Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 1 Feb 2021

The Secret of Longevity
finally revealed!

"...Time spent in the garden doesn't count against your lifespan..."

Want to live longer? Surround yourself with plants

If you want to live longer, live around green space. The Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that for every 10% increase in vegetation that's within 1,600 feet of your home, your probability of death drops by 4%.
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Why gardening could help you live longer:

1. It gets you into Nature.
2. It's good exercise.
3. You'll eat what you grow.
4. It exercises your mind, while also relieving stress.
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Gardening helps you live to 100

Many of the world's centenarians share one common hobby: gardening. Could you extend your life and drop your stress by taking up the pursuit, too? People living in these so-called "blue zones" have certain factors in common - with daily exercise habits and a plant-based diet, for starters. But they share another unexpected commonality. People are gardening well into old age - their 80s, 90s and beyond. Could nurturing your green thumb help you live to 100? Let nature nurture you!
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The healthiest people in the world don't go to the gym.

Moving naturally throughout the day might sound pleasant and romantic, but the reality is that 100 years ago only 10% of us had sedentary jobs, whereas today it's 90%. However, there are still easy ways to add more movement into your busy lifestyle. The research also showed that walking even as little as two hours per week could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, and help you live longer. What work out can be better than Gardening? Fresh air, lots of exercise, yet fun and rewarding!
See also: Forget the gym and get to gardening.

In the photo: The Father of American Tropical Fruit Horticulture Bill Whitman, age 92, is presenting his book Five decades with tropical fruit to Top Tropicals after giving a tour of his historical garden in Bal Harbor, Miami (2006)

Date: 23 Mar 2020

Garden Sustainability Tips: Live your Life. Dig your Garden.

You can grow herbs and vegetables that can be easy incorporated into your home landscape. You don't need a raised bed for a few little things that will come really handy for your kitchen.

1. Parsley. Get a small 4"pot parsley plant from a local garden center. It grows super fast and just one plant can provide great healthy addition for your cooking for a few months. Plant in in full sun, under a tree or shrub, where it gets hit by a sprinkler.
2. Dill. This one grows from seeds quickly and easily. It also needs full sun and regular water.
3. Chives, or Green Onion. Don't through away"bulbs"from chives you got from the store. Stick them in the ground, pretty much anywhere in your garden. You will have supply of fresh chives loaded with vitamins right away (withing a few days!) and for many months. You can also plant an onion bulb (root-end down... duh) - this one will produce greens even faster!
4. Bay Leaf. If you live in a mild climate, plant a Bay Leaf in your yard (closer to the door - closer to the kitchen!). It is a wonderful healthy spice for soups and stews that makes them super flavorful. If your winters are cold, keep the plant in a pot. Bay Leaf makes a great undemanding houseplant that needs bright light, but very little water.
5. Cherry tomatoes are easy to grow, heat tolerant and even grow in lower light, so they are easy to incorporate into any existing landscape. Get Sunshine Boosters to double your crop: see how it works.
6. More herbs and spices. Check out our large selection of herbs and spices - they are on sale today!
7. Garden work is a great exercise. While the gym is closed - get to gardening. Read about Fun workout and Calories Burning Gardening.
8. Lemons. Vitamin C is your best friend for boosting immune system, and Lemons have tons of it! In areas where citrus can grow outside, Lemon tree is a must-have for your garden, or at least find a friend who has one! Citrus also makes a great house plant, so you can keep it in a pot, too. Just make sure to have a grafted tree that will produce right away.

Lemon Juice Health Booster Recipe

1. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon and mix it with 1 cup of water.
2. Add ice cubes and 1-2 tbsp of any flavored syrup (optional). You may add some fresh mint for Mojito flavor.
3. Enjoy this drink at least once a day.
4. Get a bunch of lemons, squeeze fresh juice into ice cube trays and freeze. 1 lemon = makes 1 ice cube. Store in freezer and use 1-2 cubes to make the above drink, daily.

Besides being rich in vitamin C that will boost your immune system, Lemon juice is a Natural medicine that helps to treat:
- cold and flu
- headaches and high blood pressure
- stomach problems
- insomnia
- and much more
Drinking lemon juice on regular basis will make your body stronger and more resistant to infections and many illnesses.

Please take good care of yourself and your loved ones. Stay healthy.

Date: 23 Sep 2024

Ten top fruiting plants you'll ever need
for your health benefits

Top  Tropicals  Fruit

Q: I planted Mango and Avocado trees, and I still have room for more trees but want to use the space wisely. What other trees should I plant to get the most benefits out of the fruit?

