Admittedly, the idea is neither new nor ours. The truth is, my parents practiced this already in the 70s, but for many people and gardeners, the topic has fallen into oblivion. But what exactly are we writing about? It’s about cultivating a pineapple plant within your own four walls and – as the crowning achievement – with a bit of luck, harvesting your own pineapple two years later. So, a topic that absolutely deserves a place on our blog and especially in the Urban Gardening category.
Sounds fascinating? We think so too, and that’s why here is a detailed step-by-step guide to watch and, of course, to do it yourself as always. True to the motto Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Regrow, let’s get started:
We simply take a pineapple from the supermarket. However, some things need to be considered: Firstly, it makes sense to choose an organic pineapple, as no one wants a plant contaminated with pesticides in their home. Additionally, the crown of the pineapple should be as fresh as possible and not wilted. During the growing process, however, all the leaves of the first generation will be lost anyway.
The following items are needed:
- an organic pineapple with a fresh crown
- a knife
- a glass of water
- cactus soil or other well-draining, lightly fertilized soil (Direct link to cactus soil on Amazon)*
- a planting pot
In the first step, the fruit is separated from its green crown with the leaves. Often this is done by cutting it off, but – and this is a useful kitchen tip – you can simply twist it off. Just hold the pineapple in one hand and the crown in the other, hold the pineapple firmly, and twist off the green leaves. Oh, and the pineapple can now be peeled and eaten as a snack while you work.
The twisted-off pineapple crown
In the next step, the lowest rows of leaves are plucked off. A little tip: the leaves grow in a circle, and it is easiest to remove them in that order. The exposed area should be about 1.5 to 2.5 cm in size.
The stripped pineapple crown
Now, the flesh of the fruit that is on the pineapple stalk is removed. This is important because it can quickly lead to mold while the plant is in water to grow roots. However, it is not a particularly difficult task with the prepared knife.
The pineapple is freed from the flesh
Then, the pineapple is placed on a warm (not hot!) radiator for a few hours. This allows the wounds of the plant to close and dry. This also reduces the risk of mold. The pineapple is ready for water once the lower, treated area feels dry. Now, the green section of the pineapple is placed in a glass of water.
Pineapple in a glass for root formation
And now patience is required. We have done this several times, and root formation can easily take two to four weeks. In the meantime, the water should be changed regularly. Also, make sure that the green leaves are not in the water, but the treated area always is. Once the pineapple plant has developed sufficient roots, it can finally be potted. And don’t be surprised: it is very possible that the small plant will gradually lose all the old leaves. The new leaves are much longer and narrower than the old ones. And here is a picture of our little pineapple plant, four months later. The old leaves are no longer so pretty, but that doesn’t matter. The new leaves are much longer and give the plant its actual character! So, all that remains is to wish you lots of fun and success with your own little pineapple experiments.
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