Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Date:
Discover 10
best fruit trees to grow
in Florida and Southern landscapes
Q: We recently moved into our new home in Florida, and the property is a great size - 5 acres - but it currently has no trees, just a few palms. I'm looking to plant some productive fruit trees to start building our own Food Forest. What fruit trees would you recommend as a good starting point?
A: With five acres of space, you have a fantastic opportunity to create a fruitful garden that can provide for your family for many years to come. Below are our top recommendations for must-have, easy-to-grow fruit trees that thrive in Florida's climate, grow quickly, and start producing right away.
1. Mango Tree
Mango trees (Mangifera indica) are a must-have for any Florida garden, embodying the essence of the Sunshine State with their delicious and nutritious fruit packed with vitamins and fiber. These fast-growing, low-maintenance trees thrive with minimal water and are heat-tolerant. Grafted varieties produce high-quality, fiberless fruit in just 2-3 years, while dwarf "condo" mangoes are perfect for smaller spaces or containers. While young trees need frost protection, mature trees handle cold better. Grafted mangoes offer rich taste that you won't find in commercially grown, fibrous varieties, ensuring a sweet and vibrant harvest from your own garden.
2. Avocado Tree
The Avocado tree (Persea americana) is an essential addition to any tropical or subtropical garden. Known for its health benefits and superfood status, it's a favorite fruit that's not only productive but also a beautiful ornamental tree. Some avocado varieties are more cold-tolerant than mango trees, with the ability to survive temperatures below 25F. While many enjoy growing avocado from seed, only grafted trees guarantee quality fruit and immediate production, as seedlings can take 7-8 years to bear fruit. To successfully grow avocado, ensure good drainage by planting on a raised mound (4-6 inches) and keep the soil consistently moist. There are also compact varieties like Wurtz and Fuerte that thrive in containers or small spaces, making them ideal for patios and small gardens.
3. Tropical Cherries
Tropical cherries, such as Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia aggregata), Grumichama (Eugenia brazilensis), Pitomba (Eugenia luschnathiana), and Black Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora var. Lolita), are popular and easy-to-grow fruit trees that offer fast growth and excellent fruit production. These compact, versatile trees thrive in both the ground and containers, starting to produce fruit almost immediately. Eugenias are low-maintenance, requiring minimal water, thriving in various soil types, and being pest-free. They are heat-tolerant and can endure cool winters, surviving light frosts. Birds love the fruit, but don't worry - there will always be plenty for everyone.
4. Barbados Cherry Tree
Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra), also known as Acerola, is a tropical cherry renowned for having the highest vitamin C content of any fruit. This nutrient-packed fruit is perfect for jellies, jams, and freezing without losing its vitamin C. The Barbados Cherry is a fast-growing, dense shrub that fruits multiple times a year, providing abundant harvests for gardeners seeking quick results. It thrives in alkaline soil, tolerates drought, and is relatively cold-hardy, withstanding light freezes. Birds love the fruit, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. The dwarf variety, Nana, with its small leaves and fruit, is perfect for containers, borders, or even bonsai, adding ornamental value to any space.
5. Noni Tree
The Noni Tree (Morinda citrifolia) is a top superfood plant that makes a fantastic addition to any Southern garden. Known for its numerous medicinal benefits, Noni fruit offers anti-inflammatory properties, relief from arthritis, and support for conditions like diabetes, metabolism, and weight loss. It's even believed to help fight cancer. Noni trees grow quickly and begin producing fruit within 2 years from seed. This tough, resilient plant thrives in poor soil, endures summer heat, and withstands drought conditions. Despite its tropical appearance, Noni is surprisingly cold-hardy, recovering well after leaf damage in cooler weather. In addition to its health benefits, the Noni tree has ornamental value, with large, waxy leaves and unique fruit, where the flower appears to grow directly on the fruit!
6. Macadamia Nut Tree
The Macadamia Nut Tree (Macadamia integrifolia) is a fantastic addition to any garden, allowing you to grow these delicious, high price tag, nutrient-rich nuts right at home. These trees are cold-hardy, grow quickly, and thrive in all Florida soil types. Once established, they are productive and can tolerate both flooding and drought. Older trees can survive colder winters, while young trees need protection from temperatures below 25-26F. Macadamia trees like plenty of water and a special fertilizer program, including liquid fertilizers and microelements, to ensure healthy root development and optimal production. Aside from being rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, macadamia nuts offer numerous health benefits, such as improved digestion, heart health, weight management, and blood sugar control. They are also packed with tocotrienols - antioxidants which may protect against cancer and brain diseases.
