Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a herbaceous, terrestrial tropical perennial. It is unique in appearance, forming a rosette of long, tough, waxy, and often spiky leaves that can reach up to 1.5 metres in spread. The highly prized fruit develops from the central flower spike, which fuses into a large, fleshy, compound structure topped with a crown of small leaves. The resulting fruit is a beautiful balance of sweet and tart, with a delicious tropical flavour. Pineapples are ideal for growing in subtropical and tropical Australian gardens, but they also perform well in warm temperate areas if given a sheltered, sunny spot, such as against a north-facing wall or in a large container.
Care Tips for Pineapple
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Position: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours per day). The more sun it gets, the sweeter the fruit will be.
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Climate: Best suited to warm, frost-free climates. In cooler areas, grow in a pot that can be moved into a sheltered spot, greenhouse, or sunroom during winter.
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Soil: Needs well-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. If planting in a pot, use a quality potting mix for container gardening.
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Watering: Water regularly during the hot, dry months, pouring water directly into the centre cup of the plant as well as around the base. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
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Fertilising: Pineapples are heavy feeders. Use a slow-release granular fertiliser (ideally one designed for acid-loving plants or citrus) every 8-12 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage foliage growth over fruit.
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Fruiting: A pineapple plant typically takes 18 to 36 months from planting to produce its first mature fruit. Each plant produces only one fruit before it dies back, but it will send out new “suckers” or “pups” from the base, which can be separated and replanted to continue the cycle.
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Maintenance: Remove dead or browning lower leaves. Protect the ripening fruit from pests (like rats or possums) with netting or bags.
