wiltznucs
| Favorite team: | South Florida  |
| Location: | Apollo Beach, FL |
| Biography: | |
| Interests: | |
| Occupation: | |
| Number of Posts: | 9480 |
| Registered on: | 9/23/2005 |
| Online Status: | Not Online |
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MO - You’re welcome…
1
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Is this pretty much as big as they get or did I not cull enough
My neighbor planted a 7 gallon Home Depot presumably Pink Guava in late 23’ or early 24’. It’s totally feral with no maintenance. They moved out in January.
We’ll be drowning in them soon. Picked two yesterday. There’s 50-75 fruits on this tree. So heavy that many of the limbs are on the ground.
Brave Idiot… It’s a food truck; but, Dylan is a friend and an uber talented cook. Nice mix of Nashtucky vibes and his hot chicken is amongst the best in the city.
re: Louisiana Tropical Fruit Gardening - Experiences and Updates
Posted by wiltznucs on 8/7/26 at 7:05 pm to LanierSpots
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Until about two weeks ago. Now, it just wont stop raining.
We’re getting a lot of rain too. Much needed; we are still 12-14” inches behind on the year. My fruit trees are much happier now though.
re: Quick weekend cheap trip recs
Posted by wiltznucs on 8/5/26 at 4:36 pm to Hermit Crab
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Mexico City
CDMX is a hell of a lot of fun and surprisingly inexpensive.
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What was the best mango you had this year?
I think this year really reinforced what I sort of knew already. Which is that I prefer mangoes with a subacid component and those with citrusy flavors. So IndoChinese hybrids and citrus group mangoes are my favs along with classic group mangoes with a subacid flavor. I increasingly dislike the green Thai mangoes and the stronger Indian mangoes which are really resiny or high in terpenes. The West Indian mangoes are more my speed. I enjoy the Coconut mangoes; but, I’m not as crazy about them as most.
The best mango I had this year was Peach Cobbler. Impressed enough that I hunted down a tree in SoFL and made a 300+ mile round trip to get it. It’s big and sweet with a tangerine flavor profile; but, it’s got that subacid component which really makes it pack a punch for flavor.
Cecilove was also very good this year. P22, Sweet Tart, Kathy/K3, Super Alphonso also bangers.
Others that stood out were Florigon, Guava, Step, Lemon Meringue and the Juno Wango. I’m increasingly convinced that despite its smaller fruit size; Lemon Meringue is the superior option to Lemon Zest and Orange Sherbet when you consider flavor and aroma.
Some that get a lot of hype which failed to impress were Fruit Punch, Ugly Betty and Coconut Cream. Tried a few of each from different groves and they just didn’t blow my skirt up.
Some I didn’t see this year which I regret are M4 and Sugarloaf. M4 is usually quite late so I suppose it’s possible it’s still on the trees. I suspect things are largely winding down now and most will be done selling in the next week or two. In my experience; once you start seeing Little Gem and Kent the season is just about over and they’ve both been available for the past few weeks.
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40+ Mangoes tried this season.
Winding down now. My thoughts…
Lots of very good mangoes. The freeze in February left absolute destruction behind; but, those that survived enjoyed prosperity and minimal disease issues due to the drought which followed.
Pruned my trees today. The tree we should be talking more about is P-22. The Mustang. Throwing new growth and producing fruit. Tasting excellent along the way. For real; takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
[/embed] 40+ Mangoes tried this season.
Winding down now. My thoughts…
Lots of very good mangoes. The freeze in February left absolute destruction behind; but, those that survived enjoyed prosperity and minimal disease issues due to the drought which followed.
Pruned my trees today. The tree we should be talking more about is P-22. The Mustang. Throwing new growth and producing fruit. Tasting excellent along the way. For real; takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
This one work? Ceci to the left, and Peach Cobbler to the right.
re: Louisiana Tropical Fruit Gardening - Experiences and Updates
Posted by wiltznucs on 7/24/26 at 8:21 pm to LanierSpots
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My friend did not have good luck with this species
I’ve got an Alocasia Dawn that has been struggling. Indoor kept under a grow light with plenty of nutrients. Nonstop drama. They are definitely more temperamental than monsteras, etc.