7. Papaya Tree
Papaya trees (Carica papaya) are resilient, easy to grow, and produce fruit year-round. Rich in papain, a digestive enzyme, papayas are a superfood that promotes gut health. These fast-growing trees often begin producing fruit within the same year they're planted, providing quick rewards for gardeners. Many varieties, especially dwarf papayas, are space-efficient, reaching only 6-8 feet tall while still yielding large crops, making them perfect for small gardens. Surprisingly hardy for a tropical plant, papayas can withstand light freezes and strong winds (tested in hurricanes!). While they are self-fertile, planting 2-3 different cultivars improves pollination and increases yields. "Solo" cultivars, with their smaller, round or oval fruits, are sweet and less susceptible to fruit flies.
8. Guava Tree
Guava trees are beloved for their flavorful fruit, commonly used in juices, drinks, and desserts. Popular varieties include Tropical Guava (Psidium guajava), Cattley Guava (Psidium littorale), Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum), and Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana). Despite their tropical nature, guavas are surprisingly cold-hardy, suitable for cooler climates and occasional frost. These trees thrive in moist conditions and can tolerate some flooding, while their compact growth makes them easy to maintain at any height or shape. Guavas are fast-fruiting, often producing fruit within a year of planting, and even some varieties in 1 gal containers. The dwarf Nana variety is perfect for container culture, producing full-sized fruit in a compact form. Guava trees are mostly pest-resistant, though mealybugs may require occasional treatment with neem oil in humid, rainy areas. Planting multiple guava trees ensures a continuous supply of fresh, juicy fruit and delicious guava juice for everyone to enjoy.
9. Jackfruit Tree
The Jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a striking, fast-growing tree known for producing the largest fruit grown on a tree, making it a showstopper in any garden. Nutrient-packed and often used as a meat substitute in South Asian cuisine, Jackfruit is also delicious in curries, chutneys, and as dehydrated chips. These trees grow quickly, have large waxy leaves, and can be maintained at a compact height of 7-8 feet, making them ideal for smaller spaces and easier cold protection. Despite being a tropical species, Jackfruit trees are relatively cold-tolerant and can survive light frost (although on the account of production volume), with established trees being more hardy than seedlings. Jackfruit trees begin producing fruit within 3-4 years from seed, and varieties come true to seed, eliminating the need for grafting, though it can be done for specific varieties.
10. Loquat Tree
The Loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and highly cold-hardy tropical fruit tree that thrives in Florida gardens. Loquats are heavy producers, with juicy, aromatic fruit that ripens from early spring to early summer, offering a delicious apricot-like flavor. This compact tree is perfect for small gardens, beginners, and those with limited space. Loquats are undemanding, thriving in any soil and withstanding summer heat, winter cold, heavy rains, and occasional flooding. Nutrient-rich, they are high in sugar, acids, vitamins B and C, minerals, and pectin. Loquats are versatile, enjoyed fresh or used in fruit salads, jams, jellies, chutneys, pies, sauces, and even wine-making, and they are often used as a natural sweetener.
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🌳 Why Large Grafted Trees Are Better
These are not seedlings — they’re grafted trees, which means you get the true variety with known flavor, quality, and performance. Large grafted trees give you a real head start:
- Already mature with a strong root system.
- Handle transplanting and weather shifts with ease.
- Can bloom and fruit in the first or second season.
No guessing, no waiting years — you’ll get the exact fruit you want, sooner.
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👉 Learn more: How long does it take for a mango tree to bear
fruit?
For Indoor and Patio Growers
No space for a full orchard? You can still grow your own tropical paradise! Our large grafted Condo Mango trees adapt beautifully to big containers on patios, balconies, and sunrooms. They stay compact, flower sooner, and can fruit even in pots when given good light and warmth.
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👉 Learn more: What are the Condo Mangos?
Bring the tropics indoors — move your tree outside for summer sun, then back inside before frost. It’s the perfect way to enjoy homegrown fruit wherever you live.
Give your garden a smart start this season. Large grafted Mango trees are ready — but only for a short time before winter.
👉 Plant now, harvest sooner, and enjoy the true variety!
