How to grow this tropical treat at home!

Have you ever sliced into a juicy pineapple, admired its spiky green crown, and wondered if you could grow your own at home? Good news: you absolutely can! 

With a bit of patience and the right know-how, that leftover pineapple top can become a thriving plant—and, eventually, reward you with your very own homegrown fruit. 

It’s a fun, sustainable project that’s perfect for gardeners of all experience levels, and especially rewarding for those of us who love a touch of the tropics in our backyard or on the balcony. 

Here’s your comprehensive guide to growing pineapples from a store-bought top, plus tips for keeping your plant healthy and productive for years to come.

Why Grow Your Own Pineapple?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why you might want to give this a go:

• Sustainability: Reduce food waste by giving new life to your pineapple top.
• Cost-effective: One pineapple can lead to many more—no need to buy expensive tropical fruit.
• Conversation starter: A pineapple plant is a striking addition to any home or garden.
• Fun for all ages: It’s a great project to do with grandkids or to simply enjoy yourself.

Step 1: Preparing Your Pineapple Top

Start with a fresh, healthy pineapple. Look for one with vibrant green leaves and no signs of rot or disease.

How to Prepare:

1. Cut the Crown: Using a sharp knife, slice off the top of the pineapple, leaving about 2cm of fruit attached to the leafy crown.
2. Remove Excess Flesh: Carefully trim away any remaining fruit flesh. This is crucial—leftover fruit can rot and kill your plant.
3. Peel Lower Leaves: Gently peel off a few of the lower leaves to expose about 2-3cm of the stem. You may notice small brown bumps—these are root buds.
4. Dry the Crown: Let the crown dry for 2-3 days in a cool, dry spot. This helps prevent rot when you plant it.

Step 2: Rooting Your Pineapple Top

You have two options: root in water or plant directly in soil.

Rooting in Water:

Place the prepared crown in a glass of water, ensuring only the base is submerged.

Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

After 2-3 weeks, you should see roots developing.

Rooting in Soil:

Use a coarse, well-draining potting mix (a cactus or orchid mix works well).

Plant the crown so the base is just below the soil surface—don’t bury the leaves.

Water lightly and keep the soil just moist, not soggy.

Tip: If you’re using a pot, choose a sturdy one (like terracotta) to prevent your plant from toppling over as it grows.

It’s surprising how easy it is to grow your own pineapple at home! Image source: Photo by Julien Pianetti on Unsplash

Step 3: Caring for Your Pineapple Plant

Pineapples are tropical bromeliads, so they love warmth and sunlight.

Sunlight:  

Pineapples need 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily.

If growing indoors, place near a sunny window or use a grow light (keep it close—within 2-5cm of the plant).

Temperature:  

Pineapples thrive in temperatures above 18°C (65°F).

Protect from cold drafts and bring indoors if temperatures drop below 15°C (60°F).

Watering:  

Water when the top 2-3cm of soil feels dry.

Avoid overwatering—pineapples hate soggy roots.

In dry climates or windy spots, check soil moisture more frequently.

Fertilising:  

Use a slow-release fertiliser at planting, then feed with a liquid or foliar fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Potting Tips:  

• Ensure your pot has good drainage holes.
• Mix a little sand into the soil for extra weight and drainage.

Step 4: Patience Pays Off—Flowering and Fruiting

Growing a pineapple is a lesson in patience. It can take anywhere from 16 to 36 months for your plant to flower and produce fruit, depending on your climate and care.

How to Tell It’s Flowering:  

• Look for a colourful, cone-shaped bract emerging from the centre of the plant.
• After flowering, a small pineapple will begin to form.

Harvesting:  

• The fruit takes 5-7 months to ripen after flowering.
• Wear gloves when harvesting—pineapple leaves are sharp!
• Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the plant, always cutting away from yourself.

Common Questions

Can I grow pineapples outdoors in Australia?  

Yes! In warmer parts of Australia (like Queensland and northern NSW), pineapples can thrive outdoors year-round. In cooler areas, keep your plant in a pot and bring it indoors during winter.

Will my plant produce more pineapples?  

After fruiting, the main plant will eventually die back, but it often produces ‘pups’ or side shoots. These can be separated and replanted to start the process again.

Is it worth the wait?  

Absolutely! Homegrown pineapples are incredibly sweet and flavourful, and the satisfaction of growing your own is second to none.

Extra Tips for Success

• Pineapples are drought-tolerant: Don’t fuss over them too much—less is often more.
• Watch for pests: Mealybugs and scale can sometimes be a problem. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth if you spot any.
• Get creative: Pineapple plants make beautiful ornamental features, even if you never get fruit.

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Share Your Pineapple Growing Journey!

Have you tried growing a pineapple from a leftover top? How did it go? Do you have any tips or photos to share? Let us know in the comments below—your experience could inspire others to give it a go!

Also read: How to make your balcony feel like a garden