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 that 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.
Pineapples are tropical fruits that originate from warm, humid environments. But their sweet, tangy flavor has made them popular far beyond the topics. For gardeners in temperate climates, a common question is: how cold tolerant are pineapple plants? What is the lowest temperature they can withstand before sustaining damage?
In this article we’ll examine the ideal climate for pineapples factors affecting their cold hardiness, signs of cold injury, and techniques for protecting the plants to expand their growing range.
Understanding Pineapple’s Preferred Climate
Pineapples thrive in temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C), with the optimum range being 75-85°F (24-29°C) They require high humidity and consistent moisture. In tropical locations like Hawaii, Florida, and Puerto Rico, pineapples are grown commercially in the field
But the plants are frost tender. Exposure to freezing temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) will injure or kill the plant. Even cool temps between 55-60°F (13-15°C) can slow growth dramatically. This makes pineapples challenging to cultivate in temperate gardens.
What Determines a Pineapple’s Cold Tolerance?
Several factors influence the lowest temperature a pineapple plant can withstand:
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Variety: There are cultivars bred to be more cold hardy than others. Smooth Cayenne, Red Spanish, and Pernambuco have better chilling tolerance.
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Plant maturity: Young pineapple plants are more prone to cold damage than mature, established ones.
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Climate adaptation: Plants already acclimatized to cooler weather will be less shocked by temperature drops.
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Exposure duration: Brief cold snaps are less harmful than extended freezing periods.
Recognizing Cold Damage in Pineapple Plants
When exposed to excessively cool conditions, pineapple plants exhibit telltale signs of distress:
- Leaves turn red, brown, or pale yellow
- Slowed, stunted growth
- Wilting and drooping leaves
- Damaged roots and rotting fruit
- Plant death in extreme cases
These symptoms indicate the plant requires protection to avoid ongoing issues.
Strategies for Overwintering Pineapple Plants
With careful precautions, gardeners in zones 8-11 can successfully overwinter pineapple plants. Some techniques include:
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Choosing cold-tolerant varieties like Smooth Cayenne.
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Planting in warm microclimates against south-facing walls or slopes.
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Providing winter insulation with mulch, frost blankets, or cold frames.
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Bringing potted plants indoors before frost hits.
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Using irrigation to protect from freezing.
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Timing plantings so plants mature before cold weather begins.
Determining the Minimum Survival Temperature
Exactly how cold is too cold for pineapple plants? Research shows:
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Mature plants can endure short periods at 30-40°F (-1 to 4°C).
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Young plants suffer damage below 50°F (10°C).
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Prolonged exposure below 28°F (-2°C) is likely fatal.
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The plant crown is the most vulnerable to freezing.
So for mature pineapples, the lowest survivable temperature seems to be around 30°F for limited timeframes. But consistent cold below 50°F will reduce growth and fruiting. For cooler climates, season extension techniques are a must.
Growing Pineapples as Annuals in Challenging Climates
In zones 6 and below, attempting perennial pineapple cultivation may be unrealistic. But gardeners in these areas can enjoy pineapple as an annual crop.
The technique involves:
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Planting potted pineapple crowns or slips after all danger of frost has passed. Select fast-fruiting varieties.
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Site containers where they’ll receive maximum heat. Avoid excessive wind exposure.
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Insulate pots with insulation wraps or move indoors if nights get cool.
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Harvest fruit late summer/autumn before first fall frost.
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Discard the plant or keep as a houseplant after harvesting fruit.
While perennial pineapple cultivation is improbable in chilly zones, savoring a homegrown pineapple is still possible as an annual!
Achieving the Best Results
The ideal climate for pineapples consists of high heat, humidity, and ample moisture. But with careful variety selection and winter protection methods, gardeners in sub-tropical through temperate zones can successfully grow these exotic tropical fruits.
Pay close attention to weather forecasts and be ready to implement cold protection measures when needed. With a little extra care, it’s possible to expand pineapples beyond their traditional tropical boundaries.
The lowest survivable temperature for mature plants appears to be around 30°F (-1°C) for short periods. But aim to keep pineapple plants above 50°F (10°C) for optimal health and fruit production. Using season extension techniques can make all the difference in achieving a bountiful pineapple harvest, even in cooler gardens.
Planting in a Container
Pineapple plants are well adapted to planting in a container. Choose a 3- to 7-gallon (11- to 26-liter) container with drainage holes. The larger the container, the greater the potential for a large plant and fruit; small containers restrict the size of the plant and resulting fruit size. Use a clean, well-drained potting soil mix and fill the container to within an inch (2.5 cm) or so of the top. Water the soil before planting the plant (water should be seen draining from the drainage holes). Plant the pineapple in the center of the container and water in the plant well. Place the container in full sun for best growth. When the plant flowers and fruits, tie the stalk to a stake to prevent it from falling over. See the section on care of pineapple plants for further information.
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°C–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.
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.
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.
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. Hurricane-force winds may cause toppling or uprooting.
Wind-borne salt spray results in blackish spots near the tips of leaves.
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.
6 common mistakes to avoid when growing pineapples from the top/crown
FAQ
How cold is too cold for a pineapple?
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).
When should I bring my pineapple plant inside?
Bring pineapple plants back inside when the temperatures begin to dip in autumn. Remember that they thrive best in temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and temperatures that dip below 70 degrees Fahrenheit or so can lead to dormancy.
How low can pineapple plants tolerate?
The pineapple plant has a growing season of about 2 years, from planting to fruit. Pineapples cannot tolerate temperatures lower than 50º F. It loves sunshine, warmth, some humidity and a temperature of 80º for best growth.Mar 21, 2025
How to keep a pineapple plant alive in winter?
To help your pineapple plant thrive, keep it somewhere toasty. Ideally, they should be put somewhere where it’s always at least 16 degrees.