Plant Care Tips by Top Tropicals Plant
Expert Tatiana AndersonLarge grafted Mango trees are easy to establish.
- Soil: Well-drained, rich mix — avoid heavy clay.
- Water: Deeply once or twice a week after the tree is established; keep soil evenly moist during the first few weeks after planting.
- Light: Full sun or bright patio spot.
- Feeding: Use balanced fertilizer Sunshine Boosters Mango Tango with every watering and Green Magic controlled release fertilizer every 6 months for steady growth.
- Protection: Cover on cold nights for the first winter.
- 👉 Learn more: How to take care of a mango tree in winter.
Plant once, care lightly, and your tree will reward you with fast growth and early fruit.
🌳 Big Trees, Local Pickup Only
For our local gardeners, we have something special. Extra-large 15- and 25-gallon Mango trees. These are full, mature specimens that simply can’t be shipped, but they’re perfect for local pickup or delivery.
Instant Impact and Faster Fruit
These trees already have strong trunks, big root systems, and start blooming next Spring. Plant one in your yard and it instantly looks like it’s been there for years.
Delivery and Installation
We offer local delivery and professional installation for large trees in the nearby area. Our team can bring the tree to your garden, position it correctly, and help with planting and setup.
👉 Contact us to arrange delivery and installation for your 15- or 25-gallon tree.
Limited Availability: Quantities are small, and these big trees go fast — once sold, they won’t be available again until next growing season.
"Large grafted trees give you a head start — they’re stronger, settle in faster, and can reward you with fruit the very next season," says Tatiana Anderson
🎥 Watch Short Videos:
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⭐ The Winter Stars: 8 Flowering Trees That Steal the Show
8 Best Flowering Trees That Bloom in Winter: Royal Poinciana with red-orange canopy, Dwarf Pink Tabebuia, Dwarf Golden Tabebuia, Pink Butterfly Orchid Tree, Golden Rain Tree, Weeping Red Bottlebrush, Hong Kong Orchid Tree, and Jacaranda with purple flowers.
Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia)
The diva of tropical trees. Huge red-orange flowers blanket the branches
from late winter through summer. If you’ve ever seen one in full
bloom, you know — it stops traffic.
Best in large yards or open spaces, but young ones do great in big pots for
a few years.
🛒 Shop
Tatiana: “If you want a tree that makes
people
say ‘wow,’ this is it.”
Tabebuia chrysotricha – Dwarf Golden Tabebuia
Small tree, big drama. It turns solid gold just before new leaves appear. Blooms while completely bare — a stunning contrast of yellow on brown wood. Perfect for patios, courtyards, and containers. Handles cool nights down to the mid-20s F. Bright, cheerful, and forgiving — the kind of tree that always looks like it’s celebrating. 🛒 Shop
Tabebuia impetiginosa – Dwarf Pink Tabebuia (Pau D’Arco)
The Florida “cherry blossom.” Pink-lavender flowers smother the branches each winter, often before any leaves return. Thrives in sandy soil, tolerates drought, and grows beautifully in large planters or pots indoors near a sunny window. Ideal for seasonal residents or anyone who wants color when everything else is asleep. 🛒 Shop
Jacaranda mimosifolia
If color had music, this would be jazz. Soft, fern-like leaves and cascades of violet-blue trumpet flowers — airy, elegant, unforgettable. Outdoors, it makes a graceful shade tree; in containers, it stays compact with regular pruning. Jacarandas reward patience — they bloom bigger each year. 🛒 Shop
Koelreuteria paniculata – Golden Rain Tree
A favorite for its surprises — golden blooms in summer, pink paper lantern pods in fall, and bronze leaves before rest. Fast-growing, tough, and easy. Loves full sun and moderate water. Great for open lawns or patio tubs. The kind of tree that gives you something new to look at every month. 🛒 Shop
Callistemon citrinus – Bottlebrush Tree
The hummingbird magnet.
Bright red, brush-shaped flowers bloom several times a year —
sometimes even in cool weather.
The dwarf form, ‘Little John,’ stays about 4 feet tall, perfect
for pots or small borders.
Trim lightly after flowering to keep it compact and colorful. 🛒
Shop
Tatiana: “If you’ve never grown a
tropical tree before — start here. It’s the friendliest
one.”
Bauhinia variegata – Pink Butterfly Tree
Graceful, fragrant, and forgiving. Its pink-lavender orchid-like flowers open from late winter through spring, filling the garden with color and pollinators. It’s fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and excellent for both ground and pots. Even the buds are edible — a fun bonus for adventurous gardeners. 🛒 Shop
Bauhinia blakeana – Hong Kong Orchid Tree
The queen of them all.
Huge magenta-purple blooms that last for months, from fall through spring.
Fragrant, clean (no messy seed pods), and perfect for patios or large
decorative containers.
Give it sun, a little water, and it will reward you with bloom after bloom.
🛒 Shop
Tatiana: “It’s the one tree that never lets winter
win.”
A note on grafted Hong Kong Orchid Trees: Most Hong Kong Orchid Trees are grafted, and that’s actually a big advantage. Because they don’t grow from seed, grafted plants mature faster and begin blooming while still small — sometimes within the first year. That makes them perfect for patio pots or small gardens where space is limited.
Bringing the Tropics Home
Whether your garden faces the Gulf or your window faces the snow, these trees let you live in color year-round. Plant them outdoors in warm zones or grow them in pots indoors — they adapt, they bloom, they brighten every corner.
Gardening isn’t about waiting for spring — it’s about finding joy in every season. And when a tree blooms in January, that joy feels twice as sweet.
🛒 Shop Winter Flowering Plants
✍️ Winter Bloomer Q&A
Q: Can these trees really bloom indoors?
Yes! Smaller species like Bottlebrush ‘Little John,’ Dwarf Tabebuias, and many Bauhinias bloom beautifully in pots with bright light or grow lamps.
Q: Do they lose their leaves in winter?
Some, like Tabebuias and Jacarandas, drop leaves right before blooming — it’s normal and part of their charm. Others, like Bottlebrush, stay evergreen.
Q: What fertilizer works best?
We use Sunshine Boosters — gentle, balanced, and perfect for tropicals. Feed every 2–3 weeks during active growth.
Q: How do I know when to water?
Touch the soil! If it’s dry an inch or two down, water deeply. Overwatering is the main mistake with tropicals.
Q: Can they handle frost?
A quick dip into the upper 20s F is fine for most mature trees. Cover young ones or move containers under shelter if colder.
Q: Which are best for beginners?
Start with Bottlebrush ‘Little John’ or Golden Tabebuia — compact, colorful, and nearly foolproof.
Q: When will they bloom?
Usually within few years if they get enough sun and warmth. Grafted plants blooms much sooner
Q: Which of these trees are best for pot growing?
For patios, balconies, or indoor sunrooms, choose the compact or grafted types:
- Tabebuia chrysotricha, Dwarf Golden Tabebuia, bright and easy.
- Tabebuia impetiginosa, Dwarf Pink Tabebuia, hardy and long-blooming.
- Callistemon ‘Little John’ – stays neat and flowers all year.
- Grafted Bauhinia blakeana – blooms while young, perfect for pots.
🎥 Watch videos of Dwarf trees in bloom:
Date:
What trees are fruiting and blooming right now?
Photo above: Tabebuia chrysotricha - Dwarf Golden Tabebuia
Q: What tropical trees are fruiting and flowering in March?
A: There's always something blooming and fruiting, especially with spring on the way! Our garden is buzzing with bees and butterflies, and in the nursery, you'll always find plants in bloom or bearing fruit. Here are a few standout winners of the season.
Orchid Trees
Orchid trees are among the most spectacular trees in Florida, flowering from late winter through spring. They are fast-growing, not fussy about soil or water, and bloom for several weeks in a stunning display of white, purple, pink, or red flowers. In the photo: Bauhinia alba (candida) - White Orchid Tree - the most cold-hardy of all Bauhinias, tolerating temperatures as low as 26F. You can see them in full bloom across Florida right now!
Carambola - Star Fruit
Starfruit trees (Averrhoa carambola) have been fruiting in our garden since fall, and they just keep producing! We've had so many starfruits that we ended up making lots of jam.
Calliandra
Calliandras are known to be spectacular winter bloomers, but in our garden, they
seem to flower year-round. They make fantastic ever-blooming hedges or
striking small specimen trees.
In the photo: red-flowering Calliandra tweedii "With Love" - Red Tassel Flower, yright now, this
beautiful bush is covered in red blooms in front of our office at Sebring
Farm.
