Pineapple

What you'll need:

A pot or container (at least 12 inches wide and deep, with drainage holes)

Well-draining soil (cactus or succulent mix works great, or mix regular soil with sand)

Watering can

• A fresh pineapple crown (the leafy top part of a store-bought pineapple)
• A sunny spot indoors or outdoors

Choosing the right crown:

To grow your own pineapple, start by picking a healthy pineapple from the grocery store. Cut off the leafy crown (about an inch below the leaves), and remove any excess fruit bits from the bottom to prevent rotting. You’ll also want to peel away a few layers of the lower leaves to expose small root buds.

Timing:

Pineapples are tropical plants that love warmth, so they're best started in spring or early summer when temperatures are consistently warm (above 60°F/15°C). If you live in a cooler climate, keep your pineapple plant indoors where it will stay cozy.

Finding a good spot:

Pineapple plants adore sunlight—lots of it! They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re growing it indoors, place it near a south-facing window or under grow lights. Outdoors, choose a sunny area protected from strong winds.

Step-by-step planting guide:

1. Prepare the crown: After cutting the crown from the pineapple, let it dry for 1-2 days in a shaded area to allow the cut end to "harden" and reduce the risk of rot.
2. Rooting the crown: Place the dried crown in a glass of water, ensuring only the base is submerged (not the leaves). Change the water every few days. In about 2-3 weeks, you should see small roots forming.
3. Potting the crown: Once the roots are about an inch long, it’s time to plant! Fill your pot with well-draining soil, make a hole in the center, and gently place the rooted crown inside. Cover the roots with soil but leave the base of the leaves exposed.
4. Watering: Give it a good drink of water after planting. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy, as pineapples dislike sitting in waterlogged soil.

Tip: Pineapple plants don’t like being moved around too much once planted, so find a permanent home where they can soak up plenty of sunshine.

Spacing: If you’re planting multiple pineapples, give each one enough space—at least 2-3 feet apart, as they can grow quite large over time.

Watering:

• Pineapples don’t need a ton of water since they’re used to tropical climates where rain is sporadic. Water them once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• In winter, reduce watering to every two weeks because the plant goes into a resting phase.

Feeding time:

• Fertilize your pineapple plant every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer (like a general houseplant or cactus fertilizer).
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can burn the plant. Pineapples aren’t heavy feeders, so less is more!

Sunlight and temperature:

• Remember, they love the sun! Keep them in a bright location with lots of light.
• Pineapples thrive in temperatures between 65-95°F (18-35°C). If you live in a colder area, bring your plant indoors during winter to protect it from frost.

Minor problem solving:

• Yellowing leaves? It could be due to overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
• Slow growth? Pineapples are slow growers, especially in the first year. Be patient—they’re worth the wait!
• Pests? Pineapples are pretty hardy, but watch out for mealybugs or scale insects. Wipe them off with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap if needed.

When will my pineapple be ready?

Patience is key here! From planting the crown to harvesting the fruit, it typically takes around 18-24 months—yes, that's almost two years! But the wait is worth it.

Signs your pineapple is ripe:

• The fruit changes color from green to a golden-yellow, starting from the bottom and moving upward.
• The pineapple will have a sweet, fruity aroma at the base.
• It may feel slightly softer when you press on it (but not mushy).

How to harvest:

Once your pineapple is fully ripe, simply cut it off at the base using a sharp knife. Be careful not to damage the plant itself! After harvesting, your pineapple plant might produce smaller "pups" (baby plants) around the base that you can replant to grow even more pineapples.

Storage tips:

After harvesting, your pineapple will stay fresh for about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge—but eat it sooner rather than later for the best flavor!

Q: Can I grow a pineapple indoors?

A: Yes, absolutely! Pineapples grow well indoors as long as they get plenty of sunlight. Place them near a bright window or under grow lights. Just remember, indoor-grown pineapples may take longer to fruit.

Q: How often should I water my pineapple plant?

A: Water about once a week during the growing season (spring and summer). In winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Q: Why are the leaves turning brown?

A: Brown leaves could mean too much water or not enough sunlight. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, let it dry out before watering again. Also, ensure your plant is getting enough light.

Q: Do pineapples need a lot of fertilizer?

A: Not really! Pineapples are light feeders. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, but avoid overdoing it. Too much fertilizer can harm the plant.

Q: Can I grow a new pineapple from the harvested fruit?

A: Unfortunately, no. Once you've harvested the fruit, the main plant won’t produce another pineapple. However, the plant will produce "pups" (baby plants) that you can replant to grow more pineapples!