Common Names: pineapple and ananas in English, piña in Spanish, nanas in Javanese and Malay, apangdan in Tagalog (Filipino), and yaannat, sapparot, or bonat in Thai.
History: Pineapple has apparently been cultivated by indigenous people of the tropical Americas and the Caribbean Region for thousands of years. New World explorers then distributed pineapple during the 1500s to 1700s to new areas including Europe, Africa, and Asia. The commercial export trade began during early 19th century from the West Indies. This led to further commercial development in the Caribbean during the mid-19th century. However, with the improvement in refrigerated sea transportation by the end of the 19th century, production shifted to Hawaii, Asia, and Africa. In the US, Puerto Rico and Hawaii have moderately large and important industries. Pineapples are not grown commercially in Florida but are common dooryard yard plants in warm locations throughout the state. The first recorded introduction of pineapple into Florida was in 1860.
Importance: Pineapple is one of the most important tropical fruits after mango, banana, and citrus. Fresh fruit production is a major industry in Central and South America and processed fruit in Asia.
The pineapple is a herbaceous perennial with long sword-like leaves arranged in a spiral around a central stem and a terminal inflorescence. Leaves may or may not bear marginal spines depending upon variety and cultural practices. Adult plants may be 3 to 6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) high and wide.
The leaves are sessile and whorled around a central stem. They increase in size toward the top of the plant. Individual leaves range in length from 2 to 8 inches long (5–20 cm) for young plants and up to slightly more than 5 feet long (1.5 m) on mature, healthy plants. Leaves taper progressively toward the tip and end in a sharp point. Leaves may or may not have spines along their edges depending upon variety and growing conditions. The leaves are semi-rigid and allow the plant to collect water at the base of the leaves, where aerial roots may absorb water and nutrients. Once the plant has produced between 70 and 80 leaves it is ready to flower.
The fruit peduncle (stem) and inflorescence develop from the apical growing point. The emergence of the inflorescence is called the red heart stage due to the reddish peduncle bracts at the base of the inflorescence. The inflorescence consists of from 50 to over 200 individual flowers and is capped by a crown of numerous short leaves (up to 150).
The individual flowers are hermaphroditic (bisexual) with three sepals and petals, six stamens and one pistil. The flower petals are white at their bases to violet-blue at their tips. Each flower is surrounded by a hairy bract.
Generally, the first flowers open 50 or so days after flower induction and flowering continues for 20 to 40 days. Usually one to 10 flowers open daily beginning around midnight and close the following evening.
Pineapple plants are self-incompatible, meaning pollen from the same variety will not result in seed production and seedy fruit. However, growing several varieties next to each other that flower simultaneously may result in seedy fruit. To prevent seed formation, either grow only one variety or induce flowering at different times.
The fruit of pineapple is a seedless syncarp. A syncarp is a fruit derived from the fusion of many individual flowers into one fruit. The fruit consists of the fused ovaries, bases of sepals and bracts, and cortex of the central core. When fruit are mature (ready to pick), the individual fruitlets flatten and the peel color begins to change from green to yellow progressively from the base to the top of the fruit. Fruit may weigh up to 5 lbs (2.3 kg) or more. Ripe fruit have a yellow-green to yellow peel and pleasant aroma. The pulp is yellow to golden yellow, sweet, and juicy.
There are numerous pineapple varieties, however, the more common fresh fruit varieties sold in the US include Del Monte Gold® (also called MD2) and Tropical Gold® and similar clones. Smooth Cayenne was one of the most common varieties grown and exported fresh to the US mainland but it is not common now. Other varieties which may be difficult to find for planting include Red Spanish, Singapore Spanish, Green Spanish, Sugarloaf , and Queen. There are many variants of these pineapple varieties.
Pineapple plants are best adapted to the warmest areas of Florida, along the southeast and southwest coasts. However, pineapple plants are grown in protected locations and landscapes throughout Florida. The time from planting to harvest depends upon the cultivar, cultural practices, and temperature; it ranges from 18 to 24 months.
Cool and Freezing Temperatures. Pineapple plants do not tolerate freezing temperatures below 28°F (-2.0°C), and temperatures below 60°F (15.5°C) and above 90°F (32°C) may slow plant growth. Optimum temperatures for pineapple growth range between 68°F and 86°F (20-30°C). Chilling injury caused by low, near freezing temperatures or light frosts may result in the upper leaf surfaces developing a red/white flecked, scorched appearance and pulp rotting of the fruit. Some protection may be obtained by covering outdoor pineapple plants with an insulating material such as blankets or mulch. Plants grown in containers may be taken inside.
