Q: Do all persimmons take roughly 6 years to fruit if grown from
seed?
A: Persimmons, like most of the cultivated fruit trees, are
recommended to be grafted to ensure a certain variety, although they may also come
true to seed. And unfortunately, you are right - it will take a few years
(depending on growing conditions) until the seedling will start fruiting. So
your best bet to get a quality fruit right away is to obtain a grafted plant.
You may check out persimmons (tropical and subtropical) that we carry in stock. If you
are interested in any of the varieties that are currently sold out, just add
your email to wishlist by clicking on link Notify me when available and you
will be notified as soon as we have it back in stock.
Q:Should I buy grafted Guanabana or a seedling? It is a big price
difference. I have heard that Annonas fruit within 3 years from seed, why do
I need a grafted tree?
A:Annona muricata - Guanabana, or Soursop - is known as the best tasting
Annona fruit. Many fruit lovers and gardeners want to have this tree in their
plant collection, and the first question they always ask is: "How soon will
it fruit? I can't wait to enjoy its deliciousness!"
Most Annonas start flowering and fruiting at a young age, 3-4 years from
seed. Annona muricata seedling takes longer. You may read more information on
how to grow Guanabanas from seed, even in a pot, even indoors - in Tropical Treasures Magazine issue # 7. Although it may take up to 15
years to see the fruit...
Now we have a solution to get this fruit sooner - a grafted tree! It
will fruit within a year after planting. The secret of grafting Guanabana was
almost lost (it's a tricky one to graft) and grafted plants were nearly
impossible to find. Now we have them! Quantities are limited.
Keep in mind that Guanabana is very cold sensitive and won't tolerate
even light freeze. However it is still relatively easy to grow even in
subtropical areas: the tree is small, and if tree grown in ground, a simple cold
protection structure can be built around it using basic wood or pipes (metal or
PVC) and covered with plastic for a few weeks of cold weather. Grafted
Guanabana is also a perfect choice for container culture (hand-pollinating maybe
required).
Photo: This grafted tree was planted less than a year ago, and was
covered in winter with cold protection for about 8 weeks. Within a year, it has 4
large fruit on it!
Q: I have several gingers in my yard, including Red Torch, Lobster Claw, and Red Bamboo Ginger, they grow beautifully but only produce large dark
green leaves and no flowers. Is there anything I can do to make them bloom? Do
they need any special fertilizer?
A:Gingers are easy to grow tropical plants with so many benefits, giving
us unique spice, and showy flowers (including long-lasting cut flowers!) -
where other plants fail, especially in deep shade. They are not fussy about
soils and even water once established. To keep your gingers happy, follow these
simple steps:
1. Bright light is essential for flowering, but planting gingers in
semi-shade or filtered light will keep them stress-free from burning summer rays.
2. Water gingers regularly until they established and start producing
new leaves and stems. Once they start clumping, you may reduce watering to a
minimum 9once a week or so), or rely on your sprinkler system.
3. Once the plant is established, start using fertilizer to induce
flowering and healthy growth.
- We recommend granulated "smart release" fertilizer for all tropical
plants. For gingers, the best formula is Tropical Allure. It provides all macro- and microelements essential for
the healthy growth of the plant.
- Apply balanced water-soluble plant food for Gingers, Heliconias and
Bananas -
Broad Leaf Plus - once a month.
- Additionally, you may also add to the menu flower booster Pink N Good Daly Plant Food - this fertilizer is used in very low
concentration and can be used with every watering.
4. Remove old dry and yellowing leaves with sharp cutters to avoid pest
problems and keep good air circulation around these clumping plants.
5. Keep soil covered with 1" mulch to protect from weeds and maintain
the optimal amount of moisture for the rhizomes.
How to make the whole garden fragrant.
List of the most fragrant yet easy to grow plants
Q: Dear toptropicals, thanks for the great database on tropicals
plants! I really enjoy browsing your web site and I am planning on completing
my collection by purchasing some plants from your shop. I am particularly
looking for fragrant plants that make the whole area fragrant. Can you provide
a list of recommended fragrant plants that bloom throughout the year round? I
currently have: murraya, plumeria, michelia alba, figo, champaca, rangoon
creeper, honeysuckle, jasmine, stephanotis, Arabian sambac, brunfelsias.
In 1982, a German artist Joseph Beuys proposed a plan to plant 7000 oaks
throughout the city of Kassel, each paired with a basalt stone. The 7000 stones were
piled up on the lawn in front of the Museum Fridericianum with the idea that
the pile would shrink every time a tree was planted. The project, seen locally
as a gesture towards green urban renewal, took five years to complete and
has spread to other cities around the world!
We can plant a tree without moving a stone... Just plant and enjoy the
beauty!
The missing genetic link is found! The tiny little "bambusoid grass" is actually the original ancient ancestor of Bamboo
and all members of the Bambusoideae, the giant woody grasses!
This plant is the evolutionary mother of ALL modern bamboo's that that has
just never really been made available to the general public...
...So I decided to begin propagating my own Lithachne humilis colony.
After a few months of hovering over delicate seedlings, I have a few to offer!
But there is a story behind it... Continue reading...
Q: I live in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. I'm looking for something
fragrant to grow on my porch. I don't have a lot of space and am interested to find something unusual that won't grow too large.
Any suggestions? I've heard about Chanel #5 tree and I wonder I can keep it in a pot?