Mulberry Trees
Yes, it's Mulberry season! Some varieties have already ripened, while others are just about to. We're competing with the birds to see who gets the first fruit, but honestly, there's plenty for everyone! These trees are very cold hardy and highly productive.
Loquat Trees
Loquat trees (Eriobotrya japonica) are loaded with fruit right now! We've started picking them and have already made some delicious preserves - you can only eat so many fresh. Loquats continue fruiting through April and May, making them one of the most rewarding, easy-to-grow, and productive fruit trees.
Tabebuia Trees
Tabebuia
trees put on a spectacular show from late winter through spring! Golden
and pink Tabebuias are small, compact trees that fit any yard and deliver a
breathtaking display year after year.
Check out these short videos of blooming Tabebuias:
Tabebuia
chrysotricha - Dwarf Golden Tabebuia
Tabebuia
impetiginosa - Dwarf Pink Tabebuia, Pau DArco, Taheebo
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Detailed Cassia and Bauhinia Care Guide
Outdoor Cassia and Bauhinia Care
- Light: Both Cassia and Bauhinia need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Cassias handle intense heat; Bauhinias can take light afternoon shade.
- Soil: Use loose, fast-draining soil. Mix equal parts garden soil, coarse sand, and compost.
- Watering: Keep evenly moist but never soggy. Cassias tolerate dry spells once established; Bauhinias prefer steady moisture. Water when the top inch feels dry.
- Feeding: For profuse flowering, feed with liquid Sunshine Boosters Megaflor that is safe to use with every watering, year around. You may also apply Green Magic controlled release fertilizer every 6 months. Bauhinias and Cassias respond quickly to feeding.
- Pruning: After flowering, prune lightly to shape and remove dead tips. Cassias can be trimmed to shrub form; Bauhinias stay bushy with pinching.
- Mulch: Add a 2-inch mulch layer around the base to conserve moisture and prevent weeds, but keep mulch off the trunk.
- Cold protection: Most Cassias handle brief frost; some Bauhinias like B. acuminata and B. monandra must be sheltered below freezing. For cold nights, cover with frost cloth or move containers into shelter.
- Dormancy: Outside of tropics, most Bauhinias drop leaves in winter for a short period of time, right before flowering and are called "semi-deciduous". Cassias stay evergreen.
Indoor or Porch Care (cool-climate growers)
- Container: Choose a sturdy pot with several drainage holes, one size larger than the root ball. Unglazed clay or thick plastic pots work best for heat regulation. Use a light, well-drained mix such as professional soilless mix Abundance. Both Cassias and Bauhinias dislike soggy roots. Add a thin layer of coarse gravel at the bottom to improve drainage. Repot every 1–2 years in spring
- Light: Brightest spot possible - south-facing window or heated sunroom. Supplement with a grow light if sunlight is weak.
- Temperature: Keep potted trees in warm environment for best results. The optimum temperature for Cassias and Bauhinias is between 60–85 F, although many species can tolerate cooler temperatures. Avoid cold drafts and sudden drops.
- Humidity: Average indoor humidity is fine; occasional misting keeps foliage glossy.
- Watering: Water sparingly in winter when growth slows; allow the top inch to dry between waterings. Do not let roots sit in water.
- Fertilizing: Feed with Sunshine Boosters Megaflor that is safe to use with every watering, year around, to maintain flowering indoors. You may also apply Green Magic controlled release fertilizer every 6 months.
- Pest watch: Check undersides of leaves for aphids or whitefly. A light spray of neem oil or insecticidal soap clears them fast.
"Whether you crave golden summer fireworks or soft orchid blooms that last nearly all year, both Cassia and Bauhinia bring pure joy to the garden. 💖 Bring color that never quits."
Did you know: Fall is the best planting season — roots grow faster and you’ll have flowers by spring!
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What pot is good for Medinilla?
Q: I just acquired a Medinilla plant. I have a cylindrical tall clay pot that I would like to repot this beauty into. Would like to know if a deep pot is good for this type of tropical plants even if the medium is lightweight with bark and perlite allowing adequate drainage. Would appreciate your advice.
A: Medinillas are very close to epiphytes, meaning they like high air humidity and very good soil drainage characteristics. Clay pots usually provide good air circulation, as long as they are not glazed. If you add a lot of soil conditioner into your mix, like orchid mix and perlite, the tall pot will provide a good drainage. Tall pot is also great for displaying the beautiful pendulous blooms!