Drought. Pineapple plants are tolerant of dry soil and weather conditions; however, plant growth and fruit production will be reduced. Symptoms of drought develop slowly but include wilting of the older leaves, leaf color change from dark to pale green, then yellow and red, and curling of the leaf margins.
Flooding. Pineapple plants are not tolerant of excessively or continuously wet or flooded soil conditions. Generally, growth and production are reduced and susceptibility to root rot is increased, which may lead to plant death.
Wind. In general, pineapple plants are tolerant of windy conditions, although some reduction in plant growth and fruit stalk toppling may occur. Symptoms of wind stress include browning of the leaf tips and margins. Hurrican- force winds may cause toppling or uprooting.
Pineapple are typically propagated from new vegetative growth from the original (mother) plant. There are four types of common planting material: the crown of the fruit; slips and hapas, which arise from the stalk below the fruit; suckers, which arise from the leaf axils of leaves; and ratoons, which arise from underground portions of the stem. The crown consists of the leaves and top 1/2 to 3/4 inches (13–19 mm) of the top of the fruit. Slips originate from the fruit stalk below the fruit and have a characteristic curve to the base of the leaves. Hapas are similar to slips but develop well below the base of the fruit and do not have the characteristic curve at the base of the leaves. Slips and hapas should be left on the peduncle for several weeks after harvesting the fruit to develop a usable size for planting.
Suckers develop along the bases of the leaves and should be left on the plant after fruit harvest to develop usable size for planting. The central stem may also be used to propagate new plants and is usually cut into several pieces. In all cases, the larger the crowns, slips, hapas, suckers, and stem pieces, the more rapid the growth and time to fruiting after planting.
To start new plants, detach the slips, hapas, or crown from the original plant and let them air dry in the shade for a day or two. Plant in clean soil media in the prepared area of the landscape or in containers.
Individual pineapple plants may produce up to two fruit (plant crop and ratoon crop). The ratoon (second) fruit is produced from a sucker that arises below the fruit and is allowed to grow. After harvesting the first fruit (primary or plant crop), remove all suckers and hapas but one. This will then develop into the ratoon crop. Continuously harvesting and planting suckers, hapas, or crowns from the original plant will result in a continuous supply of new fruit. The time from planting to harvest of the fruit ranges from 18 to 36 months in subtropical climates.
Pineapple plants are an excellent choice for planting in home landscapes with little open space. In general, pineapple plants should be planted in full sun for best growth and fruit production. Select a part of the landscape at least 5 feet (1.5 m) away from other trees, buildings and structures where minimal shading occurs. The distance between individual pineapple plants ranges from 12 to 36 inches (21–91 cm). In general, wider spacing among plants allows for production of larger plants and fruit than close spacing among plants.
In cold areas, planting near structures will afford plants some cold protection during the winter, but it will slow plant growth. In general, plant growth, time to flowering, and fruit size and quality will be reduced if plants are grown in the shade.
Removing suckers, slips, and hapas during plant growth and fruit development will hasten the development of the fruit and increase fruit size. However, allowing a few suckers or slips or hapas to grow will supply new planting material after the first fruit is harvested.
Pineapple plants grow best in moderately fertile, sandy loam soils of neutral to mildly acid pH. Plants will grow satisfactorily in sandy and calcareous soils with attention to watering and fertilizer. Pineapple should be grown in well-drained soils and areas of the landscape that do not flood.
Pineapples are a beloved tropical fruit known for their sweet and tangy flavor. But did you know you can actually grow pineapple plants at home? While it takes patience and care nothing beats the taste of a homegrown pineapple!
One of the most important things to consider when growing pineapple plants is sunlight Pineapples are sun-loving plants that need ample sunlight to thrive But exactly how much sun do pineapple plants need? Let’s take a detailed look,
Why Sunlight Matters for Pineapple Plants
Sunlight is essential for pineapple plants for a few key reasons:
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Photosynthesis – Like all plants, pineapples undergo photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy and produce food. The more sun exposure the more energy the plant can produce.
