To grow a pineapple at home, follow these steps:
- Obtain the Pineapple Crown
Twist or cut off the leafy top (crown) of a fresh pineapple about half an inch below the leaves
- Prepare the Crown
Remove some of the lower leaves to expose the stem and root buds, which look like small brown bumps around the base
. Let the crown dry for 2-3 days to heal and prevent rotting
- Root the Crown
You can place the crown in a glass of water, submerging the base but not the leaves, and leave it in indirect sunlight for 10-14 days until roots sprout
. Change the water daily to avoid mold
. Alternatively, some gardeners plant the crown directly into soil without rooting in water, which can also work well
- Planting
Once roots appear or after drying, plant the crown in well-draining soil about 1-2 inches deep, covering the base but leaving the leaves above ground
. Use a pot with drainage holes if planting indoors
. Pineapples prefer fast-draining soil such as cactus mix or a mix with sand and perlite
- Growing Conditions
Place the plant in a warm, sunny spot where it can get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily
. Pineapples need warm weather and do not tolerate cold well, so bring them indoors if temperatures drop
- Care
Water the plant regularly but avoid waterlogging, as pineapples dislike constantly wet soil which can cause root rot
. Fertilize every 8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer and occasionally use seaweed emulsion for foliar feeding
- Patience
Pineapple plants grow slowly. It can take about 2 years for the plant to flower and another 6 months for the fruit to mature
. Only one pineapple grows per plant at a time, but the plant can produce new shoots to continue fruiting over time
By following these steps, you can successfully grow a pineapple plant from the crown of a store-bought fruit and eventually harvest your own pineapple at home
