Pineapple Growing Guide

Ananus comosus

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Well-drained potting soil for pineapple plants grown in sturdy containers. In tropical areas where pineapple can be grown outdoors, they grow best in fast-draining sandy loam with a slightly acidic pH.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

None. Pineapple is a tropical plant native to South America.

Feeding

Pineapples grown in containers do not need feeding until they show evidence of fruit formation, which is actually a complex flower that forms in the center of the plant. Drench with a liquid organic fertilizer when you see a tiny pineapple forming, and again a few weeks later.

Spacing

Single Plants: 3' 11" (1.20m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 3' 11" (1.20m) with 3' 11" (1.20m) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Most gardeners adopt a pineapple by rooting the top from a purchased fruit. This is best done in late spring, when days are getting longer and warmer. Cut off the top leaving 1 inch (2.5 cm) of fruit attached. Trim off the outer ring of fruit and several of the lowest leaves, and set the crown aside in a warm, well-ventilated place for five to seven days. Plant in a medium-size container and grow in filtered sun under warm conditions. Move the plant to a larger container in its second year, and expect fruiting to begin a few months later.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

When grown in temperate climates, pineapples must be brought into a greenhouse during the winter months. In addition to propagating pineapple by rooting a top, you can take little plantlets found between the lowest leaves, and root and grow these 'pups'.

Harvesting

As pineapples ripen, they lighten in color and sound solid when thumped. Container-grown pineapples ripen at any time of year, 18 to 24 months after they are planted.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Pineapple

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail