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Growing Pineapples from Store Bought Tops

image of a growing pineapple plant in a pot with small pineapple growing

Of all this things I’ve grown, I think I’m most excited about growing pineapples. I’m not really sure why but I am. There’s something wonderful about planting the top of a pineapple and in a couple of years have fruit.

image of a pineapple plant growing in a pot

This photo is from August 2011. About 4  months after I planted a pineapple top for the first time.

image of a growing pineapple plant in a pot with small pineapple growing from the center

This is the same plant in April 2013. 

mage of a growing pineapple plant in a pot with small pineapple growing from the center

And in May 2013

Not a lot is written about growing pineapples, I suspect because most people don’t live in a climate where they can grow them easily outside.

But pineapples can also be grown in a 10-12″ pot and be taken inside for the winter or, in my climate, when there’s a chance of a freeze.

Pineapples are a novelty fruit that I grow for fun, although one day I hope to have enough plants to meet my family’s needs/wants. There are other fruits and vegetables that I grow that supply all my family’s needs for that item. If you need help deciding how much of a fruit or vegetable to plant to meet your family’s needs, you can get the worksheets I use emailed to you by filling out the form below.

How to Grow Pineapples

  • You can plant the top of a store bought pineapple. Just leave a little of the flesh on, let it dry out for a day or so and then plant in well drained soil.
  • You can also purchase a pineapple plant from a nursery, this is more expensive but you might get fruit the first year.
  • Some recommend that you leave the pineapple top in water for about a week. The times I did this, it rotted – so I don’t recommend that, but it’s your plant do what you want.
  • Minimum temperature is 60 degrees. Now, we’ve gone way below 60 here during the winter and I only covered them when we were actually going to freeze. So I’m guessing a little cooler is okay as long as most days aren’t below 60.
  • Maximum temperature is 90 degrees according to Grow Fruit by Alan Buckingham. Most of our summer is above 90 degrees so I don’t really know what to say other than apparently this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
  • Water thoroughly and then let them dry out between watering
  • If side shoots develop you can just leave them and they’ll produce another pineapple
  • Or you can remove the side shoot and plant in another pot, just like you do with aloe vera pups.
  • I’ve heard that you can put an apple slice down into the pineapple plant to help stimulate production. I’ve never done this put lots of people recommend it.

Pests and Problems with Growing Pineapples

  • Not susceptible to any pests
  • As long as the temperature is kept above 60 degrees there’s not any foliage problems
  • Root disease can occur if over watered and in cool soil
  • Chickens will eat the unripe pineapple – so guard it if you have chickens. 

Harvesting Pineapples

  • Harvest when pineapple stops growing and turns from green to golden
  • I’m sure you won’t have so many you need to store them but just in case you do you can cut them up and freeze them
  • You can also dehydrate pineapple slices or can pineapple chunks
image of a pineapple growing on a pineapple plant in a pot

Other fast growing fruits

Pineapples are a fantastic perennial fruit that will give you fruit quickly and produce year after year. There are also fast growing fruit trees that will give you fruit in the first or second year instead of having to wait 5 or more years after planting.

Thanks for sharing with your friends!

Debbie

Wednesday 28th of April 2021

I have 2 pineapples one is in water the other in soil both are indoors. I find the one in water is healthier the leaves are stronger really sharp. The other is growing well but the leaves are floppy not strong and sharp like the one in just water. They are both coming up on 2 years, thank you for the information I didn't realize the same plant can produce fruit more than once. I also have kiwi, grapes, avocados, lemons, and a pearapple all started from the fruit you buy at the grocery store.

Angi Schneider

Friday 30th of April 2021

Wow, that's really impressive!

Lynda

Saturday 18th of July 2020

Is full sun ok when it’s above 60 degrees?

Angi Schneider

Sunday 19th of July 2020

Absolutely!

Rachel

Sunday 4th of June 2017

Very helpful post! I have one growing in my garden that is very hardy but has long, skinny, yellowish leaves instead of fat, green ones. Is there something wrong with it?

Angi Schneider

Sunday 4th of June 2017

Hi Rachel, I wonder if it's getting too much water? Pineapples tend to like the soil a little on the drier side. If it's too dry, the leaves will turn light green, then yellow and then red. If they are just yellow, it makes me think they're getting too much water. Hope that helps.

Doris Lee

Saturday 13th of February 2016

I have been growing a pineapple indoors. It is now 5 years old and still no fruit or any indication of a flower. Blades are 4 ft long. Plant looks hardy, but no fruit! What's wrong?

Angi Schneider

Saturday 13th of February 2016

hmmm, I wonder if it needs direct sunlight to fruit. Can you put it outside this spring? I've never grown them indoors so that's my best guess.

Joyce King

Sunday 26th of July 2015

I have one growing that is 2 or 3 years old.It was at a stand still until I read somewhere about a week ago to water it down the center of the plant. I did so and my plant has really started to grow.. I bring it inside during the winter.. It is close to 100 degrees and it is looking good. I am anxious to get a pineapple that I grew myself. I have been trying for about 20 years but I think this time I will succeed !

Angi Schneider

Monday 27th of July 2015

That is so exciting, Joyce! I'll have to pay attention to how I water mine, that's a good tip. Let me know when you get that first pineapple and I'll celebrate with you!