For you Laff…
Hope the images show. Seems like sometimes I see them and you cannot.
The best mango I’ve had this year has been Peach Cobbler. Just sublime. I yanked some apple trees in recent weeks and have been trying to locate a larger PC tree to add. It’s been a chore; but, I finally found one in the West Palm area.
I sold my truck a few months ago and asked if they thought it would fit in my daughter’s Subaru. They said “no problem” and my son and I made the cannonball run today.
Upon arrival; I located my Peach Cobbler tree and noticed the largest CeciLove tree I’ve ever seen. Told them if they could fit them both I’d buy it too. Mostly tongue in cheek; but, they called my bluff. I’m back in the Ceci game again.
If asked; how many large mango trees can you fit in an Outback? The answer is two. LOL…
Hope the images show. Seems like sometimes I see them and you cannot.
The best mango I’ve had this year has been Peach Cobbler. Just sublime. I yanked some apple trees in recent weeks and have been trying to locate a larger PC tree to add. It’s been a chore; but, I finally found one in the West Palm area.
I sold my truck a few months ago and asked if they thought it would fit in my daughter’s Subaru. They said “no problem” and my son and I made the cannonball run today.
Upon arrival; I located my Peach Cobbler tree and noticed the largest CeciLove tree I’ve ever seen. Told them if they could fit them both I’d buy it too. Mostly tongue in cheek; but, they called my bluff. I’m back in the Ceci game again.
If asked; how many large mango trees can you fit in an Outback? The answer is two. LOL…
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Once again, as always, this is why you don't shop for specific banana varieties at commercial nurseries (even really good commercial nurseries). Only individual private sellers who have a track record.
Boutique and rare fruit sellers are often bad; but, banana sellers are the worst. I’m fortunate to have a friend who went deep down the banana rabbit hole and has 20 or more different varieties on his place.
I was laughing the other day. That infamous photoshopped image of turquoise blue colored bananas was making the rounds again. Hundreds of people replying that Blue Java is the best banana they’ve ever had. 99% of them probably ate a Namwah which is admittedly delicious; but, they have no idea. That’s just how prolific bait and switch selling is in bananas.
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I get it that things can happen in the mail. I take issue with the fact that when you've been provided evidence that it took 7 days (tracking) and photos of the damaged box and mushy fruit, you shouldn't pretend like the fruit is fine, or worse, blame the customer. Contact the shipper and make a claim for your customer.
Agreed, 100%…
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Do NOT order mango fruit from Fruit Farmacy on Etsy
Saw this on another forum. USPS Priority usually is guaranteed to arrive in 2-3 days tops. Not sure that it would have made a difference here. Sorry that you had a bad experience. I’ve had people ask me to ship them mangoes so many times. It’s stories like yours that keep me from doing it.
Low key; the one on the right has been the best mango I’ve had this year. Not sure if I’ve had it before this year. The name is wrong. Shouldn’t be Peach Cobbler. It’s a citrusy mango. Elements of tangerine; tons of sweetness with a bright subacid component. Perhaps some cinnamon notes near the skin. Hits like a sledgehammer in the most enjoyable way. I don’t need another mango tree; but, I will be finding one of these.
I deliberately put it beside some known heavyweights. My family rarely agrees on a winner. It did today…
Avocado season has officially begun. Picked my first few Brogdon today. Planted as a 15g tree in late 23’. Last year it produced one fruit; which was consumed by a local squirrel instead of me. Bastard. Anyhow, I should end up with 6-7 this year.
Detweilers is a local grocery/market chain in Sarasota. One week a year they bring in Florida mangoes. In years past they’ve partnered with Zill for fruit and even trees. This year they partnered with some different growers in Homestead and Tampa. The options aren’t necessarily amazing, mostly a selection of Florida classics. But; I’m always happy to nab Valencia Pride, Kent, Palmer and Angie for $3lb.
