Jenes Tropicals

In this helpful episode of Jene’s Tropicals, host Jene shares practical advice for planting and caring for tropical plants during Florida’s hot, humid summer months. Learn which flowering plants thrive right now — including bougainvillea, hibiscus (like Hula Girl and Fiesta), Tibouchina, King’s Mantle, and Allamanda — plus tips on using crotons for colorful foliage. Jene covers soil preparation, proper planting depth, mulching, watering during rainy spells, and important Pinellas County fertilizer restrictions. 

Perfect for Florida gardeners looking to add color and create a tropical paradise this summer.

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring plant needs.

Got a question or topic you'd like covered on the show? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

#JanaysTropicals #FloridaGardening #TropicalPlants #SummerPlanting #Hibiscus #Crotons #StPetersburg #TropicalFruit #LandscapingTips #GreenThumb #FaithTalkTampa

When you think of Florida gardening, you probably picture palms, oranges, and maybe that one neighbor who tries to grow pineapples in a kiddie pool. But surprise! Florida is also a hotspot for growing some of the world’s tastiest culinary spices. On today’s zesty episode of Jene’s Tropicals, Jene spills the (bay) leaves on flavor-packed plants like allspice (spoiler: it’s not literally all the spices—sorry, overachievers), bay laurel, bay rum, curry leaf, coffee, tea plants, and more.

So if your garden is feeling a little bland, it’s time to add some sizzle, sass, and savory goodness. Spice up your life (and your backyard) with some tropical flavor!

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring plant needs.
Got a question or topic you'd like covered on the show? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

It’s that magical time of year in Florida when mangos are dropping like sunshine-scented confetti from the sky—and Jene is here to catch ‘em all! 🍋🥭

In this episode of fruity fun, Jene peels back the layers on the mighty mango: the do’s, the don’ts, the health perks, and why your neighbor’s mango tree is suddenly your favorite neighbor. Whether you’re slicing, dicing, or just standing under a tree with your mouth open, this episode has all the juice.

Just in time for the Tropical Fruit Event at Jene’s Tropicals—don’t miss your chance to go mango mad with us!

Swing by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring plant needs.

Got a mango mystery or fruity question? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Buckle up, fruit freaks—this week, Jene goes full tropi-crazy with two mysterious, magical, and mildly suspicious fruits: the Lychee Nut and the Longan, aka the Dragon Eye Tree (yes, it’s watching you... and it’s delicious).

As Florida turns into one big mango smoothie this July, Jene gears up for her legendary annual fruit tasting extravaganza—the event where locals gather to bite into things they can’t pronounce but definitely want seconds of. She’s talking about the fruit equivalent of treasure chests: one’s sweet and floral, the other’s like a grape from outer space, and both look like something a wizard would snack on between spells.

Will you develop superpowers from eating a Dragon Eye? Probably not.
Will your taste buds do the conga line? Oh yes.
Will Jene say the word “juicy” more times than scientifically recommended? 100%.

So swing your fruity self over to Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or teleport your thumbs to tropicalfruit.com for all your planty pleasures.

Got a burning question or a weird fruit dream you need decoded? Email us at [email protected]—we’re not saying we’re fruit psychics, but we are very good guessers.

Tampa Bay isn’t just a hotspot for sunshine and snowbirds—it’s a fruit lover’s paradise! Thanks to our glorious subtropic weather, you can grow goodies from just about anywhere in the world… right in your backyard. In this episode, Jene dives into the juicy world of subtropical fruit trees and plants—from mangoes that taste like your last vacation to guavas that might make your abuela weep with joy. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or a history of plant-based heartbreak, Jene’s got tips to help you grow tropical treats with ease (and minimal crying).

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring plant needs.

Got a burning botanical question or a fruit tree tale? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Is your landscape looking more "blah" than "ahh"? Don’t sweat it—literally! Sure, it's hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna here in Florida, but it’s never too late to spice things up in your yard. In this episode, Gene spills the soil on her top summer landscape pop picks—from the tropical flair of Hibiscus to the bold beauty of King’s Mantle and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just trying to keep a potted plant alive, we've got something for you.

Tune in for laughs, tips, and some dirt on how to turn your flower beds from drab to fab. 🌺🌿

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or swing by online at tropicalfruit.com for all your summer plant needs.

Got a burning plant question or a topic you’d love us to dig into? Email us at [email protected]—we’re all ears (of corn…just kidding, but seriously, write us)!

Is your lawn looking more “crispy toast” than “lush paradise”? This week, Jene dives headfirst (safely) into the wild world of summer lawn care in Florida. From battling sad sod to decoding mysterious brown patches, she’s got the tips and tricks to turn your struggling yard into the neighborhood’s green envy.

Don’t know what’s wrong with your grass? Just scoop up a handful, toss it in a plastic bag (gently), and bring it to Jene. She’s like the lawn whisperer—only with better jokes and more tropical fruit.

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your summer plant needs.

Got a lawn mystery or burning question? Email us at [email protected] and you might hear your conundrum solved on the next episode!

Calling all big kids, little kids, and dads—why not surprise Mom with something special and lasting? Starting a flower garden is a fun and meaningful way to spend time together as a family, learn something new, and create lasting memories. In this episode, Jene shares everything you need to know to get started, including her top flower picks for June in Florida.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, Jene’s got you covered with tips, tricks, and inspiration to help your garden bloom beautifully.

🌸 Visit Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL
🌿 Shop online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring planting needs

Got a question or a topic you’d like us to dig into? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Ever wish you could grow your own tropical fruit—without the drama? Say hello to starfruit! In this juicy episode of Jene’s Tropicals, Jene spills the (composted) tea on why starfruit is the ultimate backyard MVP. It’s easy to grow, low-maintenance, and cranks out fruit like it’s on a mission. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or just wish you did, this episode is your golden ticket to starfruit success.

