A Banana Tree Adds A Tropical Look To Any Landscape, And Wow, Look At The Fruit
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Nothing Says Tropical Like A Banana Tree
Banana trees are one of the top two plants most
recognized and associated with the tropics
and will enhance the look and feel of any garden.
Come see our new shipment of banana trees today.
Please check new summer hours before coming out and thanks for your business.
Effective June 21
Tue-Fri 11a-3p, Sat 10a-4p and closed Sunday and Monday
Closed all Holidays, (Fathers Day, July 4th, Labor Day)
THE SWEETEST FRUIT, IS THE FRUIT YOU GROW AT HOME!
Warmer Days Are HERE!!
TIME TO PLANT TROPICALS
Planting time in Arizona is year round, ready when you are
Warm days and pleasant nights are in the forecast for the next few months, just what tropical plants love.
Landscapers and other seasoned gardeners don't stop planting just because it's hot, and
neither should you. Planting in the summer doesn't have to be impossible, just follow these tips.
Summer Planting Tips
Want to know the #1 killer of plants in general, not just tropicals or exotics? I'll give you a hint, it isn't frost or the summer heat and sun.
Give up?
It's Fertilizer!
Fertilizer is fine when used properly and at the right time.
However new plants don't need it, they are under enough stress just being transplanted.
So give them a break and don't fertilize for a year or more, trust me. You will be glad you did.
Curious what the #2 biggest killer of plants? Just read the tips below to find out.
1. Give your new tree a helping hand adjusting to full sun. Using a simple shade structure or planting under the canopy of another tree will do wonders. Ever visit the
Desert Botanical Garden and wonder why are they shading desert plants? Well, even native plants need a break from the harsh sun, and whether it be the sun of the
Arizona desert or somewhere in the tropics, all young plants need some protection if they are going to survive. Once your trees get bigger they will shade themselves and
the soil around them by their own foliage. Everything in the tropics and the desert is about shade so use it to your advantage to help your trees establish. Most all
tropical fruit trees are full sun, but the tree you are buying is a baby and should be treated as such until it can handle the full sun.
DON'TFERTILIZE
2. Keep your trees watered so the root ball does not dry out. Depending on your soil you may have to water 1 - 2 times a day. Water slow and deep each time so your new tree
can establish a deep, strong root system. Letting your drippers run every day for 5 -10 minutes may seem like a lot to you and may be enough for landscape shrubs,
but not for fruit trees. The rule of thumb is to water the amount equal to the container the tree came in. So if it was in a 1 gallon nursery container you would give it
1 gallon of water, a 5 gallon container gets 5 gallons and so on. If you are using a 1 gallon an hour dripper then you will have to let it run one hour for a 1 gallon tree.
DON'T FERTILIZE
3. Use B-1 plant vitamins (this is not the same as fertilize) when planting to help your tree recover from transplant shock and aid in rapid root development.
Transplant shock is the 2nd leading cause of premature demise of newly planted trees. Exercise as much care as possible when removing the nursery container from your trees
to reduce the ill effects of transplanting. Never pull a tree from the container by the trunk. Instead cut the bottom off the pot, then start a small cut (about 4-6 inches from the bottom) vertically
up one side of the pot, then set the tree with the remaining pot in the hole and backfill with your planting mix up to where you made the cut, pack and firm the soil at this level, then finally cut the remaining pot away and continue
to backfill. This is just one of several techniques to prevent the root ball from falling apart and possibly causing irreversible transplant shock. Now read on for more planting tips.
DON'T FERTILIZE
4. Don't make sudden watering changes. If you discover you have been over watering, don't suddenly stop, your tree is use to what you have been doing even if it was the wrong way.
Gradually make changes so you don't shock your tree. Same goes if you have learned you have been under watering. Use this technique as you adjust from daily watering that you have
been doing when you planted so you can get your tree on a regular and proper watering schedule. Remember there is no real formula or set amount of water to give your trees, we can only make
generalizations with out knowing your soil type, exposure, amount of other trees in and around your landscape among other factors. Also as your tree matures you will need to make ongoing adjustments,
to the placement of drip emitters, and the length and amount of water your tree gets. This is the same for desert adapted trees as it is for the unique fruit trees we sell and is an ongoing process and just part of
gardening.
