How to Grow a Pineapple (From Top and Seed)

Pineapples are delicious and nutritious tropical fruits that can be grown right in your backyard. In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks for growing pineapples at home.

How to Grow a Pineapple Top

You will need a ripe pineapple, some potting soil, and a container to regrow a pineapple top. However, you will not need a container if you plant it outdoors, directly in the garden.

Either start with fresh pineapple or use one you have already eaten that still has green leaves.

Take off the top, leaving about an inch of stem. Next, take off some of the lower leaves from the crown. Trim it until you can see the root buds.

Finally, allow the top to dry for two days. You can then grow your pineapple tops in water, but it is better to root them in soil.

Now, fill your container or pot with potting soil. Next, dip the base of the pineapple top in the rooting compound and then place it in the middle of the pot.

Cover it with more potting soil and ensure it is well-packed so the root system can thrive. You will start to see roots within 6 to 8 weeks [1].

Regularly water your plant and place it in a sunny area. With proper care, your pineapple plant should start to bloom within 24 months.

Growing a Pineapple from Seed

This method is more challenging than growing it from the top.

The seeds are the first thing you will need. These seeds can be saved from the ripe pineapple fruit. Or, you can buy them.

After you remove the seeds from the fruit, allow them to dry for a few days. Then, soak the seeds in warm water for 8 hours.

Now, place the seeds in a pot on top of the potting mix. Next, cover them lightly with more potting mix. Finally, spray the surface gently with water to keep the soil moist.

Although germination typically takes up to six months, some people start seeing results in as little as a month.

The seedlings look like small pineapple fruit tops. Transplant the seedlings when you can see the roots.

How Long Does It Take for a Pineapple to Grow?

Pineapples are a slow-growing crop, so don’t be discouraged if the time it takes to fruit seems like forever.

In the first year, the plant grows strong stems and many leaves. In the second year, it begins to flower and produce fruit.

But it takes approximately two years to begin seeing fruit.

Sunlight Requirements

This tropical fruit requires plenty of sunlight to grow. Place it where it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Watering Needs

To help keep your pineapple plant healthy, water it.

Pour water directly onto the soil. Make sure you wet all the roots.

It’s also important not to over-saturate the soil or give it too little water. Therefore, before you water, check the soil’s moisture.

If the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time to water your plant. If the soil is wet, wait a few more days before watering again.

Fertilization

A balanced dry fertilizer is best for pineapple plants. It should contain 6 to 10% (N), 6 to 10% (P), and 6 to 10% (K). Having 4 to 6% (Mg) is also a plus.

Fertilize every two months until the plant reaches the flowering stage. Thereafter, you can do it every two weeks.

Garden Pests

Scale insects and mealybugs are two of the most common pests that attack pineapple plants. These pests can damage and attack the plant’s leaves.

Therefore, take immediate action to eradicate pests from your pineapple plants. You can do this in various ways, including organic treatments and home remedies.

Read more about how to control garden pests organically.

Plant Diseases

A few diseases can also affect pineapple plants. Root rot is commonly caused by a soil-borne pathogen [2].

Prevent root rot by ensuring the soil is well-drained, and the plant is not overwatered.

Farmers may also see pineapple wilt, an early sign of which is a slight reddening of the leaf tip. You can help prevent this by controlling ants and mealybugs in your garden.

How to Harvest

Once your pineapple is fully ripe, it’s time to harvest it. You’ll need to slice the fruit off the stalk.

When the fruit’s skin turns yellowish, it is considered ripe. The mature fruit will also smell like pineapple.

How to Store Pineapples

After you have harvested your pineapple, it is time to put it in a proper storage container so you can enjoy it as much as you want.

First, shave off as many leaves as possible from the top, but do not cut the fruit. Then, place the whole pineapple in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator.

It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, depending on how ripe it is when picked. An uncut pineapple can also be kept on the counter for around 3 days before it spoils.

How to Grow Pineapples as Houseplants

Growing pineapples this way is reasonably straightforward. All you need is a pineapple and a few supplies.

First, remove the top of the pineapple. Then, remove the lower leaves from the stalk.

After you have done this, allow the crown to dry for a few days. Now, follow the steps I outlined above regarding planting pineapple tops.

How to Grow in Containers

Growing in containers can be a great alternative if you do not have enough yard or garden space to grow large plants.

A 6- to 8-inch pot is ideal for growing pineapples in containers. However, the bottom of the pot will need drainage holes.

Next, fill the pot with rich, organic soil and place the pineapple “top” in the soil. Continue caring for your plants by following the steps above.

Takeaway

There are some essential things to remember when growing this tropical fruit. But you’ll be well on your way if you follow the steps above.

Also, remember to be patient, as it may take some time for your pineapple plants to produce fruit. With care and attention, you can plant and grow your pineapple at home!

And one last thing: pineapples do not grow on trees. They grow from a leafy plant.