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.
|
Companions
-
|
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 Planning Tool 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.
|
Troubleshooting
Pineapples grow best in warm, humid conditions. Potted plants that fail to make progress should be summered outdoors.
|