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 rooting powder 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. Within 24 months, and with proper care, your pineapple plant should start to bloom.

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.

Allow the seeds to dry for a few days after you have removed them from the fruit. After that, 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 with water gently to keep the soil moist.

Although germination typically takes up to 6 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. It will then begin to flower and produce fruit in the second year.

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, be sure to check the soil 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. After that, 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 leaves of the plant, which causes it to become weaker.

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 a common one. It is caused by a soil-borne pathogen [2].

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

The pineapple wilt is another one that farmers often see. A slight reddening of the leaf tip is an early sign. You can help prevent this by controlling ants and mealybugs in your garden.

How to Harvest

It’s time to harvest your pineapple once it is fully ripe. You’ll need to slice the fruit off from the stalk to do this.

When the fruit’s skin begins to turn a yellowish color, it is considered ripe. The mature fruit will also smell like a pineapple.

How to Store Pineapples

After you have harvested your pineapple, it is time to put it in a proper storage container to 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. Also, an uncut pineapple can be kept on the counter for 3 days before it spoils.

How to Grow Pineapples as Houseplants

It’s a reasonably straightforward process to grow it this way. 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 a large plant.

A 6- to 8-inch pot is ideal for growing pineapples in containers. But 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 some care and attention, though, you can successfully plant and grow your pineapple at home!

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