Yes, you can propagate a pineapple plant from the top of the fruit using a pineapple from the grocery store. This shows you how to prepare the fruit, take the right cutting, and root it in water for a new plant.
You can also grow mango and avocado trees from store-bought fruit.
Growing Pineapple Indoors
This is a very simple way to grow a new pineapple plant from a grocery store pineapple.
You may want to start a couple at once since it’s impossible to tell ahead of time which ones will succeed.
Contents
What to Expect
It takes about a month for a pineapple top to sprout roots sufficient enough for planting.
It takes a minimum of 2 to 3 years for a pineapple houseplant to start flowering and produce fruit, if growing conditions are optimum. In less than optimum conditions, it may takes years longer if it ever happens at all.
No, pineapple plants are not trees. They are herbaceous perennials that grow as shrubs. The plant is mainly a series of long, narrow leaves stemming from a central base. At full size, pineapple plants reach a height of 3 to 5-feet tall maximum.
Overview
Step one is to grow the top into a houseplant, where it takes up to two years to mature.
From there, again, only if growing conditions are optimum, the plant will send up a stem that flowers and gradually produces fruit. This is usually one small pineapple.
But that can be challenging, especially in a cooler climate with long winters unless you provide grow lights as well.
Some indoor pineapple plants never flower or produce fruit but do grow quite large (up to 6 feet tall indoors). Others stay fairly small if light levels are lower than desired or the pot is just a few gallons large.
The fastest growing pineapple plant I have seen was propagated from a top using the same method shown in the instructions (below). The plant was kept in a bright, south-facing window receiving full sun here in Canada.
Despiste lower light levels in fall and winter, after three years the plant was several feet tall and producing its first fruit. That’s as fast as you can possibly expect indoors in a cold climate if conditions are right.
If you enjoy this stuff, grab a copy of The Kitchen Propagation Handbook for more items you can grow from kitchen scraps.
How to Grow a Pineapple Top
1Select a Healthy Pineapple
Select a healthy, ripe pineapple.
- Look for healthy, vibrant green leaves (not all gray or brown) with no sign of disease or insects.
- The ripeness is indicated by the gold color, which forms from the base up: the more gold, the sweeter (and riper) the pineapple.
Over-ripe pineapples are orange and have a fermented fruit odor.
It’s a safe bet that a name-brand pineapple in the grocery store will be adequately ripe.
2Detach Top
- Remove the top by firmly grasping the leaves and twisting. The crown will detach from the base.
Here’s what it will look like:
The base is now ready for carving and eating.
The crown is ready for peeling, drying and rooting.
3Remove Lower Leaves
- Peel off several layers of leaves from the base of the crown so about 1-2″ is exposed. You’ll see little brown nubs that the leaves were covering up. New roots will sprout from these nubs.
In tropical climates, home gardeners can just plant this right in the ground. But for container growing, it’s best to follow the next steps.
Want to grow more?
These pineapple propagation tips are included in the ebook,
Kitchen Propagation Handbook: 7 Fruits & Vegetables to Grow From Scraps.
4Dry Crown
Lay the crown on its side and leave it to dry for 1-2 days out of direct sun.
The idea is to make the crown less susceptible to disease. Some gardeners skip this step and put the crown directing in water as shown in Step 5.
Next: You can root the plant directly in moist potting mix or use the water method shown below.
5Root Crown in Water
Weeks 2-6
- Place the crown in a jar of clean, warm water, with only the leaf-free area submerged in the water. A mason jar works well for this.
- Keep the crown out of direct sun during the rooting process.
- Change the water every second day. You want to keep the water clean and fresh.
- Don’t freak out that the leaves start to dry and turn brown. This is normal. Some stay green, some do not.
- If the plant is not going to root, the crown may suddenly dry out entirely. If this happens, try another pineapple.
Here’s the crown after a week. You can see roots are starting to form.
Here’s the crown after 3 weeks in the water. Remember to change the jar water every other day.
6Plant in Potting Mix
After a month or so, when you have lots of nice long roots (3″ or more), plant the crown in potting mix suitable for succulents and cacti or any good organic potting mix.
Planting Depth: Plant your crown with the leaves above soil level and the roots below.
