How to Grow Pineapple

A warm-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Pineapple is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Pineapple in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the pineapple page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Smooth Cayenne, Common sweet commercial type (grocery tops / nurseries)
• Sugarloaf, Very sweet, white-fleshed (Florida nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 60 cm (24 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 5 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 7 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 40cm+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Mealy bug and Root rot. In humid regions, Heart rot and Fusarium wilt can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Pineapple is usually ready to harvest within roughly 18 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant pineapple where you garden.

See also: Pineapple in the plant library →

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