Why go for a walk to supermarkets when you can grow pineapples at home? No digging up or preparing a large space in the garden, all you need is a glass of water and a suitable pot for your pineapples. This method allows you to watch the process from crown to fruit, bringing not only delicious but also a unique addition to your indoor garden. So, let us walk you through the guide on how to grow pineapples in water and bring a taste of the tropics into your own space.
Preparation
1. Selecting Pineapples
When choosing a pineapple, look for one with vibrant, healthy-looking leaves. Gently twist the leafy crown from the fruit, ensuring that you get as much flesh as possible. Be cautious, as the leaves can be sharp, so it’s a job best done with care.
2. Preparing the Crown
Once you’ve separated the crown from the fruit, remove any excess fruit flesh by carefully cutting it away. You want to leave just the fleshy base of the leaves attached to the crown. This step is essential to prevent rot when you start rooting the crown in water.
Growing Pineapples In Water
1. Place The Crown In A Container
With your prepared pineapple crown in hand, it’s time to start the rooting process. Place the crown in a container with enough water to submerge the fleshy base of the leaves but not so much that it covers the entire crown. Use toothpicks or wooden skewers to help support the crown, ensuring it doesn’t submerge too deeply.
2. Choose A Sunlight Location
Choose a location with bright, indirect sunlight for your container, as pineapples need sunlight to grow. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. Over time, you’ll notice roots beginning to grow from the base of the leaves. This process can take several weeks to a few months.
Providing Care Properly
1. Transplant Pineapples
Once your pineapple crown has developed a healthy network of roots, it’s time to transplant it into a pot. Choose a pot that’s big enough to accommodate the growing pineapple, and use well-draining soil. Transfer the crown and its rooted base into the pot, ensuring the soil level matches where the roots meet the leaves.
2. Take Care Of Pineapples
Now, it’s all about giving your pineapple the right care. Place the pot in a sunny spot, either indoors near a sunny window or outdoors if your climate allows. Pineapples love sunlight, so make sure they get at least six hours of bright, indirect light every day. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not super wet. During the growing season, you can feed your pineapple with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks.
Time To Harvest
1. Growth Stages
It typically takes 18 to 24 months for a pineapple plant to mature and produce fruit. As the pineapple grows, you’ll see a transformation in the crown, with a central stalk emerging from the center.
2. Harvesting
The fruit will start as a small, green bud and gradually develop into a full-size pineapple. When the fruit is plump, golden in color, and gives off a sweet aroma, it’s time to harvest. Gently twist the pineapple from the plant, taking care not to damage the central stalk. Your homegrown pineapple is ready to savor.
FAQS
1. Can I Grow Pineapples From Seeds?
While it’s possible, growing pineapples from seeds can take several years and may not produce fruit. It’s more efficient to use the crown method.
2. Can I Keep My Pineapple Plant Outdoors?
Yes, as long as the climate is suitable, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight.
3. Why Is My Pineapple Plant Not Producing Fruit?
Pineapples can take a while to mature. If your plant is healthy but not fruiting, it may need more time. Be patient, and it should eventually bear fruit.
From selecting the perfect pineapple crown to patiently waiting for your homegrown fruit, growing pineapples in water is a delightful journey for gardeners of all levels. The journey may take a little patience, but when you see tiny pineapples rising from the leaves, you will know that the wait was completely worthwhile.
