Pineapple: The Snack that Keeps on Giving!

Next time you enjoy some tasty fresh pineapple, why not stick the leafy top into the ground and grow yourself another one. It's easy!

1. After cutting up a pineapple, save the leafy crown. Pull off as much moist flesh as you can and set the crown aside to dry out a bit. We have a glass holder in the pantry that makes a convenient place to store pineapple tops before planting. 

2. When the crown end is dried out, pull off any brown leaves. Dig a hole in the desired location, place crown stem in the hole and fill in with dirt. Be sure not to cover the crown with soil. 

So, where is the "desired location?"

This plant will get big and pokey, so be sure it is not in a place that could be a hazard. 

I have a raised bed under an oak tree that had a pineapple growing in it when we moved in. I have since planted more pineapple crowns in this bed. Even with the shade, they have grown amazingly well. We have three pineapple plants currently bearing fruit.  

Since I am running out of room in the raised bed, I started planting pineapple crowns with my banana trees around a pit compost. It can take about 24 months for a pineapple crown to bear fruit. The happier the plant is, the faster it will grow and bear fruit.

Trivia time!

What fruit is related to Spanish Moss?

Clue:

Yes, pineapple and Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) are related. They are both in the family Bromeliaceae, the Bromeliad family. 

Remember, the next time you enjoy pineapple, why not keep it growing!