Plastic pots work well too, as long as you provide a well-drained soil for the plant. If a nursery plastic pot is not pretty enough, you may place it in a fancy planter; however, make sure never let the pot sit in water, Medinillas do not like wet feet.
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Guava Tree Plant Care
Tips from Top Tropicals Plant Expert - Tatiana Anderson
Where to Plant Outdoors
Guavas love full sun — aim for 6–8 hours of direct light. They’re adaptable to many soils but do best in well-drained, organic-enriched mixes. Plant them in a spot where you can water easily; guavas are thirsty trees during fruiting.
Container & Indoor Growing
Don’t have space or live in a cooler climate? Guavas thrive in large pots. Use well-drained potting mix. LINK TO OUR SOIL Keep them on a sunny patio during warm months and bring them indoors when nights dip below freezing. Compact varieties like Dwarf Hawaiian Rainbow or Tikal are especially good for pots.
Winter Care
Mature guavas can handle a light frost (down into the high 20s F), but young plants need protection. If planted outdoors, cover them with frost cloth on cold nights. Container guavas can be wheeled into a garage, greenhouse, or bright indoor window until the weather warms.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water deeply once or twice a week, more often in hot weather or when fruit is developing. They don’t like soggy soil, but they won’t complain about short floods either. Fertilize 3–4 times a year during the growing season with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer. Guavas especially love potassium and phosphorus for strong flowering and heavy crops. We recommend liquid crop booster Sunshine C-Cibus and balanced controlled release fertilizer Green Magic.
Pruning
Prune after fruiting to keep them compact and open up airflow. Remove crossing or dead branches. In containers, trim back vigorous shoots regularly to manage size and encourage more fruiting wood.
Pests and Problems
Guavas are generally tough and pest-resistant. The main thing to watch for in humid or rainy climates is mealybugs - those cottony white clusters on leaves or stems. They're easy to manage with neem oil or a quick spray of horticultural soap.
Fruit time
Guavas fruit young - often within a year or two.
Pollination
Guavas are self-pollinating, so you'll get fruit even with a single tree. Planting more than one tree, however, often boosts harvests and gives you a longer fruiting season.
If you've ever wanted instant gratification from a fruit tree, guava is it.
🍴 Guava Recipes
With all that fruit, the next question is always: "What do I do with it?" Here are our favorites:
Cas Guava: Make Agua de Cas
Boil halved Cas Guava fruits with sugar, simmer, strain, and bottle. Dilute with water when serving. The concentrate keeps for months in the fridge.
Check out the recipe.-
Hawaiian Gold: Make Drinks
Perfect for Mojitos or Margaritas. Sweet, tangy juice pairs beautifully with lime and mint. Learn more
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Araca Pera: Guava Wine
Famous in Brazil, where the fruit is turned into a vibrant rosу wine. Locals say it’s the taste of summer in a glass — and yes, you can make it at home too. Learn more...
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Quick snack: Guava Grilled Cheese
Spread guava paste or fresh mashed fruit with cheese, grill until golden. Sweet and savory heaven. Learn more...
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Simple Guava Juice
Blend ripe guavas with water, ice, and a little sugar if you like. Instant refreshment.
✅Ready to Grow? Whether you want fresh juice, sweet fruit, or even your own guava wine, we’ve got the best varieties in stock right now. Your future self, sipping guava juice on a hot summer afternoon, will thank you.
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Triple Sec Mango
By Onika Amell, tropical plant specialist
Q: I live in Mesa, Arizona. I am considering purchasing two of you Triple Sec Mango trees. Can you please give me some information on this variety and how to grow it successfully here in hot and arid Arizona, if at all?
A: Triple Sec Mango is a new name for the superior variety Seacrest. The
aroma of this fruit resembles Triple Sec - an orange liqueur. It's a juicy,
mid-season variety that has good disease resistance.
Mango has pretty good heat and drought tolerance. It loves sun, but there
are a lot of factors to consider when growing Mango in your area.
Check your soil. Soil quality is always first and foremost: when you
live in an area of Arizona with
hardpan (extremely compacted desert soil) or caliche (layers of soil
cemented by calcium carbonate) you
will have to learn how to deal with such soil types. Amend the soil as
needed.