The folks at Truly Tropical seem to be running late this year. As well as others including Tropical Acres in the West Palm Beach area. May require some internet sleuthing. It’s an hour or more away from Miami; but, you are basically 60-70 miles from Ground Zero of Florida’s best mangoes.
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citrus mangos
They are a thing; and as it works out Peach Cobbler is one of them. The one I had earlier this month tasted like a typical mango crossed with an orange Starburst candy. Delish.
Unfortunately; there’s an invasive insect spreading a disease in the citrus trees in Florida. It’s wiping out the citrus trees and making the fruit barely edible. Some varieties have been identified which tolerate it; but, it’s probably too little too late at this point. I’ve got trees that are 4-5 years old which still haven’t produced fruit. It may be time for them to go,
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Dot: I now understand the hype.
I need to revisit it. Haven’t seen one this year.
Sort of funny. What I’ve learned this year is that what I prefer isn’t consistent with my family.
I like mangoes with some subacid components. This year I’ve had a few that I didn’t think much of in years past that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Florigon is a great example. I’ve had some that have underwhelmed like Coconut Cream. I typically don’t prefer Indian/West Indies mangoes; but, have had a few year that impressed me. I had a Giselle today that was very tasty.
I’m picking up some more Ceci and Peach Cobbler tomorrow. Mostly to reaffirm a decision. If that Peach Cobbler hits like the last one I had I’m yanking citrus trees and installing one of them.
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Got 6 more left on the tree. I have no idea why it's happening
It’s been a wacky year; write it off as that. I had 6 Sweet Tart mangos fall off in my hand with minimal handling last week. 8 days later and none of them are ripe and the skins haven’t changed color. Still green with a bit of yellow on top. It is what it is. An unusual year.
My avocados have browning leaves all of a sudden in the last 72 hours. We finally get rain and they decide to look like shite? LOL…
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Always wanted to check out Pine Island Nursery
Believe it or not; Pine Island Nursery isn’t actually in Pine Island. It’s all the way over in Miami. Other side of the State. I had no idea either. Went to look it up and found out while we’re there.
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Do it for the thread, baw. We can live vicariously through you. Do it for the the boys!
We made the trip to Pine Island/Bokeelia. Just to give you an idea; it’s about 80-90 miles south of Tampa. On the Gulf side of Florida. Closest major town is Cape Coral. Pine Island is largely undeveloped because it’s battered by hurricanes on a near yearly basis. There’s probably more mango farms per square mile there than in any other place in Florida. Some as small as 5-10 acres with one approaching several hundred acres.
The Mango Mania Fest itself was sort of a bust if looking for rare or unique mangoes. There was only 3-4 vendors selling mangoes or plants. Would probably be better described as a local pop up market than a mango festival. MangoPalooza was being held in Loxahatchee and the Florida Rare Fruit Fest in West Palm too. I’m sure this impacted things. We bailed after only 15-20 minutes.
There are some farms and we hit a few including Fruit Scapes, The Mango Factory, Hot Tropics and a small mom and pop shop. Stanley’s was closed as well as Promised Land and Leela. Some due to freeze damage and recovery and others due to the other festivals.
We did manage to find some mangoes. I was a bit disappointed in that most were what I’d call the usual suspects. Glenn, Haden, Keitt, Tommy, Kent, Nam Doc Mai, Mahachanok, Valencia Pride. Pricing was also borderline absurd. Fruit Scapes was charging $8lb for NDM and Maha. $10lb for anything boutique like Sweet Tart, CAC, etc.
Hot Tropics was focused on Thai mangoes. Which is sort of fun because the owners are Vietnamese. Anyhow; they also sell food. Best Bahn Mi I’ve had in a while.
The Mango Factory had Valencia Pride, Kent and Carabao for $4lb. Grabbed a VP and some Carabao there.
Ended up with Valencia Pride, Carabao, Irwin, Florigon, P22, Glenn, CAC and a few Mahachanok. Made for a fun getaway.
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