Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

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Ten best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Ten best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes

Avocado (Persea americana) fruit

Avocado (Persea americana) fruit

🏆 Ten best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes.
# 2: Avocado Tree.
  • Avocado (Persea americana) is a must-have in any tropical or subtropical garden, along with the mango. It’s a favorite fruit known for its health benefits and superfood status.
  • Cold Hardy: Some varieties can survive temperatures below 25F, making it more cold-tolerant than mango trees.
  • Beautiful and Productive: Aside from the fruit, it's a lovely ornamental tree.
  • Grafted Varieties for Quality Fruit: Many plant enthusiasts enjoy growing Avocado from seed. Keep in mind that only grafted trees guarantee quality fruit and production right away, while seedlings take 7-8 years.
  • Growing Secrets: The avocado tree can be a bit tricky to establish. The two main secrets to successful growth are:

    • a) Good drainage
    b) Regular watering
    Avocados don’t like to dry out, but they also can’t tolerate wet feet. To ensure proper drainage, plant the tree on a raised mound (4-6 inches) and keep the soil consistently moist.
  • Compact Varieties Available: There are several compact varieties ideal for container culture, small spaces, and patios. Dwarf "Condo" varieties like Wurtz and Fuerte are perfect for containers, while semi-dwarf options such as Russell, Lila, Mexicola, Poncho, and Yamagata also perform well in smaller gardens.


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Lula Avocado The Winter Warrior of Florida. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Lula Avocado The Winter Warrior of Florida

Lula Avocado The Winter Warrior of Florida
Lula Avocado – The Winter Warrior of Florida

  • 🟢 Lula is an avocado variety that's tougher than most! Known for its frost resistance, this cultivar is perfect for homeowners and gardeners in Central Florida and around Orlando. In fact, it was once the top commercial avocado in South Florida, thanks to its ability to endure chilly winters and produce heavily even when other varieties might struggle.

  • 🟢 Lula fruits are medium to large, pear-shaped, and sometimes feature a slender neck. Their skin is smooth, with a greenish tint, enclosing pale to greenish-yellow flesh. With a 12-16% oil content, the Lula offers a creamy, rich flavor that’s a delight in guacamole or straight from the fruit. The large, tightly held seed also makes it a reliable producer, minimizing seed sprouting issues during the harvest.

  • 🟢 The harvesting season runs from November to December, offering a long production window that stands out among other avocado varieties. Originally developed from a tree planted by Mrs. Lula Cellon in 1915 near Miami, this variety has proven its early bearing nature and heavy yields, making it ideal for both home gardeners and small orchard owners.

  • 🟢 If you're looking for an avocado tree that thrives in Central Florida's conditions, bears flavorful fruit, and can withstand the cold, Lula is your go-to! Just give it plenty of space to grow tall and enjoy years of delicious harvests.


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Three must-have fruit for every tropical garden. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Three must-have fruit for every tropical garden

Three must-have fruit for every tropical garden
🏆 Three must-have fruit for every tropical garden

🍍Pineapple is a tropical favorite that's incredibly easy to grow, making it a perfect choice for beginners. With minimal care, Pineapples don't take mush space, you can grown them underneath other fruit trees. Plant good varieties, and when you get your crop, plant the tops and you will have your little Pineapple plantation in no time: you'll enjoy sweet, juicy fruit from those little babies in about 18-24 months. Freshly harvested pineapples are delightful in smoothies, salads, or grilled, adding a tropical flair to your garden.

Mango trees are not only a staple in tropical gardens but are also easy to cultivate. They flourish in sunny spots and well-drained soil, requiring little maintenance once established. These vigorous trees can yield an abundance of juicy, flavorful fruit in just a few years. They are perfect for fresh eating or adding to salsas and chutneys. Condo varieties are dwarf trees and can be grown in containers.

Avocado trees are fun to grow and add both beauty and nutrition to tropical gardens. Grafted cultivars start yielding fruit within a few months with proper care. The rich, creamy avocados are a culinary favorite, perfect for salads, spreads, and smoothies. With their lush foliage and bountiful harvests, avocado trees are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for ease and abundance.

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Is there such thing as a Rainbow Avocado? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Is there such thing as a Rainbow Avocado?

Is there such thing as a Rainbow Avocado?
🌈 Is there such thing as a Rainbow Avocado?

📸 Avocado Brogdon before fully ripe.

  • Get ready to elevate your avocado game with the Brogdon Avocado! This showstopper features stunning red-purple pear-shaped fruit that weighs in at 7 to 15 ounces, boasting a thin skin that reveals rich, yellow, buttery flesh inside.

  • Ripening in late summer to fall, the Brogdon is not just delicious; it’s also impressively cold-hardy, making it a fantastic choice for Central Florida gardeners. Your guacamole will thank you!


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