A: The Ylang-Ylang tree, Cananga odorata, emits a fragrance so soft and
beautiful it became an essential ingredient of Coco Chanel's iconic and much-loved perfume Chanel No 5. Trouble is, it will grow into
a giant. How do you get this kind of magic onto your lanai or porch? Opt for its smaller relative: Dwarf Ylang Ylang, Cananga fruticosa (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang, meaning:
flowers of flowers).
The fragrance is a little less intense than its larger cousin, but still wonderful to have around.
Let the fragrance drift slowly through the air into your home at night. The scent is strongest from dusk to dawn and it will
need warm and humid conditions for a fuller aroma.
Dwarf Ylang-Ylang is ideal for folks with limited space as it can be
grown in a container or as a house plant. It's a very unusual and interesting plant to add to your porch, lanai or garden. It's
pretty easy to grow and disease resistant too. It will stay compact and in nice tree-like shape. Dwarf Ylang Ylang starts
blooming quite young and will continue to bloom year-round with profuse blooming during the spring and summer months.
The tree prefers a high-humidity environment, evenly moist soil, warm temperatures and will grow best in plant hardiness zones 10-11
but can take short periods of cold.
Read
more about Chanel No5 Flower...
Dwarf Ylang Ylang is certainly one of the most desired and sought after rare,
fragrant plants. Get yours today!
Q: I would like to buy a noni tree, something that would produce much fruit as soon as possible.
I live in NJ, would you ship here?
A: Noni is one of the most suitable fruit trees for potting culture. A 1-3 gallon size plant will
flower and fruit for you within a year. These are Noni's special features:
- flowers and fruits at young age, nearly year around
- tolerates shade and grows large ornamental leaves in filtered light
- suitable for indoor culture
- easy in cultivation, drought and water tolerant, not susceptible to insects
- medicinal properties are endless and cannot be under-appreciated
This plant can be shipped to any state, and will produce fruit for you under minimal care. Just
provide warm frost-free conditions, as this tropical tree is very cold sensitive.
Q: I've just moved from Virginia to Sarasota, Florida. I'm
looking for a vine similar to Wisteria to grow in my new garden. I've so enjoyed my
Wisteria vine and I'm hoping to find something equally spectacular for my FL
garden. Truth is, I'm getting older and won't be able to keep up with the
hard-core maintenance Wisteria needs to keep it in under control. Is there a
similar vine you can recommend that is just as showstopping as Wisteria?
A: The vine that immediately comes to mind is Petrea Volubilis or Queens wreath. It looks similar to Wisteria, and though a fast and strong climber, it's not invasive or
destructive at all. An occasional pruning is all it will need to maintain it.
Much like Wisteria it gives a glorious show of flowers when spring arrives.
Masses of long, mauve flowers will continue to appear on and off in summer with
another burst of flowers in the fall. Flowers are up to a foot in length!
Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies will all be impressed with you for
growing this charmer.
Snip off the gorgeous flowers, put them in shallow bowls of water
around your home and be the envy of all your friends and house guests!
This vine prefers the warmth of Zone 10 to thrive, but it will survive
in areas of Zone 9B when it borders zone 10A, especially if it's placed in a
protected area. It grows best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. It's
great for coastal gardens and once established, it has good drought
tolerance, medium salt tolerance, and good wind tolerance. It has no major pest
problems, which is always a bonus.
Grow and shape it as you like: a large bush, a small tree or a
breathtaking espalier. Some people plant Petrea vine by a tree to create that much
sought-after ethereal wisteria effect. This is no doubt a very charming vine
and a must-have for those who are in love with Wisteria but scared of its
vigorous growth and ongoing maintenance.
For Wisteria lovers we also recommend its spectacular tropical relative
Millettia reticulata - Evergreen Wisteria.
How to propagate plants from cuttings. Top (Tropicals)
secrets.
Q: After pruning my jasmine, I have so many branches and I don't
have a heart to through them away, can I use them to make more plants? Please
tell me what size cuttings and do I need to remove leaves? Should I just
stick them in the ground? Will they root? I don't know if you will be willing to
share your secrets?
A: We are always happy to know that you grow more plants, and
make our World better! These are some useful tips for the propagation of
tropical plants using cuttings:
- Cuttings and leaves. Use cuttings 2-5" long. Strip leaves from
the bottom. Cut larger leaves in half to reduce evaporation.
- Soak cuttings for 15-30 min in SUNSHINE solution.
- Mix. Use special well-drained mix with lots of soil conditioner: we
have a special professional propagation mix for cuttings.
- Mist. Put community pots or trays with cuttings in mist, or if you
don't have mist - cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a
mini-greenhouse.
- Shade. Keep propagation pots in bright shade and never allow direct
sun rays.
- Rooting hormone: yes, use it if you have it. Not only it promotes
root formation but also prevents from fungus so the cuttings won't rot. We use
Dip-N-Grow.
- Rooting and food. Check in 2-3 weeks for roots. Once you see the
little roots, begin fertilizing with a special Baby-Plant Food and make sure never exceed recommended doze otherwise
you may kill the cuttings.
- Establishing. Once roots start growing, plant in 4" pots in a well-drained potting mix and watch the beauty grow! Gradually move to
the full sun only when little plants establish and start new growth.
If you are lucky to make more rare plants than you can use, contact us, we will buy them from you or trade for your dream plants!
In fact, one of our customers from many years ago started selling us baby
plants that he propagated from our plants, and now has a successful business
(Karma Nursery); we buy a lot of plants from him every month!
The missing genetic link is found! The tiny little "