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5. Consider white washing or using tree paint on any exposed trunk, it is just like you putting sun screen when you go outside. (This does not apply to bananas or papaya)
DON'T FERTILIZE
6. Do not fertilize using any chemical fertilizers for at least the first year. Waiting two years is even better. Most tropical trees are salt sensitive and commercial fertilizers have
a high percentage of sodium, which along with our high sodium water will spell disaster. Right now using good organic planting compost is all you need, and in a couple of years
when it is time to fertilize, consider one of the many organic products like THE GARDEN GUYS, "EXTREME JUICE".
DON'T FERTILIZE
7. Plant new trees in the early morning hours or late evening, it is easier on you as well as your new tree.
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8. Don't take on a bigger landscape job than you can handle. Plant a few trees at a time so you allow yourself time to take care of them if need be. It is planting time in S. AZ
year round, so there is no hurry. Plant on your schedule and enjoy.
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9. Stake your tree the first year so it can handle the strong monsoon winds. Banana trees may have to be staked anytime of year that they are holding a large head of fruit to
prevent the stock of bananas from breaking off.
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10. Water in the early morning and mist your trees and the surrounding ground to increase humidity.
DON'T FERTILIZE
11. Don't be afraid to plant tropical trees close to each other. Natively that is how many grow, and in our dry conditions this will help the trees by establishing a micro climate.
DON'T FERTILIZE
12. Remember that no matter where in the world you are gardening there is going to be challenges, and tropical plants grow in some very inhospitable places on our globe.
Every tree in our nursery has been shown to grow here in S. Arizona, either I am growing it successfully in my garden or I know someone else who is. Also keep in mind
that plants are living things and sometimes things will happen and they die. I can say this, of all the plants that I have lost, everyone can be attributed to an error I have
made in its care or an outside force (like my dog), not because the tree doesn't grow here. Yes some are harder than others, but they all will grow.
DON'T FERTILIZE
13. Don't forget that gardening is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Take it easy, make it fun and enjoy the benefits and wonder of growing your own fruit.
DON'T FERTILIZE
IT IS TIME TO PLANT
If you are waiting for a better time to plant, you wont find one.
And with all threat of frost gone, and warmer days here, it is time to plant your tropical trees.
Tropical plants love heat so from now to November is the best time to plant them, even right
in the middle of summers 110f degrees. Remember planting tropical trees and most other fruit trees
is not like planning and planting a vegetable garden where you need to plant them by a certain time.
Southern Arizona's climate and long growing season lets you plant year round.
It's A GREAT Time to Plant!!
The number #1 question we get asked is,
"When is the best time to plant"?
Basically the answer is,
"When are you ready to plant?"
Because in Phoenix and much of Southern AZ, it is planting time year round.
You can't say that about most of the country, but for a few places
in the country including the Phoenix area we enjoy year round gardening.
Just come and select your trees, and whether it be Summer, Spring, Fall or Winter
we will give you the advice particular for the time of year to be successful.
If your waiting for the right time to plant, then your missing out on valuable
time your tree can be growing, and the sooner you will get the fruit and shade you planted it for.
The 2nd most frequently asked question is,
"Can bananas, mangos and guavas really grow in Arizona"
YES, they can, heat sun and all.
Why you ask?
Because tropical trees want heat, and sun, the two most abundant and free natural sources in S. Arizona.
What we don't have is lots of organics in our soil and enough natural rain.
Luckily what we don't have you can take care of yourself by adding plenty of composted mulch when
you plant and watering slow, long, and deep. It really is that simple
So, what are you waiting for?
Plant Shade, Get Fruit
If You're Going to Plant It and Take Care Of It Anyway,
WHY NOT GET SOMETHING BACK FOR YOUR EFFORT.
Every Fruit Tree is also a shade tree, the best of both worlds.
TROPICA MANGO RARE FRUIT NURSERY,
WHERE ARIZONA GARDENERS SHOP FOR FRUIT TREES.
Tropica Mango is "a one of a kind" boutique style nursery, specializing in
Exotic, Tropical, Sub-Tropical & Deciduous Fruit Trees & Plants From Around The World.
602-576-6948
Have a truly beautiful and unique edible landscape right here in the Phoenix and Arizona Desert.
602-576-6948 Let us show you how to grow Mangos, Bananas, Guavas, Avocado, Plumeria, Bamboo, Passion Fruit, Cocktail trees and more!