Pineapple plants do not like to have their roots restricted, so choose a pot with room to grow.
Weeks 7-14
For the next few weeks, keep the plant away from bright sun, and be sure the soil is consistently moist but not too wet. This is when the roots will grow in the soil.
After about two months, the plant should be snugly grabbing the soil (indicating root growth has taken place) and you should see signs of new leaf growth, coming from the middle of the plant.
Pineapple Plant Care
I have a complete guide to growing pineapple as a houseplant here.
Here are some highlights:
Light
- Pineapple is a tropical fruit plant, so provide bright sun without burning the plant or drying out the soil. A summer holiday outdoors near a wall for extra warmth is something to consider.
- You can also use grow lights (shows what I use) if you do not have natural sun available.
Temperatures
- Pineapples will die in freezing temperatures.
- Growth halts below 60°F (15.5°C) and above 90°F (32°C).
- The sweet spot is right in the middle: 68°F and 86°F (20-30°C).
Water
I highly recommend using a simple moisture meter for both houseplants and outdoor container plants. It’s a simple way to know how moist the soil is at root level and learn to keep water levels nice and even.
- Pineapples are somewhat drought-tolerant but it’s too easy to over do it when growing indoors in a container. For this reason, I keep mine moderately moist at all times.
- Drought also slows or halts growth. Leaves become light green, then yellow or red and curled when drought is present.
- Overwatering is just as harmful: yes, even watering is key!
- It’s not unusual for the tips of the leaves to turn brown. I have seen this happen from both overwatering and underwatering. If it happens, trim off the brown with clean scissors. If the middle of the plant turns yellow or brown, it’s likely the entire the plant is dying.
Fertilizer
- As your plant grows, it will need a slow-release organic fertilizer (5-5-5 N-P-K) or similar product. Follow the instructions on the product label.
Pineapple Fruit
To fruit or not to fruit, that is the question
Pineapple plants need at least 2-3 years of maturing before flowering and fruiting can take place.
If you started with a small container, your pineapple plant will outgrow its pot a couple of times and need repotting.
Cut away old, dead leaves as needed.
If, after all this time, your plant is healthy but not flowering, this has tips for forcing blooms. It may just need that extra boost.
Eventually, if you’re lucky, it will indeed flower and fruit.
Suspenseful, isn’t it?
Read More
- Growing Pineapples | University of Florida Extension
Resources
Pineapple Plant with Fruit
This is what a potted pineapple plant looks like when it is producing fruit.
I photographed this pineapple plant with fruit at a local garden nursery.
If you want a challenge, you can also grow a pineapple plant from seed.
Recommended eBook
Ebook
Kitchen Propagation Handbook
7 Fruits & Vegetables To Regrow As Houseplants
by Melissa J. Will
Learn how to grow houseplants from avocado, oranges, lemons, ginger, and more using leftover pits, seeds, and roots.
About This Ebook | Visit Ebook Shop
This ebook is a digital file (PDF format) you save to your device. It is not a physical product.
PayPal, Credit Card, Apple Pay
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
How to Propagate a Pineapple Top From the Grocery Store
Equipment
Supplies & Materials
- 1 Pineapple ripe, with top
- 1 Jar
- 1 bag Potting Mix for Cacti
- 1 Flower pot
Instructions
- Grasp ripe pineapple and gently twist off leafy top.
- Remove lower 1 to 2-inches of leaves.
- Let crown dry for 1-2 days.
- Sit crown in jar of warm water, submerging leaf-free area.
- Change water every few days.
- When roots are at least 3-inches long, you can plant crown.
- To pot the rooted crown, fill flower pot with potting mix made for cacti. Bury roots and water.
- Keep in warm location with indirect, strong sun. Water as needed.
- Signs of new growth may be evident after 7 to 14 weeks.
Dyna PACKARD says
I am going to try growing a pineapple plant this was the best info I found thank you
CL says
At last – clear concise step by step instructions & care for plants.
Excellent pictures & videos.
Thank you
Melissa J. Will says
Very nice to hear, thank you, CL!
Teri Driver says
Instructions seem to be on-point. I am drying out the base now. living in Ohio is going to make this indoor project tricky, but I’m going to give it a try!