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Fruit production – Sunlight is directly linked to fruit yield and quality. The more sun the plant gets, the larger and sweeter the pineapple fruits will be. Insufficient sunlight leads to small, poor quality fruits.
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Flowering – Sunlight exposure helps trigger the flowering and fruiting process in pineapple plants. Lack of sunlight can delay or prevent flowering altogether.
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Growth – Sun fuels vegetative growth leading up to flowering and fruiting. Pineapples need vigorous growth to reach full size and maturity.
So in short, sunlight is absolutely critical at all stages of the pineapple plant life cycle. Next, let’s look at exactly how much sun pineapples need.
Sun Requirements for Pineapple Plants
Pineapple plants thrive best with full, direct sunlight for a minimum of 6-8 hours per day, and ideally 10-12 hours. This level of sun exposure allows the plant to undergo vigorous growth, flower properly, and produce bountiful harvests of large, sweet fruits.
Anything less than 6 hours of direct sun per day can compromise the plant’s performance. Growth may be stunted, time to harvest delayed, and fruits undersized.
Here are some key sunlight guidelines for pineapple plants:
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Full sun – Pineapples should be grown in a location with zero shade during daylight hours. Morning sun is particularly important.
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Direct sun – Filtered or dappled sun is insufficient. The sunlight should fully reach the plant.
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6+ hours per day – Pineapples need a minimum of 6 hours of unfiltered sun daily. More hours are better.
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10-12+ hours ideal – For optimal growth and fruiting, aim for 10-12 hours of direct sun if possible.
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Avoid afternoon shade – Having sun in the morning but shade in afternoon can limit fruit production.
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Winter sun – Extra sun exposure in winter can help compensate for shorter day length.
Maximizing Sunlight for Pineapples
Here are some tips to ensure your pineapple plant gets sufficient sunlight:
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Site selection – Choose a sunny, south facing location with minimal shading from trees, buildings or other structures.
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Spacing – Allow enough space between plants to prevent self-shading. Wider spacing opens plants to more sun exposure.
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Containers – Place container-grown pineapples where they’ll receive full sun throughout the day. Rotate pots to even out sun exposure.
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Pruning – Remove lower leaves as the plant grows to expose the central stalk and fruit to direct sunlight.
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Supplement in winter – During short winter days, provide supplemental growing lights to maintain fruit development.
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Avoid shade – Monitor sun patterns and shift plants away from encroaching shade from new structures or plantings.
With smart siting and care, you can maximize the sunlight your pineapple plant receives for optimal health, growth and productivity.
How Much Sunlight at Different Growth Stages
While consistent sun exposure is needed throughout its lifetime, a pineapple plant’s sunlight needs vary depending on its stage of growth:
Seedling Stage
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Lower light needs – Young pineapple seedlings can tolerate partial sun or light shade as they establish roots and initial growth. But they still need some direct sun.
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2-4 hours direct sun – Provide at least 2-4 hours of unfiltered sun per day for seedlings. More is better.
Vegetative Growth Stage
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Moderate light needs – Once established, pineapple seedlings need increased sun exposure to fuel vigorous vegetative growth.
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4-6 hours direct sun – Pineapple plants need 4-6 hours of direct sun at this stage for healthy growth.
Flowering & Fruiting Stage
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Highest light needs – Mature, fruiting pineapple plants have the highest sunlight requirements.
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8-12+ hours direct sun – Maximize sunlight during flowering and fruiting for best yields.
So adjust sunlight as the plant matures, providing more sun exposure in later growth stages.
Signs of Insufficient Sunlight
Watch for these cues that your pineapple plant isn’t getting enough sun:
- Slow, stunted growth
- Pale green or yellowing leaves
- Sparse, small leaves
- Tip dieback
- Failure to flower or fruit
- Small fruits that don’t fill out properly
- Low sugar content and poor flavor
Take action to increase sunlight if these issues occur. Supplement with grow lights while adjusting the plant’s placement to maximize sun exposure.
Special Considerations for Climate
The amount of sun pineapples need can also depend on your climate:
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Tropics – Pineapples can thrive with 8-10 hours of sun in warm tropical climates.
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Subtropics – Longer sun exposure of 10-12 hours may be required in cooler subtropical regions.
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Temperate – Maximize sunlight in temperate climates, especially during winter when days are shorter.
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Indoors – Provide the brightest light source possible for indoor-grown pineapples. Supplement with grow lights.
So adjust duration of sun exposure based on your climate and growing environment.
