WELCOME back to our pineapple series, where we show you how to grow one of the easiest – and tastiest – fruits at absolutely no cost.
I know some readers might be allergic to pineapples, or just not interested in our fruity tales.
My apologies! But for the many who have tried – and sometimes given up – this guide is for you.
A lot of people persevere long enough to grow a pineapple, only to stop short of planting the top and continuing the cycle.
That’s where many of us miss the mark. The key is simple: start with a few tops from your local juice shop. Plant them in a good-quality medium of compost and manure.
If you’re using pots, something around 350ml works nicely. Square or round, it doesn’t matter – just fill it to the top with compost, not plain soil.
If you buy a pineapple from the store, cut the crown off, leaving about 2cm of the fruit’s flat base. This extra bit helps the plant sit firmly in soil or a pot. You can plant the crown without this base, but the flat section helps prevent tipping. About a month in, give the top a gentle wiggle – if it feels firm, it has rooted.
Some gardeners swear by letting the tops dry before planting, but I skip this step entirely – straight into the soil works every time.
By staggering your plantings throughout the year, you can even enjoy fresh pineapples nearly every month!
And that’s it. Once planted, the hard part is … waiting.
Quick Tips
- Pineapple leaves are sharp. Handle with care.
- If leaves get in the way, trim them back – or snip off the points entirely.
- Keep children and pets away from the spiky edges.
Till next time, happy planting, and may your pineapple journey be as sweet as the fruit itself!