A: Everyone loves planting Mango or Avocado trees for their well-known benefits. But did you know that adding a variety of other fruit trees to your garden can expand those benefits even more? If you plant just one of each of these 10 trees, you'll have a complete spectrum of nutrients and health-boosting ingredients you ever need. With a diverse range of healthy fruits, you'll boost your diet, improve your health, and elevate your lifestyle. Let's check out the TOP TEN most rewarding and useful fruit...

1. Guava

Guava  fruit

Guava is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps protect against colds and infections.
Guava helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people with diabetes.
Its potassium content helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Guava's antioxidants, like lycopene and vitamin C, contribute to glowing skin and may reduce the risk of cancer.
Guava is eaten fresh, made into juices, jams, and jellies, or added to desserts and smoothies.

2. Coffee

Coffee  fruit

Coffee is widely enjoyed as a beverage and is used in various desserts and drinks.
It is rich in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
It improves focus and mental alertness due to its caffeine content.
Coffee boosts metabolism and aid in fat burning, supporting weight management.

3. Noni

Noni  fruit

Noni is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint pain and arthritis symptoms.
Fresh noni fruit and juice are popular in traditional herbal medicine and drinks.
It boosts the immune system due to its rich vitamin C content.
Noni juice is used traditionally to improve digestion and fight infections.

4. Papaya

Papaya  fruit

Papaya is a popular ingredient in salads, smoothies, and tropical desserts.
It contains enzymes like papain that aid digestion and reduce bloating.
It is high in vitamin C and vitamin A, the antioxidants in papaya may protect against heart disease and reduce cancer risk.

5. Banana

Persimmon  fruit

Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
They provide a quick source of energy and are great for post-workout recovery.
The fiber in bananas aids digestion and promotes gut health.
East them fresh, add to smoothies, bake into breads and desserts, or use in various savory dishes.

6. Dragon fruit

Dragon  fruit

Dragon fruit is often used in smoothies, fruit salads, and refreshing drinks.
It is high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health. Low in calories and packed with nutrients, it's great for weight management.

7. Tamarind

Tamarind  fruit

Tamarind is a common ingredient in sauces, chutneys, and beverages.
Rich in antioxidants, it protects the liver and reduces inflammation.
It contains natural compounds that help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Tamarind has a mild laxative effect, aiding digestion and relieving constipation.

8. Loilita (Surinam) Cherry

Surinam  cherry  fruit

Surinam cherry is rich in vitamin C, boosting the immune system and skin health.
Its antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect against free radical damage. It contains fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
Surinam cherries are used in jams, sauces, and desserts or eaten fresh.

9. Nescafe

Nescafe

Nescafe - Mucuna pruriens - is used in herbal supplements or ground into powder for teas and health drinks.
It is known for its potential to boost dopamine levels, improving mood and reducing stress.
It supports cognitive function, muscle growth and increases energy levels.

10. Loquat

Loquat  fruit

Loquat are very popular and are eaten fresh or used in making jams, jellies, pies, and fruit salads.
Loquat is rich in vitamin A, supporting eye health. It contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The fiber in loquats aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

By planting these 10 diverse fruit trees, you'll not only enjoy a delicious and abundant harvest but also ensure your garden provides all the nutrients needed for a healthier, more vibrant life.

Date: 18 Aug 2025

Step Up Your Plants Before Fall

Tropical  plants  in  containers
Tropical Plants Ready for Repotting

After a busy summer of growth, many potted plants are bursting out of their containers. Now is the perfect time to step them up into a slightly larger pot.

🌱 Why now in August?

Repotting before fall gives roots room to expand, while there’s still warmth for active growth. Plants have time to sprout new shoots, fill out, and build strength before cooler weather slows them down.

✂️ Trim and Shape

This is also your last chance to give plants a light trim. Pinching or cutting back helps them branch, bush out, and get denser — exactly what you want going into fall.

💚 Add Green Magic

When repotting, mix in Sunshine controlled-release Green Magic fertilizer to reduce transplant stress and boost new root growth. It helps plants settle in quickly and keep thriving.

👉 Watch our on how to step up your plant the right way, then check your pots — some of your summer growers are ready to move up!

⚠️ Important Note on Timing

This advice is for gardeners in warm climates or for anyone who still has at least a month of warm weather left. Tropical plants go dormant when temperatures drop below 75F, so planting in a larger pot at that time may cause root rot — roots stop growing in dormancy, and extra moisture in the soil can lead to rotting.

