A: Mango trees are tolerant only to light frost, once established.
If it gets below freezing in your area for more than a few hours, and especially if you have numerous nights with frost throughout winter, we recommend to keep mango tree in a pot.
This way it can be moved to protected area during cold night.
The more established the tree, the more chances to survive colder temperatures.
We also use plant booster Sunshine to increase plants cold tolerance
Cold protection is a lengthy subject. You may also use propane heaters during cold nights.
Here is some more information on cold protection.
Also, we recommend to check out our magazine Tropical Treasures (about pushing the limits of tropical gardening) for a detailed article on cold protection.
These are specific articles on Zone-Pushing in different issue #s regarding dealing with cold. See downloadable issues:
(#1) Growing Tropicals in Nontropical Climate, Three Freezing Nights in Southwest Florida
(#2) Temperature drops - an alert or a rehearsal?
(#5) Dealing with cold snaps, Cold hardy beauties
(#7) When winter is around the corner, Growing exotic Cordyline in colder climate
(#8) When the weather outside is frightful
(#9) Winter champions
(#11) Ready-for-winter checklist for in-ground plants
(#13) Winter checklist
(#18) Dealing with cold damaged plants
You may also order hard copies.
If temperatures drop below freezing in your area, remember to add Heat Pack
Date: 13 Apr 2024
Grow your own Olive Oil
Q: Can I grow an olive tree in Florida and have my own olives? How long does it take to fruit?
A: Olive trees can indeed thrive and fruit in various regions of Florida. Their adaptability to different climates makes them suitable for the state's diverse conditions. In the northern and central parts of Florida olive trees can flourish.
Easy to grow. Olive trees prefer well-drained soil, and they thrive in full sun, which Florida offers in abundance. While they may not produce as prolifically as in their native Mediterranean habitats, with proper care and suitable varieties, such as Arbequina, Coratina and Leccino, you can still enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Cold hardy. One advantage of olive trees in Florida is their cold hardiness. They can withstand occasional frosts and freezes, particularly when they are mature.
Heat- and drought-tolerant. Olive trees also offer additional benefits beyond their fruit production. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them well-suited to Florida's sometimes erratic rainfall patterns.
Beautiful in landscape. Evergreen foliage of olive trees adds aesthetic appeal to landscapes year-round, and their gnarled trunks and silvery-green leaves create a Mediterranean ambiance reminiscent of warmer climates.
Fertilize for quick fruit. Olives will start flowering within 1-2 years of planting, providing regular fertilizing program. We recommend Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus liquid fertilizer, perfect for edibles and organic gardens.
Symbol of Prosperity. The olive branch has long been revered for its symbolic significance, representing peace, prosperity, and hope across cultures and centuries. It transcends mere botanical importance to embody the enduring power of goodwill.
Healthy Olive Oil. Similarly, olive oil, extracted from these timeless fruits, has been celebrated not only for its culinary excellence but also for its remarkable health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, olive oil has sustained generations with its nourishing properties, earning it a cherished place in both culinary traditions and holistic wellness practices worldwide. So, whether adorning Olympic crowns or enriching Mediterranean cuisine, the olive and its offerings continue to inspire and enrich our lives with their timeless allure and profound significance.
Get your own Olive tree today!
Read more: How to grow a nice Olive tree fast?
Date: 9 Apr 2024
How to start a tropical garden?
Photo above: Lagerstroemia speciosa - Queen Crape Myrtle. Gorgeous flowering tree with cascades of lilac flowers. One of the most popular trees in Southern gardens.
Q: It's spring, finally! I can't wait to plant my paradise garden with lots of tropical flowers. We moved into a nice new house but the yard has nothing but grass. Where do I start?
A: When you start your garden from scratch, you
need to plant your trees first. It's a perfect timing!
Getting tropical
flowering trees now is really important for making your garden strong and
beautiful. Trees are like the bones of your garden, giving it shape and shade.
If you plant them in spring, they have enough time to grow strong roots
before winter. This helps them survive better.
Trees also give shade to other plants so they can grow well too. It's like
building a house - you need to start with the frame before adding other
parts. So, it's a good idea to get those trees now before moving on to shrubs and
vines.
Remember to provide regular fertilizing program which is the most important
during season of active growth. The more food your tree gets, the stronger
and faster it grows! For flowering trees, we recommend Sunshine Boosters Megaflor formula.
Photo above: Royal poinciana
Date: 27 Jan 2024
Valentine Sweetheart Hoya:
a must gift for your Valentine
Q: What plant can you recommend for a Valentines Day present?
A: There is a perfect plant specifically for Valentine's Day! When it comes to finding the ideal plant for an occasion, it doesn't get better than this one. The Sweetheart Hoya, also known as Valentine Hoya or Hoya kerrii, is not only easy to grow but also easy-ship, making it the most user-friendly of all houseplants. Its popularity has soared in recent years, thanks to its unique and quirky "heart" shaped leaves that appeal to everyone and bring smiles to faces. In addition to these charming leaves, the Sweetheart Hoya produces fragrant, beautiful flowers resembling tiny red stars. These flowers are not only stunning but also waxy, durable, and long-lasting.
Caring for the Sweetheart Hoya is a breeze, requiring only minimal attention. It can likely thrive with just one good watering a month - that's how hardy it is. While this plant prefers a reasonably well-lit room for optimal growth, it can still fare well in shadier spots, making it a versatile addition to any home or office. Don't wait till the last moment, get your Valentine's present now - the best one ever!
We have large developed plants, ready to bloom!
Buy one (for her/him) - get one free, for
yourself!
Don't forget some plant food for it!
SUNSHINE Bombino - Young Plant Vigor Booster
Date: 24 Oct 2023
Calathea Zebrina: Nature's Zebra Striped Star
Q: Can you recommend a showy houseplant for a living room that doesn't need much care?
A: Meet the Calathea Zebrina - Zebra Plant, the zebra-striped sensation straight from the Brazilian rainforests. This charismatic plant is like a piece of living art for your home! The Calathea Zebrina isn't just a houseplant; it's a conversation starter and a slice of jungle magic right in your living room. Get ready to embrace the zebra-stripes and let your home's wild side shine!
Zebra Stripes with a Twist:
With its bold dark green stripes on a velvety light green canvas, the Zebra
Plant adds a touch of nature's whimsy to any room. It's like having a zebra
with a green thumb as your housemate. The underside of the leaves are purple
and not always visible because leaves grow horizontally (although some will
curve or grow more upright).
Low-Light Lover:
Not only is it easy on the eyes, but it's also easy to care for. The Zebra
Plant thrives in low light conditions, so you don't need to rearrange your
whole house just to keep it happy. It even tolerates a little over-watering
which all of us tend to do with house plants.
Green with Envy:
This plant may make your other houseplants a bit envious with its
captivating appearance. Its zebra stripes aren't just a fashion statement; they're a
botanical masterpiece. Keep it even greener with Sunshine Robusta plant food - safe to use year around!
A Slice of Serenity:
In a world that's always in a hurry, the Zebra Plant is a gentle reminder
to slow down, appreciate nature's beauty, and bring a touch of tranquility to
your space.
