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 centre of the plant. Drench with a liquid organic fertiliser when you see a tiny pineapple forming, and again a few weeks later.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1.20m (3' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 1.20m (3' 11") with 1.20m (3' 11") 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 2.5cm (1 inch) 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 personalised 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 colour 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