The best time to plant is spring or fall to give your Mango a chance to
get established before the really intense Summer heat starts. Alternatively,
protect the tree with a shade cloth. Tender, new growth will not stand a
chance unprotected, especially newly planted and/or young trees.
Mangoes are tropical and sensitive to frost and freeze damage. Young
trees especially will also need winter protection when temperatures go near or
below freezing. Always plant trees in a location where they will be protected
from cold wind. Consider staking your newly planted Mango trees for the
first year. It's never a bad idea to even stake during periods of high winds.
Make sure your planting site has very good drainage. Always use a good
quality mulch around your tree as it helps to trap moisture, keeping the
ground and the roots beneath it cool. Keep mulch a couple of inches from the
trunk of the tree. Avoid a location that gets full day sun. Morning sun,
afternoon shade is ideal. Give regular watering until the tree is established. Once
established, water only when the soil feels dry.
Fertilizer with a Mango-Food. A foliar spray of micronutrient solution is always
recommended during the active growing period. Use plant stimulants and microelements to improve cold hardiness and vigor.
See more info on growing mango in hot climate and container grown mangoes in Arizona.
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❄️ How to Prepare Your Tropical Garden for Winter
Smokey and Sunshine Wrap Up the Garden with Frost Cloth Before the Chill.
Smokey: "Thermometer says 45. Time to wrap the bananas!"
Sunshine: "You wrap the bananas. I’ll guard the mulch… from this
sunny spot."
Smokey: "Teamwork, Sunshine. Teamwork."
🌡️ Cold nights are coming - but your tropicals do not need to shiver!
Even in sunny Florida and other warm zones, one cold snap can undo months of growth. Preparation is everything. Tropical plants can handle a lot, but they dislike surprises. Let’s make sure your garden stays safe, strong, and happy all winter long.
Tips from Tatiana Anderson, Top Tropicals Plant Expert
👉 Group and Check Your Plants
You already know which plants are in pots and which are in the ground. What matters now is prioritizing by cold sensitivity. Identify the tender tropicals – papaya, banana, plumeria, adenium, heliconia – and decide which ones get covered first when temperatures drop. Keep frost cloths or old sheets near those areas, ready to grab fast. If your garden is large, label protection zones or mark plants that always need extra care. The goal is to have a plan, not a panic, when the cold alert hits.
Once you know your priorities, you can plan the rest of your protection strategy.
👉 Feed and Mulch
Stop using high-nitrogen fertilizers by late fall. They push soft new growth that freezes easily. Add compost around the base of your plants and top with 3 to 4 inches of mulch. Mulch acts like a blanket: it keeps warmth in, protects the roots, and keeps soil moisture steady. Just make sure the soil drains well; cold and soggy soil leads to root rot. In raised beds, check that water flows away easily.
After you feed and mulch, it is time to look at how your local zone changes the game.
👉 Zone-by-Zone Tips
Moving Tropical Plants Indoors for Winter Protection
- Zone 10: You are lucky! This is mostly a maintenance season. Watch for root rot after heavy rain, trim lightly if needed, and protect tender young trees during surprise chills. Keep some frost cloth ready just in case.
- Zone 9: This is the main action zone. Nights can dip into the 30s. Deep-water your trees once before cold nights to insulate the roots. Apply heavy mulch, and have frost protection ready to go. If you grow tropical fruit like mango or guava, consider wrapping young trunks in burlap or foam pipe insulation.
- Zone 8: This is where tropical gardening becomes creative. Stick to cold-hardy tropicals such as loquat, guava, or cold-hardy avocado varieties. Use portable greenhouses, wrap trunks, and move smaller plants indoors or to a heated porch when frost threatens.
Now that the garden beds are set, let’s look at your pots and containers – your most mobile plants.
👉 Container and Patio Plants
Potted plants are the easiest to protect but also the quickest to freeze. Start reducing watering now so roots do not stay too wet in cooler weather. Before moving them, check for insects hiding under leaves or in the soil. Group your pots close to a wall for reflected heat and wind protection. If you plan to bring them indoors, do it gradually. Move them closer to the house for a few days before bringing them all the way inside to help them adjust to lower light and humidity.
When the chill starts, many gardeners rush to move everything inside at once – but a smooth transition works much better.
