While commercial Pineapple (Ananas comosus) cultivation occurs primarily in tropical regions, the great news is that you too can grow Pineapple plants in the garden, and it's easy!
Pineapples are a tropical, herbaceous perennial belonging to the Bromeliad family. They grow to about 5 feet (1.5 m) in height with a 3- to 4-feet (0.9 to 1.2 m) spread. The idea that Pineapples are an exotic, decadent fruit isn't farfetched. They were first introduced to Europe in the 1700s, where they were delicacies of great value sought after only by the very wealthy.
Growing Conditions
Growing Pineapples is very simple. Because of their tough leaves, they lose little water through evaporation. They have small root systems like other Bromeliads and are not fussy about their soil's quality or quantity. Due to this, they make excellent container-grown plants, especially nice for those of us whose climate is less than tropical. Growing Pineapple plants in the garden is a match made in heaven if you live in a warmer region.

To start growing Pineapples, you'll either need the top of a store-bought Pineapple or if you know someone growing their own, ask for a sucker or slip. If you're using the top of a purchased Pineapple, make sure to remove all the fruit pulp as well as the small bottom leaves. Remove the small leaves from the bottom of the suckers too. Just pull them off.
Then, simply dig a shallow hole in the garden or a pot and plunk the top or sucker into it. If possible, choose a sunny spot, although Pineapples will grow in dappled shade. Firm the soil around the base, and give the plant some water if the soil is dry.
If you are planting multiple Pineapples, give them at least a foot (30 cm) between each plant. Be sure not to plant them in an area that gets standing water or tends to be soggy.
General Care
Pineapples are pretty drought tolerant and can thrive with very little water. However, if you are in a low water area or never remember to water your plants, a thick layer of mulch should be incorporated to reduce evaporation. You might also want to consider growing your Pineapples in a slightly shaded area, especially if you live in a tropical or sub-tropical area.
If, however, you live in a region with plentiful rain, that's okay too. If you have the Pineapple in a pot, ensure it has well-draining soil and drainage holes. Don't drown the Pineapple by overwatering, though!
Additional Pineapple plant care is minimal. Pineapple leaves uptake most of their nutrition. For the first few months after planting, just leave the plant alone — no fertilizer, that is. After that, you can use liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract. Make a diluted solution and use a watering can to apply to the soil and the leaves. Stay away from artificial or concentrated fertilizers, which can burn the plant.
If you use chicken manure, sprinkle it on the soil at the plant's base and into the bottom leaves. The color of the leaves will be a telltale sign of whether or not to feed the plant. For example, it's time to feed the Pineapple if they get a reddish/purple tinge.
The ideal way to feed your Pineapple is to incorporate compost into the soil before planting and mulch heavily around the plant. Some of the mulch/compost will end up in the lower leaves and around the shallow root system, and as it breaks down, it will nourish the plant.
The only other thing to pay attention to is if you live in a cooler climate. If so, then you probably have the Pineapple outdoors in a pot. Be sure to move the plant inside to an area with lots of sunlight as the weather begins to cool. Pineapples are no match for frost, so move them inside well before the weather turns.
Source: gardeningknowhow.com
Links
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