Out of everything I’ve grown, I’d say pineapples excite me the most. I’m not entirely sure why, but there’s just something amazing about planting a pineapple top and getting fruit a couple of years later.
This photo is from August 2011, about four months after I planted my first pineapple top.
Here’s the same plant in April 2013.
And again in May 2013.
Not much is written about growing pineapples, probably because most people don’t live in a climate where they can grow them outdoors easily.
But you can grow pineapples in a 10–12″ pot and bring them inside for winter—or, where I live, whenever there’s a risk of frost.
Pineapples are a fun novelty fruit for me, though I hope to eventually grow enough to meet my family’s needs. There are other fruits and veggies I grow that already cover our needs completely. If you need help figuring out how much to plant for your family, you can get my planning worksheets by filling out the form below.
How to Grow Pineapples
- You can plant the top of a store-bought pineapple. Leave a bit of flesh on it, let it dry for a day or two, then plant it in well-drained soil.
- You could also buy a pineapple plant from a nursery—it’s pricier, but you might get fruit the first year.
- Some people suggest soaking the pineapple top in water for a week, but every time I tried that, it rotted. I don’t recommend it, but hey, it’s your plant!
- Minimum temp: 60°F. We’ve had winters way colder than that, and I only covered them when freezing was expected. So a little below 60°F is probably fine if most days stay above that.
- Maximum temp: 90°F (according to Grow Fruit by Alan Buckingham). Our summers are usually hotter than that, so I guess this isn’t a strict rule.
- Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out between waterings.
- If side shoots pop up, you can leave them—they’ll grow another pineapple. Or you can remove and replant them, just like aloe vera pups.
- Some folks swear by placing an apple slice in the plant to encourage fruiting. I’ve never tried it, but many recommend it.
Pests and Problems with Growing Pineapples
- No major pest issues.
- Foliage stays healthy as long as temps stay above 60°F.
- Root disease can happen if overwatered or if soil is too cool.
- Chickens will eat unripe pineapples—so protect them if you have chickens!
Harvesting Pineapples
- Pick when the pineapple stops growing and turns from green to golden.
- I doubt you’ll have so many that storage is an issue, but just in case: you can freeze cut-up pineapple, dehydrate slices, or can chunks.
Other Fast-Growing Fruits
Pineapples are a great perennial fruit—they produce quickly and keep giving year after year. There are also fast-growing fruit trees that bear fruit in their first or second year, so you don’t have to wait 5+ years.