👉 Indoor Plants
When bringing plants inside, give them a good rinse to remove dust and bugs, and flush the soil to wash out salts from summer fertilizing. Keep them separate from your houseplants for a week to make sure no pests come along. Expect some leaf drop – it is normal as they adjust to lower light. Give them bright light near a window, and cut watering by about half until spring. Avoid misting too much; good airflow matters more than humidity during winter.
Many tropicals, like hibiscus, brugmansia, and crotons, may look tired for a while, but they will bounce back quickly once days get longer.
👉 Timing Is Everything
The key is to prepare before the first cold warning. Check your weather app regularly once nights start dropping into the 50s. Keep covers, mulch, and supplies ready so you are not running outside at midnight with a flashlight and a frozen hose. Have your frost cloths labeled by plant group and stored in an easy spot. A little organization now saves a lot of stress later.
Many tropicals, like hibiscus, brugmansia, and crotons, may look tired for a while, but they will bounce back quickly once days get longer.
Remember: the goal is to help your plants rest safely. Many gardeners prune or fertilize too late in the season – we will talk about why that can be risky next week." — says Tatiana Anderson, Top Tropicals Plant Expert
Coming next mail-list: The best gadgets for cold protection (lights, heaters, frost covers) and what NOT to do in winter.
📚 Learn more from Top Tropicals Blog:
Cold protection - winter action for your plant collection
What plants are good to order in Winter?
How to take care of house plants in Winter
How to protect tropical plants in Winter
How to take care of a mango tree in winter
How to protect Avocado from cold
Overwintering Adeniums outside of tropics
Protecting Tropical Plants with Frost Covers at Top Tropicals Nursery
Date:
When Bigger means Better
Everybody loves shopping online nowadays, and plants are no exception. Buying plants by mail order is not uncommon anymore; it only takes one click, and luckily, there are many sources - from big shopping malls like Amazon to small backyard nurseries that sell their seedlings on eBay or Facebook - all delivered to your door. But plants are alive... So when doing your online plant shopping, you must ensure that you fully enjoy your experience and are happy with a healthy plant that a) doesn't die; b) recovers quickly; and c) starts growing fast, so you can see flowers and fruit as soon as possible.
The rule of thumb for shipping plants: bigger plants undergo shipping better, experience less stress, less leaf drop, and recover quicker than plants with smaller root systems. So when it comes to buying plants online, the bigger, the better. Unfortunately, many mail-order plant sources may sell you a tiny twig that has very few chances of surviving. Shipping is very expensive today, so shipping a bigger size plant may cost more than the plant itself.
Below is a piece of advice on how to make the best plant selection for your garden...
Photo above: Loquat trees in 3 gal containers.
5 important rules on how to buy trees online
1. Find a source with bigger plants. Check reviews, ask friends
for recommendations, inquire from the company about the size of their plants
and how they pack their plants for shipping.
TopTropicals offers well-established, strong plants with developed root
system, in container sizes 1, 3, 7, 15 gallon, directly from a tropical
Florida growing farm. Our unique plant-packing techniques are state of the art!
2. Price not always reflects the size and quality of the plant
TopTropicals offers many deals, discounts and sales, while still
providing the biggest and strongest plants grown in real tropical conditions.
3. Most fruit trees must be grafted to produce good fruit. Make
sure you are not purchasing a seedling when it comes to Mango, Avocado,
Peaches and some other trees with named varieties that don't come true to seed.
TopTropicals offers only grafted - Mango,
Avocado and a large number of other tropical cultivars.
4. Pick up when possible from the nursery your ordered from, or
get a delivery, instead of shipping the plants. A drive to the nursery will save you more time and money in the
future, plus you can hand-pick the biggest and healthiest specimens.
TopTropicals is open 7 days a week for your convenience. Visit our Ft Myers Garden Center or Sebring Farm to select the biggest plants.
5. Take advantage of X-Large size plant material if you live
outside the tropical zone and are trying to zone-push your tropical garden.
Bigger plants will establish faster and have more chances to survive cold winters.
Again, it will save you money in a long run (although bigger plants may be
more expensive, but their survival rate is much higher when it comes to cold
nights).
TopTropicals offers X-Large flowering and fruiting trees (7-15-25
gallons), and most of the varieties you see in our online
store can be custom-ordered in big sizes. Delivery and installation
available.
Photo above: Avocado trees in 7 gal containers.
Photo above: Magnolia champaca - Joy Perfume Tree in 25 gal container.