Pineapple
Ananas comosus · Bromeliaceae
- Plant out2–4 weeks after the last frostApr 24 – May 14
- Space60–90 cm (2–3 ft) apart
- HarvestAfter 1.5–3 years
Description
The pineapple is a tropical plant with edible fruit and is known for its striking appearance. The plant typically grows to about 1.0 to 1.5 meters tall and produces a single large pineapple fruit, which is characterized by its rough, spiky skin and sweet, juicy flesh.
Growing Conditions
0.6–1.2 m (2–4 ft) tall, 0.6–1.2 m (2–4 ft) wide
- Smallest
- Largest
Full sun, 6+ hours
Tolerates part sun, bright indirect light
Moderate
Keep evenly moist, not soggy.
Ideal 20–32 °C (68–90 °F)
Survives down to −1 °C (30 °F).
pH 4.5–6.5 · acidic
Where it Grows
Planting
When to Plant
- Optimal planting time is during the warm months, generally from spring to early summer.
How to Plant
- Select a healthy crown from a fresh pineapple.
- Cut the crown a few centimeters below the leaves.
- Allow it to dry for a couple of days before planting.
- Plant in well-draining soil, burying the crown about an inch deep.
Growth Timeline
- Establishing 1.5 years
- First harvest possible years 1.5–3
Planting Calendar
- Plant outdoors: 2–4 weeks after the last frost
- Plant out: Apr 24 – May 14
Care
Care Calendar
- Feed · Apr 24 – Sep 3
Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer during active growth. - Protect · Sep 13 – Oct 17
Move container plants indoors before nights become cool; pineapple cannot tolerate frost.
Watering
- Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Reduce watering during cooler months.
Weeding
- Regularly check for weeds, especially during the growing season. Hand-pulling is recommended.
Mulching
- Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Fertilizing
- Fertilize every 6 weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
Thinning
- Thin out any overcrowded plants to ensure adequate air circulation.
Pest Management
- Monitor for pests such as mealybugs and aphids. Use organic pesticides as needed.
Harvesting
- Harvest when the fruit turns a golden yellow color and emits a sweet fragrance, typically 18-24 months after planting.
Growing in Containers
Grows well in a pot of at least 20 litres (5.3 US gallons), with drainage holes. Can be grown indoors as a houseplant.
Propagation
From cuttings
- Twist the leafy crown off a ripe pineapple.
- Remove any attached fruit flesh and several lower leaves.
- Let the exposed stem dry for one to three days.
- Plant the stem in a well-draining potting mix.
- Keep it warm and water lightly until it roots.
From suckers
- Wait until a sucker on the parent plant is about 15–30 cm long.
- Detach it carefully at its base.
- Let the cut surface dry for a day or two.
- Plant it in well-draining potting mix and water lightly.
From offsets
- Find a slip growing on the fruit stalk below the pineapple.
- Wait until it has several sturdy leaves.
- Twist it off and let its base dry for a day or two.
- Plant it in well-draining potting mix and keep it warm.
Common Problems
- Yellowing leaves
- Sticky residue on leaves
- Black sooty coating
- Curled or cupped leaves
Mealybugs are small, sap-feeding insects in the family Pseudococcidae. They occur on many houseplants, ornamentals…
- Yellowing leaves
- Wilting
- Stunted growth
- Leaves dropping
Root rot is a general name for the decay of plant roots, not a single disease with one scientific name. It can result…
- Wilting
- Yellowing leaves
- Stunted growth
- Leaves dropping
Crown rot is a general name for decay at a plant’s crown: the junction where stems meet roots, usually at or just…
- Brown or crispy leaf edges
- Wilting
- Bleached or scorched patches
- Leaves dropping
Frost damage is an injury caused when plant tissues become cold enough for ice to form or for cells to lose water to…
- Root Rot: Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Fruit Fly Infestation: Use traps or organic methods to control the population.
Nutrition
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in vitamins C and B6
- Contains antioxidants and enzymes (bromelain) that aid digestion.
Nutritional Composition (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13.1 g |
| Sugars | 9.85 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Fat | 0.12 g |
| Protein | 0.54 g |
| Vitamin C | 47.8 mg |
| Manganese | 0.9 mg |
Varieties
The common supermarket pineapple can be started from a fresh fruit's crown.
- sweet
- low acidity
- golden flesh
This widely grown variety produces large, juicy fruit.
- large fruit
- few leaf spines
Its skin may remain green even when the fruit is ripe.
- very sweet
- low acidity
- white flesh
Its relatively smooth leaves make it easier to handle in a container.
- nearly spineless
- white flesh
- low acidity
It bears smaller, fragrant fruit but needs careful handling because of its sharp leaves.
- compact fruit
- aromatic
- spiny leaves
More about varieties
- Smooth Cayenne
- Queen Pineapple
- Red Spanish
- Sugarloaf Pineapple
Health Benefits
- Boosts immune system
- Aids in digestion due to bromelain
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Fun Facts
- Pineapples take about 18-24 months to grow.
- The name "pineapple" was first used in 1398 to describe pine cones.
- Pineapples are a symbol of hospitality in many cultures.
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