Pinkey Haskins says
Thank you so much. My pineapple top is doing well because of your information.
Sandra Parker says
thank you Empress of Dirt
Melissa J. Will says
You’re most welcome, Sandra!
Camille Flores says
I am a professional instructional designer, and I LOVE these instructions! Thanks so much. I live in Albany, NY and will be twisting off my pineapple’s top tonight
Jeffrey preston says
Hi I have a pineapple that I started as a top and I do have two new plants and I have had it for about three years but I still don’t have a fruit so would you mind telling me what I am doing wrong or do I need to give more time to produce let me know thank you
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Jeffrey,
This lists the optimum conditions: https://empressofdirt.net/pineapple-containers/
If your conditions are less than optimal, it will take longer—if it happens at all.
For instance, they need full sun. Most of us have shorter days and reduced light during the winter months—that’s going to slow things down.
They also like high humidity. Our houses often just have moderate or low humdiity, especially in the colder months.
Have a look at the article and see if there’s anything you can do to improve your growing conditions (soil, fertilizer, light, humidity).
Jean Bates says
We did this 4 or 5 years ago in New Jersey. We had a little pup shoot off about a year later. It actually pushed the original plant to the side. Last summer they were both so big that I divided the plants. In Febuary we got a flower off the pup! Our pineapple has been growing and we finally harvested it today! It was small (probably because it has been too warm and we put it outside in the summer) but super sweet. When we took the crown off roots had already started. We took this as a sign to start the process over again.
Judy Weber says
I started a pineapple this past March. Plant is looking good but no growth from the middle but what I have found in research is a ground sucker/pup about an inch away from plant. It is about 3/4 inch high now. What do I do? Also, why is there no growth from plant center? Thank you very much.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Judy,
Getting a new pup like you have is excellent (I’m envious!). I do not have a tutorial with details but I would continue growing it as is, allowing the main plant to die off if that’s what it has decided to do. The pup should get bigger and stronger. Eventually you can repot the pup as its own plant.
Karen says
The instructions are very clear except one thing!
Once the top has established roots it can be planted
how deep do you place in the soil or up to what part
of the top do you cover with dirt?
Melissa J. Will says
I’ve added a diagram showing the planting depth. The leaves go above soil level, the roots below.
Thanks for your note.
Carol Blevens says
Well after reading instructions how to grow a Pineapple I’m going to try. Thank you so much!
crystal kowalski says
Hi
I’m just curious to know if it’s better to plant them in large “deeper” pots or large “wider” pots.
My plants are pretty big and they’ve already started producing but I noticed that I have a secondary plant growing in one of my pots. Not sure how that happened. Lol
I actually have pineapples right now , I’m waiting for them to finish growing …. and then I plan on repoting all three plants
Thanks for your help 🙂
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Crystal,
I have detailed tips here: https://empressofdirt.net/pineapple-containers/
Let me know if you have any questions after reading — I think it answers your questions.
And congrats on successful growing! I love it when secondary shoots come up — it makes a unique plant.
Trina Carruth says
Hello I live in Texas. I cut the top off my pineapple last summer and put it in water been there for a year has grown and the roots are long. Kept it in my window seal. Just today potted in a pot so we will see how it goes. Just wanted to ask if you can put it outside for a little bit for daylight not direct sun for a little while?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Trina, If your pineapple is happy now, I wouldn’t move it. If you do, make any changes slowly and gradually. Sometimes it takes months to know a plant is unhappy with changes that happened earlier.
Debra Grote says
Hi Adele!
What a great detailed post and fun experiment. I started noticing roots but the entire top leaves fell off. Do I need to start over?
Sincerely,
Debra Grote
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Debra, That’s a new one to me! I’d keep going to see what happens. I really don’t know if new leaves might form. I’d also start a new one so you have a backup. Let me know what happens.
Adelle says
Love your site, newsletter and instructions. My only comment/question is whether in step 5 (placing pineapple top in water to grow roots) should it be place in sunlight or not for that period of time. Clearly once in soil yes, but if you could confirm ideal light conditions while in water that would be helpful. Thank you!
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Adelle,
Great question. No direct sunlight is desirable at that stage. It should be fine anywhere in your house away from windows or bright lights.
