Date: 13 Jul 2023
Fertilizing during rainy season
Q: I have installed your Robuster unit to fertilize my fruit trees, but here in Florida, it is the rainy season and most of the time I do not need to irrigate during the summer. What do you recommend to keep up with fertilizing program?
For in the ground plants
If there are frequent rains, it's not necessary to use any fertilizers except for slowly soluble ones. During rainy periods, use a slow release fertilizer. Simply scatter 3 oz per 100 square ft. You can adjust the amount based on your specific area and number of plants.
Additionally, for foliar treatments, use Sunshine SuperFood microelement supplement and Sunshine Epi biostimulator.
When you water next time, regardless of whether it rained or not, resume
using liquid Sunshine Boosters.
For potted plants
When you water your potted plants, use liquid Sunshine Boosters. Every 1 or 2 weeks (we recommend weekly), apply Sunshine Garden Series (the same type you are using when watering) for foliar treatment. Use the same dosage as you would for watering. By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your plants receive the appropriate nutrients during the rainy season.
Date: 28 Jun 2023
Six reasons to grow
Elephant Ears in your garden
Alocasias and Colocasias, commonly known as Elephant Ears, are both remarkable and popular plants that can bring a touch of tropical elegance to any garden. Here's why they are often considered great additions:
1. Striking Foliage: One of the most captivating features of colocasias and alocasias is their large, lush foliage. The leaves can be enormous, resembling the shape of elephant ears, hence the common name. The foliage is usually rich green, but there are also varieties with hues of purple, black, or variegated patterns. These vibrant leaves create a dramatic focal point in any garden setting.
2. Tropical Aesthetic: Colocasias and alocasias have a distinct tropical vibe that can transform your garden into a lush oasis. Their exotic appearance lends itself well to creating a tropical-themed garden or adding a bold accent to other styles of landscaping. Their large, architectural leaves add a sense of drama and create a stunning backdrop for other plants.
3. Versatility: These plants can be grown in various garden settings. They work well in containers, making them suitable for patio gardens or balcony displays. In larger landscapes, colocasias and alocasias can be planted directly in the ground, either as standalone specimens or as part of mixed border plantings. They can also be utilized around water features or in bog gardens since they enjoy moist conditions.
4. Low Maintenance: Once established, colocasias and alocasias are generally low maintenance plants. They thrive in full to partial shade, preferring a consistently moist soil. Regular watering and occasional fertilization will help them grow vigorously. While they are generally hardy, some varieties may require protection during colder months or overwintering in frost-prone regions.
5. Impressive Size: With proper care and favorable growing conditions, colocasias and alocasias can reach impressive sizes. Some varieties can grow several feet tall, creating a stunning vertical element in the garden. Their size and presence make them ideal for adding structure and height to planting arrangements.
6. Unique Varieties: Colocasias and alocasias offer a wide range of cultivars and species, each with its own distinct characteristics. From the classic Colocasia esculenta to the more exotic Alocasia macrorrhizos, there are numerous options to choose from. You can select plants with different leaf shapes, colors, and patterns to suit your taste and garden design.
Date: 22 Feb 2022
How to survive Winter in South Central Florida
A touching story
by Ed Jones, the Booster Guy
...As much of the country is still in the midst of winter, I believe the
worst has passed for us here in the South Central part of Florida...
...This Winter, almost all of zone 9b and some of zone 10a had frost and
many had a hard freeze...
...Now, many of us here in this part of the state enjoy growing subtropical
plants and trees. There are many that grow well here and most can handle a
frost or even a dip to the high 20s for a short time. Smaller and more
recently planted trees and bushes are most at risk...
...At the Top Tropicals nursery here in Sebring, home to over 20,000
plants, we scrambled for several days to try to protect as many of our plants as
possible. We moved smaller plants into some of our hoop houses that had propane
heaters...
...After 2 weeks of moving plants in and out of protection, we were all
pretty worn out; happy that everything survived and hoping that we would not
have to do that again anytime soon. Slowly, things at the nursery are beginning
to resemble our old normal. Seeds are being planted, cuttings are continuing
to grow and grafting season will be upon us soon. We are all very happy for
that...
...What to do and not to do when the freeze is coming and you have mango,
avocado, and other tropical fruit trees and tender tropicals? Here is some
news from the Orchard and many more coming... check it out and stay with our
updates to learn more!
Date: 24 Jul 2021
Planting during hot summer
In the photo: Malpighia glabra - Barbados Cherry, Acerola
Q: We just moved to Florida from New York. The weather is so hot and I wonder if I should wait till Fall to plant my garden? I tried to plant some seeds of annuals but nothing grew, just weeds. I also planted tomato seeds, they germinated but died in few days. What am I doing wrong?
A: Growing from seeds during hot season can be tricky. Here in Florida, we still can grow anuals and vegetables from seeds, but only during
winter season. Annuals and tomatoes need cooler temperatures and protection from
rain water which we have in abundance during summer. Combination hot + wet
can kill those seedlings. On the other hand, seeds of tropical species love the heat and
humidity, and germinate in no time, they just require a little experience.
However, Summer is a perfect time to plant and establish starter plants in your garden.
Five advantages of summer planting
1. Root growth. High temperatures promote rapid root growth - this is one secrets of a plant nursery. If you grow plants in pots, putting a pot on top of
black ground cover will increase the effect, and the roots will grow even faster than the tops! This is a great head start for a plant. Make sure to provide adequate watering.
2. Fast development. With bright sun and longest day light, photosynthesis is more efficient. In simple words,
during hot summer tropical plants have faster metabolism, they produce cells faster and grow leaves and stems faster.
3. Bugs be gone. Bright sun in combination with good air circulation will help to stay away from insects, leaf fungus, and
other diseases.
4. Fertilizing can be generous and will be most efficient. In summer, there is less chance to overdose, as plant food is consumed fast, and summer rains help to prevent nutrient lock up in soil.
5. Rain water works like magic. Rainy season in Florida is our blessing. It can not be replaced by sprinklers or even daily hose water. Rain penetrates
evenly and saturates not only a root ball but also the surrounding area that gives room to spread even bigger roots. Rain water
also works like a "flush" to rinse off all excessive salts that may build up in soil.
As a result, plants will establish faster and grow bigger before winter, which will give them a better chance to survive possible cold spells.
Plant in summer and watch plants grow healthy and happy every day!
In the photo: Magnolia virginiana - Sweet Bay
Date: 5 May 2021
NEW: Top Tropicals B-Farm
Our new grow farm in Sebring, FL
Since the demand in rare tropical plants increased dramatically, we had
to extend our nursery so we can satisfy all our customers' plant needs. So we
started a new grow farm!
Our new, second location: Top Tropicals B-Farm in Sebring, FL (Highlands
County), is still under construction, but we already grow a huge selection of
rare flowering and fruiting plants for you. And of course Mr B is the supervisor of his own B-Farm!
Those who live in Central Florida, are welcomed to pick up their orders
from B-Farm, save on shipping cost, and eliminate shipping stress for your
plants. Please contact our Customer Service to make an appointment for picking up your order in
Sebring. At B-Farm, our office is still under construction so we do not have
regular hours open for public yet. For now, please shop online and you may pick
up your plants either from our Ft Myers Garden Center, or from B-Farm in Sebring.
Please note: Due to 2 locations, some plants may or may not be
available at one of the locations, please verify over the phone first, before
planning your pick up trip!
