What's the average time from planting to pineapple harvest?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Growing pineapple requires patience, but ultimately rewards you with tropical sweetness. How to grow pineapple successfully relies on three crucial factors: the initial preparation of the crown, the right climate adaptation, and some purposeful neglect. It took 26 months to get my first pineapple at which point I was slightly shocked but also rewarded with the discovery that had I waited an eternity for the golden sweet fruit. When it comes to these bromeliads, they require specific attention, care and nurturing that most gardening guides won't tell you about.
Root Establishment
- 1-3 months: Develop 3-5 white roots ≥1" long
- Use heating mats for soil temps ≥75°F
- Mist soil instead of deep watering
Vegetative Growth
- 6-12 months: Expand to 24" leaf span
- Apply 10-10-10 fertilizer every 6 weeks
- Rotate plants weekly for even sun exposure
In the last two weeks, sugar levels will take off. You should let the fruit remain on a plant until the base of the fruit turns golden yellow. These pieces will have a 14% brix level, while the average store-bought fruit has an 8% brix level. To test for ripeness, smell the fruit near the stem. If it smells sweet, similar to honey, it should have the maximum sugar content.
Climate is the driver of your strategy. My garden in Arizona had to use 30% shade cloth along with daily misting to create the humidity of a tropical climate. Coastal growers need to focus on drainage (pineapples drown in salty clay soils). Utilize wireless thermometers to track hub microclimates and place them close to the base of your plant.
Let's begin with the crowns from grocery store pineapples. For example, twist off healthy tops that have tight, tight leaf spirals; loose tops often root poorly. I have coaxed 23 plants from one $4 supermarket pineapple. You can track growth progress by snapping dated photos; comparing before and after photos each month will reveal subtler growth patterns where intervention may be needed.
Read the full article: How to Grow Pineapple: Expert Tips for Success
