End of Winter - Subtropical Bloom

Hey there! Even though subtropical seasons dance between wet and dry spells, we do experience a subtropic winter. But, by the time February rolls around, it’s practically bidding us adieu.

• No chance of temperatures below 50.
• Winds shift from NE to SW.
• Humidity dramatically rises.
• Thundershowers become a possibility.
• Temperate climate plants start feeling like it’s June.
• Dormant tropical plants awaken.
• Subtropical blooms burst into life.

Mango

-Mango tree.

-Mango bloom.

Guess what? Mango blooms mark the end of winter around here. Who doesn’t adore Mangoes? Practically every other home boasts a Mango tree.

While individual blooms may be small, the trees produce thousands of them. Their sweet, subtle fragrance is a treat, even amidst the overpowering citrus blooms.

Our four-year-old trees are blooming for the first time, despite enduring hurricanes knocking them flat every year. Growing them in beach sand might not be ideal for their roots, but we’re hopeful for a good harvest!

Starburst

-The tree.

Check out the appropriately named Starburst or Clerodendrum Quadriloculare that blooms this time of year. The double hand-sized blooms and the tree are nothing short of spectacular.

-The bloom.

Citrus and Papaya

-Lemon blossom

-Papaya flower

The last Red Limes were just harvested. The kumquats will be gone in a week. And all our citrus is blooming again.

Despite the poor lemon tree’s struggles with pests and my not-so-gentle pruning attempts, it’s covered in obnoxiously sweet, highly fragrant blooms.

Speaking of faithful friends, papaya fits the bill. Easy to grow, resistant to pests, prolific producers, and always there when you need them.

Other

-Milkweed

Down here in South Florida, something is always blooming, even in winter. Some plants are more responsive to moisture than the seasons, and others bloom almost continually, providing for hummingbirds and butterflies.

Beautiful as they are, they don’t truly signal much of a seasonal change.

Avocado

Our Avocados are budding out for the first time, and I can’t wait for the blooms in a few weeks. Growing Avocado has been surprisingly trouble-free for us. The only real challenge is keeping their roots dry enough during the monsoon season.

Did you know there are dozens of Avocado varieties, each with its unique flavor and texture? It’s like a whole world of deliciousness!

End of Winter Thinking

Coming from a high latitude, high altitude, temperate background, February used to be the worst with temperatures plunging to -35F, blizzards burying cars in 30 minutes, and a landscape dominated by white, gray, and brown. It would be 100 days until anything bloomed outside and 150 days until anything planted grew.

And yet, here I am, with temperatures in the 80s, not a storm in sight, barefooted and in shorts, surrounded by emerging, blooming plants. It’s three months before the tropical heat takes over. Now, winter is officially over, and it’s the most comfortable time of the year. Is this paradise? Well, maybe for a while. 😉

✨

With botanical wonders and tropical dreams, D 🌴🌊