Bonnie C. says
Hi, I’m trying this right now! At first I had a little trouble peeling the leaves as I was pulling them straight down and they weren’t budging. Then I tried a sideways tug and they came right off. Mine actually had visible roots already starting under the leaves–a head start! I’m looking forward to the suspense…seeing what will happen.
Thank you!
Georgina Sokol says
This article was extremely helpful to me. I have pineapple crown from the grocery store that I planted a year ago. I am in southern Florida, so the plant is outside on my patio year round. I have transplanted it twice and it just keeps getting larger. Do I keep transplanting it as it gets root-bound? I’ve got it in a 24″ diameter pot now. I know this sounds stupid, but I don’t have any idea of how large this plant will become, especially before bearing fruit.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Georgina,
The question may be, how big do you want it to get?
The more room to grow, the more it will grow.
Do you want to keep it in a container or grow it in the ground?
If you want to keep it in a pot, I’d hold off repotting as long as possible and only repot if you’re certain it’s getting too crowded.
Marian says
I have no green thumb, but I was interested enough from your article to try to grow a pineapple from the veggie market. (They looked better than their local grocery store counterparts.) It’s been 3 months now, and I haven’t killed it – yet! The pineapple top has been in a pot for 8 weeks or so now, and some of its leaf tips are brown. No leaves are totally brown, just some tips. Is this normal? Should I cut off these tips? Or just leave them alone? My location is Florida and my pineapple is placed next to a sliding glass door with indirect light 8-9 hours a day now in winter, and closer to 12-13 hours once summer is here.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Marian,
Browning tips is fairly common simply because they are sensitive to over and under watering (can be caused by both).
You can trim off the brown parts with clean scissors (it’s dead leaf material).
You may want to get a simple moisture meter if you’re not already using one to know exactly how moist your soil is.
I’ve had some pineapple tops do fine and others fail: it’s a bit of a mystery why some thrive but part of the fun too.
Marian says
Thank you for your input. I’ve held back on the watering, and the browning seems to have halted.
le says
I had 5 plants dating back to 2003-2005. I had gotten to the point with them that I no longer expected them to bear fruit, but I loved how large and awesome they were.
well, last winter, 2019, I transplanted 2 of them, the biggest ones, into much bigger planter pots.
this past summer, 2020, they both bore fruit!!
I’m transplanting the other 3 old plants into bigger pots now, and the tops of the 2 new fruits from last summer are in pots and growing.
Sue says
I have grown pineapple tops a couple of times but gave up after about a year after no flowers appeared. I live in Indiana so I have to bring it in every winter. Recently I was about to throw out another of these two year old attempts because the plant was getting so large. There it was to my surprise, a flower which later turned into the cutest little pineapple! The pineapple has begun to grow a top, and I was wondering how I can tell when it is ripe?
Melissa J. Will says
How wonderful! From what I know, the fruit should get to the size of a large orange. Signs of ripening include turning golden and smelling like pineapple. Good luck!
Grace says
Thank you for this,was almost giving up on mine that have been growing for 2years I think.I’ve cut off yellow leaves though,I think they need repotting.
Rebecca says
Before you place the top in the pot, do the brown leaves need to be removed?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Rebecca, You can cut those off any time (before or after potting).
Tammy says
I am growing a pineapple top and all the leave are dead on the out side but really green inside, would I cut all the dead off?
Melissa J. Will says
Yes, it’s fine to trim the dead leaves away.
Dan says
Can I plant the pineapple head directly in the dirt after it has rooted?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Dan, Yes. Just be sure the potting mix is always moist and in direct contact with the plant.
shirley harkenrider says
i tried regrowing a pineapple 2years ago it did grow t a big full plant but then it looked like it was turning yellow i probaly should have repotted it but instead i cut it way back now it is growing again and looking healthy it has never flowered should i transfer it to a larger pot ? i would love for it to grow a small pineapple as my 16 grandchildren would think I created a miracle thanks shirley
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Shirley,
I would gently pull the plant out of its pot and check the roots visually. If they are starting to wind around the pot, it’s time for a larger size. (Lucky you to have so many grandchildren!)