Finding the Sweet Spot of Sunlight for Pineapples
Pineapples are sun worshippers! Aim to provide your plants with abundant direct sunlight throughout their lifecycle. Pay close attention to sunlight needs at each growth stage, and make adjustments to ensure optimal exposure. With enough sustaining sunshine, you’ll be rewarded with vigorous, productive plants and the ultimate prize: a sunny, sweet homegrown pineapple.
Planting in Rockland Soil
Many areas in Miami-Dade County have a very shallow soil, and several inches below the soil surface is a hard, calcareous bedrock. To dig a hole or make a bed, use a pick and digging bar to break up the rock, or contract with a company that has augering equipment or a backhoe. If you wish to add topsoil or well-decomposed compost to the native soil, mix it with the excavated soil in no more than a 1:1 ratio. Plant the plant as described for sandy soils.
Planting a Pineapple Plant
Proper planting is one of the most important steps in suc- cessfully establishing and growing a rapidly and productive pineapple plant. The first step is to choose a healthy nursery plant. Commonly, nursery pineapple plants are grown in 1- to 3-gallon (3.8- to 11-liter) containers and plants stand 6 inches to 2 feet (15–61 cm) from the soil media. Large plants in smaller containers should be avoided because the root system may restricted. Restricted root systems may not grow properly once planted in the ground or larger container. Inspect the plant for insect pests and diseases. Select a healthy plant and water it regularly in preparation for planting in the ground or larger container.
In general, pineapple plants should be planted in full sun for best growth and fruit production. Select a part of the landscape away from other trees and buildings and structures. Remember, pineapple plants need full sun for best growth and production. Select the warmest areaof the landscape that does not flood (or remain wet) after typical summer rains.
Pineapples 101: Everything You Need To Grow The Best Pineapples Ever!
FAQ
Can a pineapple get too much sun?
From the planting of new pineapple plants right through to the harvest of commercial fruit, pineapples are susceptible to heat stress and sun damage, which …
Will pineapple grow in shade?
Be sure to water it just after planting. Pineapples like sunny areas with some shade and require little watering.
Where is the best place to keep a pineapple plant?
Where to grow a pineapple plant. Pineapples do best in a warm room (the warmer the better, but at least 16°C) with plenty of bright light – a conservatory, heated greenhouse or bright windowsill is ideal. Your plant can take some direct sunshine, but too much will scorch the leaves.
How often should pineapple plants be watered?
Moisture: Watering your pineapple plants once or twice a week will be fine. As mentioned, do allow soil to dry out.
How much sunlight does a pineapple plant need?
Pineapples grow best when they get at least six hours of sunlight daily. The ideal temperature range for pineapple plants is between 68°F and 86°F (20°C – 30°C). Grow pineapple plants in a light, well-draining soil and water only when the soil dries out. When grown indoors, pineapples need plenty of humidity. How do you grow a pineapple plant?
What temperature does Pineapple grow best?
Pineapples grow best when temperatures stay between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C). If it regularly dips below 60°F (15°C), your plant might grow more slowly. Frost is especially harmful, so be ready to protect your plants or bring potted ones indoors when the weather gets cold.
Do pineapple plants need a lot of light?
Artificial grow lights are your best bet to supplement the sun’s rays during the chilly season. High-intensity or LED lights are the top choices to help your pineapple thrive. Your plant still needs at least 8 hours of light per day. Yes, even when it’s colder than a polar bear’s toenails outside.
How to care for a pineapple plant?
You can also use artificial grow lights to overcome the light requirement. Try to position them 12-16 inches above your pineapple plant. Keep the light on for at least 12 hours a day to compensate for sunlight deficiency. If your plant leaves become yellow or brownish then it clearly indicates sunlight deficiency.
How do you know if a pineapple plant needs sunlight?
Try to position them 12-16 inches above your pineapple plant. Keep the light on for at least 12 hours a day to compensate for sunlight deficiency. If your plant leaves become yellow or brownish then it clearly indicates sunlight deficiency. Try to change the placement of your plant or increase the intensity of artificial light.
How do you grow a pineapple plant?
To grow a pineapple plant, place it in a pot filled with regular potting soil and keep it in bright light. Keep the soil slightly damp until roots develop in a few months. Alternatively, you can place the pineapple top in a glass of water until it grows roots, and then plant it in soil.