Have you ever wondered how to grow a pineapple in your yard? Learn the basics of growing a pineapple plant so the next time you crave for homemade pineapple salsa or refreshing pina colada, the freshly-picked pineapple fruit is an option. Here are the steps in growing pineapple plants from its crown.
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How to Grow a Pineapple Plant From Its Crown
Pineapple Plant
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Pineapple is a tropical plant that bears delicious fruit with a vibrant tropical flavor. Although they are slow-growing Bromeliads, the fact that you can grow a pineapple plant in your garden is enough.
Pineapple plant grown outside will bear its first fruit as early as 16 months in optimum condition while indoor pineapple plants may take 16 to 24 months, and sometimes longer than that.
And since pineapple plant isn't something you usually find in a garden, putting up your own pineapple plot is such a rewarding thing for growers like us.
How to Grow a Pineapple From Crown
Step 1: Buy the Right Pineapple Fruit
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First, you have to buy a fresh pineapple fruit from your local market or grocery store. Then choose the one that's evenly ripe with a set of healthy green leaves atop.
A pineapple fruit that's golden-yellow in color from its top to bottom is perfect. The more yellow, the riper the pineapple can be.
Step 2: Remove the Pineapple Crown
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There are two ways of removing the top part of a pineapple. The first one is by cutting it with a knife and the other one is by simply twisting it, which I prefer doing.
Just hold the pineapple and grab the top nice and firm, then twist it. Voila! You now have a pineapple crown that will soon give you a beautiful fruit-bearing plant.
Step 3: Strip Off the Lower Leaves
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Strip off some of the lower leaves, approximately 3 to 4 layers, until a few inches of the stem are exposed. This step is to give the roots enough room to grow.
Set the pineapple top aside for a few days to let the wounds completely heal and dry.
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Step 4: Put the Pineapple Crown in Water
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After 2 to 3 days, place the pineapple crown in a glass of water, making sure the bottom part is submerged.
Put the glass of water with the pineapple top in a bright spot with indirect sunlight for at least 3 weeks. During this phase, the roots should be starting to come out little by little. Don't forget to change the water every second day.
Step 5: Transplant the Pineapple Crown
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After 3 weeks and the roots are about 2 to 3 inches in length, it's ready to be transplanted in a bigger container.
To do this, you'll need a pot or container with an excellent drainage system and filled with a good potting mix. Slightly dig the soil and make a hole at the center of the pot, then place the pineapple crown.
After that, you have to press the soil around the base of the crown. The remaining leaves should be just above the soil level. Lastly, water thoroughly.
Soil Mix: You can make your own by mixing 40% of regular garden soil, 20% vermicompost, 20% sand, and 20% of coco peat.
Pineapple Fact: If the weather is too hot, the pineapple will become too sweet. In contrast, if it is too cold, it will become too sour.
How to Grow a Pineapple From Seeds
You can definitely grow a pineapple from seeds but it will take a lot of time, considering pineapple seeds need a few months to germinate.
You might be wondering where are the seeds in a pineapple. They are found just underneath the peel of the fruit which is black and sometimes brown in color.
However, most of the pineapple varieties aren't self-fertile, thus don't have seed. The good news is, you can still grow this tropical plant using its crown.
Tips in Growing Pineapple
- Pineapple grows best in sandy loamy soil, and does well in regions with a high percentage of sunny days, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water your pineapple plant as needed, and keep it moist and warm all the time.
- Provide at least 6 hours of daylight every day.
- During spring and summer, feed your pineapple plant with a soluble fertilizer once or twice every month.
- Position the plant outdoors in a semi-shaded spot. Nevertheless, be sure to relocate it back inside before the first frost.
- To harvest, use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the plant. Cut it from the stem which connects the fruit to the entire plant. Be careful while using a sharp knife!
- Once you get the fruit, look around the plant and check for suckers or pups. These are the little plantlets growing between the leaves of the mature pineapple.
- Get all the suckers carefully, and use them to grow your second batch of pineapple plants.
Watch this video by Self Sufficient Me on how to grow mini pineapples from tops:
The joy of picking pineapples from your own garden is priceless, that's why learning how to grow a pineapple plant is definitely a must-try! It is super easy. However, a lot of patience is required.
In the end, it will pay off once the blooms transform into a wonderful fruit that is sweet, tart, and juicy all at once.
Have you ever tried growing pineapple in your yard? Let us know in the comments section below.
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