Too Exotic? Then how about Apples, Peaches, Nut Trees, Pomegranates or Figs
Tropica Mango Rare Fruit Nursery is one of only a handful
of nurseries around the country specializing in fruit producing
trees and plants. We carry fruit trees most nurseries have never heard
of, but most importantly we know how to grow them in Arizona
HOURS:
Summer Hours Now In Effect
Tue - Fri 11:00a -3:00p
Saturday 10:00a - 4:00p Closed Sunday and Monday
602-576-6948
DELIVERY/PLANTING:
Tropica Mango is a retail walk-in nursery serving the greater Phoenix area and the Great state of Arizona.
This website exists to support our customers with
pertinent information to the care and growing of the
many plants we carry. The information is a collection
of personal experiences and research specific to
growing fruit trees in the beautiful Sonoran Desert,
lower salt river basin and greater Phoenix & Tucson area.
Though much of the information and advise may be applied
to different regions throughout the country and world, it
is most intended to be specific to those in this area.
Though I will answer questions from anyone who asks (email me here)
from anywhere, I would encourage those in other zones or climates to
also contact your local extension office or agriculture services
for tips and techniques that might be more specific to your area.
We currently do not offer Shipping, Planting or Delivery, but don't worry we will enclose the pots in plastic bags and load them for you.
Most plants are conveniently grown in 5 gallon size containers and
can easily be transported in even small cars. We do have larger sizes too.
Haa Haa, Dwarf Ornico, Dwarf Red, Lady Finger, Musa 1780, Mona Lisa, Cardaba (Too Many to List All)
Common and Exotic Citrus Trees (Thai Kaiffr Lime, Key Lime, Blood Oranges, Navel, Cara Cara, Myers, Pink Lemonade, Grapefruit, Buddhas Hand Citron, Kumquat, Limequat, Lisbon, Eureka, Mandarin, Tangerines, Tangelo, and MORE) Bamboo(Giant Timber Oldhamii, Budda Belly, Alphonse Karr, Phyllostachys Nigra and others both running and clumping)
Guava Trees (Ruby X, Mexican Cream, Beaumont, Tropic Pink, Red Mylaysian, Tropic White, Lemon, Strawberry, Hawaiian White,
Giant Asian, Giant Thailand, and so many others, )
Fig Trees(Brown Turkey, Kadota, Genoa, Tiger, Black Mission, Strawberry, Hurricane and others)
"Extreme Gardening", Growing Organic in the Hostile Desert $18.00 tax included
"The Garden Guy": A Seasonal Guide to Organic Gardening in the Desert Southwest $21.00 tax included Plus We also carry: ** Apple Trees, (Desert Anna & Dorsett, Coctail)
Apricot Trees
Almond Trees (Garden Prince & All in One)
Angel Trumpet - Tree Datura
Asian Pear
All Spice (Pimenta officinalis)
Annonas (Sugar Apple, Soursop)
Atemoya (African Pride, Gaffner)
Berries (Tropical Blackberry)
Cherimoya
Curry Leaf
Cup of Gold Vine (Solandra Maxima)
Coffee Trees (special order only, allow 2 months min.)
Chinese Jujube (Li & Lang)
Tropical Cheeries (Acerola - Barbados, Cherry of the Rio Grande, Surinam,)
Dragon Fruit (Pitahaya)
Elephant Ear (Colocasia)
Grape Vines (Ruby, Thompson, Red Flame, Perlette and wine grapes)
Ginger (Edible Chinese & Ornamental)
Goji Berry
Ice Cream Bean
Jack Fruit
Kapok Tree (Floss Slik)
Kei Apple
Lychee Trees
Longan
Mulberries (Various Female Varieties)
Nut Trees (Pecan, Macadamia, Pistachio, Almond)
Olive Trees (Various Female Varieties)
Plum Trees (Santa Rosa, Satsuma)
Peach Trees
Pineapple
Pomegranate (Utah Sweet, Fleshman, Wonderful, Eversweet, Ambrosia, and many others)
Quince (Pineapple, Orange)
Persimmon (Fuya, Giant, Hachiya, Chocolate, Izu)
Royal Poinciana (Flamboyant Tree)
Rose Apple
Star Apple
Star Fruit
Sugar Cane (Yellow, Red & Striped, Madame Peles Smoke)
Taro
... AND MUCH MUCH MORE ...
**Due to seasonal availability and the rarity of some of the plants,
not all species, sizes or varieties are available year round.