Swing by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL or browse our fruity wonders online at tropicalfruit.com.

Got a burning plant question or a topic idea? Drop us a line at [email protected]—we’re all ears (and leaves)!

Did you know jackfruit can grow up to 100 pounds? That’s basically a fruit the size of a 6th grader. And here’s the kicker—it smells like Juicy Fruit gum. Coincidence? We think not. Today, Jene peels back the layers (literally) on the world’s largest tree fruit. From wild facts to tasty tips, we’re talking everything jackfruit—how to grow it, eat it, and impress your neighbors with it.

Swing by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring plant needs.

Got a burning fruit question or a tropical topic you'd like Jene to tackle? Email us at [email protected]—your inbox-to-podcast dreams could come true.

When's the best time to plant a tree? According to Jene, the answer is simple—yesterday! In this episode, Jene shares why there's truly never a bad time to get a tree in the ground, especially in the subtropical climate of Florida. From tropical fruit trees to flowering favorites, she highlights the best picks for planting in May and June, along with the unique benefits of getting started now.

Whether you're looking to add shade, beauty, or fresh fruit to your landscape, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to help your yard thrive.

Visit Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or browse our selection online at tropicalfruit.com.

Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

If you're dreaming of a lush, tropical vibe in your yard, look no further than the dazzling Hibiscus. In this episode, Jene dives into the vibrant world of Hibiscus plants—from classic reds and yellows to exotic hybrid varieties bursting with color. You'll get expert tips and tricks for growing and caring for these bold beauties, plus inspiration to create your own stunning combinations. Ready to add some paradise to your landscape? Let your imagination bloom!

Visit Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or check us out online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring planting needs.

Got a question or topic you'd like Jene to cover? Send us an email at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Did you know there’s a fertilizer ban in the Tampa Bay area from June 1 to June 30? Now you do! In this timely episode, Jene breaks down everything you need to know about the upcoming ban—why it exists, what it means for your garden, and why now is the time to fertilize if you haven’t already.

Jene also dives into the dos and don’ts of choosing the right fertilizer, especially for palm trees, which have unique nutrient needs to stay healthy and green year-round.

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com to stock up before the ban begins.

Got a question or topic you'd like covered on the show? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Nobody likes finding bugs, worms, or mysterious holes in their plants—but it happens to even the best gardens. So how do you fight back without hurting your garden in the process? In this episode, Jene shares practical tips, natural solutions, and must-know advice to help you identify, control, and prevent pest problems in your garden and lawn.

Whether you're dealing with aphids, caterpillars, or grubs, Jene has the know-how to help you protect your plants and bring your yard back to life.

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring garden needs.

Have a question or a topic you’d like covered on the show? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Known for their stunning blooms and unforgettable scent, Plumerias—also called Frangipani—are tropical showstoppers that bring color and fragrance to any garden. In this episode, Jene dives into everything you need to know about growing and enjoying these beautiful plants.

From reds and yellows to rainbows, whites, and more, there’s a Plumeria for everyone—and each color comes with its own unique fragrance! Learn how to care for them, where to plant them, and why they’re one of the most rewarding additions to any Florida landscape.

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring plant needs.

Got a question or a topic you'd like covered on the show? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Ever wondered which flowering trees thrive best in the Tampa Bay area? Wonder no more—Jene’s here to guide you through the most stunning and reliable options for our Florida climate. From the striking Bauhinia x blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree) to the regal Queen’s Crape Myrtle, this episode is your all-access pass to creating a colorful, blooming landscape you'll love.

So buckle up and enjoy the ride through some of the most beautiful flowering trees perfect for your yard!

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring plant needs.

Have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover on the show? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Has your avocado tree set fruit but now the leaves are dropping like crazy? Don’t worry—it’s totally normal! In this episode, Jene sets the record straight on leaf drop in avocado trees and explains why it’s part of the natural process, not a sign your tree is in trouble.

Tune in to learn what to expect during fruiting season, how to keep your tree healthy, and pick up some bonus avocado-growing tips along the way.

Still feeling unsure? Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit tropicalfruit.com for expert advice and healthy avocado trees.

Got a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Ever driven around the Tampa Bay area and spotted stunning purple, trumpet-shaped blossoms or roads blanketed in what looks like a purple flower carpet? That’s the breathtaking Jacaranda mimosifolia—just one of the many flowering trees Jene highlights in this colorful episode.

From the elegant Hong Kong Orchid to the sunshine-drenched Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula), the fragrant Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata), and the striking Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia), Jene shares tips, stories, and growing advice to help you bring these flowering showstoppers to your own landscape.

Visit Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or explore more online at tropicalfruit.com.

Have a question or a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

With Easter just around the corner, what flower could be more fitting than the elegant Easter Lily? In this special holiday episode, Jene shares everything you need to know about selecting the perfect lily and keeping it looking fresh and beautiful long after the holiday.

Plus, she’ll sprinkle in some extra spring gardening tips to help you make the most of the season.

Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com for all your spring plant needs.

Got a question or topic you'd like covered on the show? Email us at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!

Got mangoes on your mind? In today’s episode, Jene dives deep into the delicious world of mango trees—sharing everything you need to know (and even a few things you didn’t know you needed to know!) about growing them successfully. Whether you’ve got a big backyard or just a sunny patio, Jene shows you how easy it is to grow mango trees right at home, even in a pot!

Ready to start your mango-growing journey? Stop by Jene’s Tropicals at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL, or visit us online at tropicalfruit.com.

Got questions or a topic you'd like covered on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].