How to Grow a Pineapple from a Pineapple Crown

Did you ever wonder how to grow a pineapple? Well, this article takes the mystery out of it and you'll realize it's really easy. Whether you grow it in the yard or in a container, growing pineapples are pretty easy. This is also a great project to get the kids involved with. Nothing is sweeter than a fresh pineapple picked straight from your yard!

Things You'll Need

• Pineapple crown/top
• 3 gallon container
• Space in yard
• Shovel
• Patience

Instructions

1. First you're going to want to get your pineapple crown. This is an easy process. That pineapple you've just purchased from the store is perfect. Cut the top of it off making sure to leave about 2" of the fruit attached.

   You can also ask your local produce department at the grocery store to save some tops for you. Believe it or not, these are free and you'll end up with more tops than you know what to do with. After all, the grocery store is only going to throw them away.

2. Once you've got your crowns, let them dry for 2-3 days before planting. If you have critters that visit your home at night, you might not want to leave the crowns outside. If you do, don't be surprised if they are gone when you check on them in the morning.

3. If you choose to plant your crown in the yard, make sure you pick out a place that is not close to the house or a tree. The plant will produce 12" leaves with spikes, so you don't need another object interfering with the plants growth. Make sure you choose a sunny location to plant your crown in that drains well. Make an a small hole big enough to cover the crown in the soil. Place the crown in the soil and pat the soil firmly around it. Top soil is not necessary to add but a little won't hurt.

   If planting more than one crown, be sure to keep a distance of 1-3 feet between them. This will allow each crown to have enough space to grow properly. The more space between plants, the bigger the plant and the bigger the pineapple.

4. If choosing to plant your crown in a container, be sure to choose one that is approximately 3 gallons in size and drains. This size should be large enough to allow the pineapple to grow to its maximum size. Fill the container with potting mix and place the crown firmly into the soil, covering it.

5. Water the newly planted crown well. Pineapples do not like to have wet feet, so make sure it does not live in soggy conditions. If your plant is receiving too much water the tips of the leaves will begin to turn brown. In most serious cases the plant will develop wilt and slowly rot and die. Your pineapple should only need water approximately once a week.

6. The addition of fertilizer is not needed at the time of planting. During the growing period you can add a general fertilizer or water soluble one periodically. Pineapples really require very little care.

7. Your plant will need approximately 14-18 months to reach maturity. After this time you can force it to bloom by dropping a small amount of calcium carbide into the center of the plant. Water the plant lightly. The bloom will sprout from the center of the crown. This is the fruit, a baby pineapple. This is what you've been waiting for.

8. Your pineapple will be ready for picking in a few months. Once 2/3 of the outside shell has turned from green to yellow, you can pick your pineapple. Store it at room temperature until the whole fruit turns yellow. By placing it into the refrigerator you will halt the ripening process. This process should take only a couple of days. Now you can sit down and enjoy your juicy pineapple that you've grown yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Pineapple juice makes a great marinade or tenderizer for meat.

• Pineapples are a good source of Vit. C, Vit. B and manganese.

• If you live in a cold climate growing a pineapple in a container is recommended. This way you will be able to control the climate conditions and bring the pot inside when the whether turns cold.