Repotting,  potting  soil  and  fertilizer

Watch repotting video

How to Repot a Plant Properly

  1. Choose the Right Pot

    Pick a pot just a few inches larger than the old one.

    Make sure it has good drainage — tropical plants hate sitting in water. A pot without drainage holes can cause waterlogging and root rot.

  2. Why plastic pots are better than fancy ceramic

    Ceramic pots may look pretty, but they are heavy, breakable, and often lack proper drainage. Plastic pots are lightweight, easier to handle, and — most importantly — if a plant is root-bound and stuck, you can simply cut the plastic pot to free it without harming the roots. For looks, slip the plastic pot inside a decorative cover pot.

  3. Add Soil and Fertilizer

    Place fresh potting soil at the bottom. Mix in a good fertilizer — we use Sunshine Green Magic.

  4. Remove the Plant

    Why turn it upside down? Gravity helps loosen the plant, and it slides out more easily without tugging.

    Never pull a plant by its head (stems or leaves). That can damage the crown and tear roots.

    If it doesn’t come out easily: lay the pot on its side and gently squeeze or tap the pot to dislodge the soil. If it is really stuck, cut the old pot instead of forcing the plant.

  5. Check the Root System

    If roots are circling tightly (pot-bound), gently untangle or loosen the outside layer so they will grow outward into the new soil.

    Do not shake off or remove old soil from the root ball. Roots have tiny hairs that absorb water and nutrients, and damaging them will set the plant back. Keep the root mass intact and disturb as little as possible.

  6. Set at the Same Level

    Place the plant in the new pot so it sits at the same soil level as before.
    👉 This is important: burying the stem too deep can suffocate it, while setting the plant higher than before may expose roots and cause drying. Keeping the level the same protects the root crown.

  7. Fill and Firm

    Add more soil and fertilizer around the sides. Press lightly around the edges to remove air pockets.

  8. Water Thoroughly

    Give it a deep watering to help roots settle.

  9. Aftercare

    Don’t water again until the top inch of soil feels dry. Freshly repotted plants are vulnerable to soggy soil and root rot if kept too wet.

Watch the video how to repot properly

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Date: 22 Sep 2025

🐲 The taste you will never forget

Dragon  fruit  collage  -  yellow,  red,  purple,  white  varieties

If you only know dragon fruit from the grocery store, you probably think it looks pretty but tastes bland. That is because most commercial fruit is picked early, shipped far, and loses its sweetness. The truth? Homegrown dragon fruit is juicy, sweet, and full of flavor. The best of all is the yellow variety, Palora (Selenicereus megalanthus), a cactus fruit from Ecuador that bursts with tropical taste.

🌵 Pitaya or Dragon fruit – what is the difference?

Both names describe the same climbing cactus. In Latin America it is called Pitaya, while Asia and English speakers say Dragon fruit. There are three main kinds:

Some hybrids give purple or magenta flesh. All are beautiful, all are easy to grow at home.

⚡️ Do red, white, and yellow taste different?

Yes. White types are mild and refreshing. Reds are sweeter and juicier. Yellows are the sweetest of all.

⚡️ Flowers from a fairy tale

Close-up  of  a  blooming  dragon  fruit  pitaya  flower  with  white  petals  and
    yellow 
 center

Dragon fruit flowers are among the most spectacular in the plant world. They open at night, glowing under moonlight, with pale petals and a sweet fragrance. Each flower can be a foot wide. Seeing one bloom feels like stepping into another world.

⚡️ Top Dragon Fruit Health Benefits

  • High in fiber for digestion and gut health
  • Low in calories but full of vitamins
  • Great for weight management
  • Adds color and freshness to smoothies and salads

🍹 Dragon Fruit Smoothie recipe

Glass  of  dragon  fruit  pitaya  smoothie  with  fresh  dragon  fruit,  banana, 
 mango,  lime,  sugar,  and  ice 
 cubes

Blend together:

  • 2 dragon fruits, peeled
  • 1/2 cup mango pulp
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup milk of your choice
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp lime juice
  • Ice cubes to taste

Top with mint for a refreshing tropical treat.

Watch Dragon Fruit short videos:

💲 Special Offer – 25% off Dragon Fruit Pitaya Plants!

Get 25% OFF Pitaya plants with code

DRAGON2025

Min order $100. Excluding S/H, valid online only, cannot be combined with other offers.

Hurry, offer expires September 29, 2025!

Explore Dragon Fruit varieties