How to Grow Pineapple
Most people think of Pineapple as a fruit that is only grown in Hawaii and
other tropical locations. Not true. Gardeners, experimental souls that they
are, constantly seek new challenges......... Enter the pineapple.
Pineapple is a neat plant, and a challenge, for houseplants lovers. It is
best started in the Fall and kept indoors in a sunny window. As it grows,
it will become a conversation piece for visitors to your home.
How to Grow Pineapple:
Take a whole pineapple and cut off the top. Remove any excess fruit and skin
from around the leaves. Put the top in a small bowl containing water and
a little epsom salt. Keep the water level just 1/8 to 1/4 inch above the
bottom of the leaves. Check frequently, and add water as needed. Put the
plant and bowl in a sunny window for two weeks.
Transplant the pineapple into a pot filled with potting soil. A sandy mixture
is best as they like dry, well drained soil. The soil should be kept moist
to allow the new roots to develop and grow.
As your Pineapple begins to grow, new leaves will come out from the center
of the plant. Remove unsightly old leaves as they die off to provide more
light and air to the new leaves. Once your plant is established, the soil
should be allowed to dry out a bit between watering. Water plants from the
top, including the leaves. Kept in a warm sunny window, it will grow all
winter long.
In the spring, your pineapple plant can be brought outside. Set it out in
a container, or plant it directly into your garden after all risk of frost
has past. Pineapples, like warmth and sunshine.
Forcing Blooms and Fruit:
Mature plants can be forced to bloom. Place your plant and a couple of apples
or other fruit in a plastic bag for a couple of days. Unfortunately, you
won't know right away if it worked. The bloom will appear a couple of months
later.
As pineapples have a long growing cycle, home gardeners and houseplant lovers
often grow them for the fun of it. Getting a fruit from your pineapple plant
is an pleasant, but unexpected benefit!
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