Growing pineapple in your own home is like growing your own slice of paradise! Even if you don't have access to sandy beaches, ocean waves, and tropical tunes, you can enjoy the sweet taste of pineapple from a plant you grew yourself! Keep reading to find out how to use a pineapple stem to grow another whole fruit.
Before you start, you'll need a 6-inch planting plot and light planting soil (like a cactus potting mix). Eventually, you'll need a 5-gallon pot once your plant is ready to transfer. A pineapple plant will get quite large, so it will need the extra growing room.
Advertisement
The Crown: The right pineapple crown will come from a fruit evenly ripe and has healthy, green leaves. You'll get a better plant and fruit if you start off healthy, Today's Home Owner recommends.
Cut and Prep: Slice the crown from the top of your pineapple. Remove any fruit stuck to the bottom and gently cut away any rind. Gently remove layers of rind until you see a circle of brown dots, this is where the roots will grow. You should also remove some leaves from the bottom of the stalk. Allow the crown and stalk to dry for at least 48 hours.
Plant it Right: Fill a smaller (6 to 8 inch) pot with the soil mixture and plant the crown an inch deep. Press firmly into the dirt to secure the root in place. Water your new plant with a spray bottle and lightly mist it. Avoid overwatering your plant by keeping in just barely moist. Tropical Permaculture notes that too much water can be just as damaging as too little water for a pineapple plant.
Wait and Transfer: Your pineapple should grow in the smaller pot for 1 to 3 months or until the pineapple firmly roots into the soil. You can gently tug on the crown to see if it's taking hold. You can be sure your pineapple is firmly rooted when it begins growing new leaves. Now, transfer your pineapple to a larger pot. And wait. The plant will begin to flower before the fruit begins to grow.
Advertisement
Your pineapple will not produce fruit for about 18 to 24 months after initial planting. But, after a few years, you'll have plenty of pineapple year round!