Learn how to grow pineapple plants (Ananas comosus) from seed using these easy germination methods. Instructions show how to collect and sow seeds.
You can also grow a pineapple by rooting the top using this tutorial.
Growing Pineapple Plants From Seed—Will It Work?
Perhaps you have noticed that seed catalogs do not list pineapple seeds for sale? Or, how online garden forums rarely feature pineapple plants started from seed?
This is because pineapple seeds can be difficult to grow.
The seeds are often not viable and, if they are, they can be stubborn.
A faster way to grow your own pineapple plant is to use this method rooting a pineapple top. It will still take a few years to have a (possibly) fruit-bearing plant, but it faster and more reliable than growing from seed.
But, for those of us (like me) who love a propagation challenge, it’s still fun to try.
Contents
About Pineapple Seeds
Successful seed sowing requires two things: viable seeds and the right growing conditions.
Pineapple seeds are found inside the fruit—the fleshy part we eat—but not every fruit will have seeds. Or, if they do, the seeds may be immature and not viable.
Because of this, you need to be willing to experiment, try sowing seeds, and see what happens.
To obtain seeds, you can either try saving seeds from grocery store fruit or buy seeds from sources like Etsy or Ebay.
No matter where you get them, they still may not be viable. The seed seller may unknowingly be collecting them from fruit that has not been pollinated. Before you buy, you can always ask if they have tested the seeds.
The step-by-step instructions below show a few different seed sprouting methods to try.
What Do Pineapple Seeds Look Like?
Pineapple seeds are dark brown and tiny, measuring perhaps 3/16-inch (a few millimeters) long. Immature or not fully formed seeds are a buff white color and may not have embryos inside.
How to Save Pineapple Seeds
Some people eat pineapple (from whole fruits) for years without ever noticing any seeds inside. This could be because there are no seeds, the seeds are not fully formed or mature, or simply because they are small and go unnoticed, buried in the flesh around the outer rim of the fruit.
Steps
Start with a ripe pineapple. The skin should have some golden sections and the whole thing should have the scent of pineapple without seeming over-ripe or rancid. If you are buying from a grocery store, the fruit is very likely ripe or slightly over-ripe.
Remove the rind (outside skin) with a kitchen knife, leaving the edible fruit in tact.
Slice the fruit into 1-inch thick (or slightly less) slices.
With the fruit held between your thumbs and forefingers, gently bend back it back and look for seeds hidden inside, gradually working your way around each piece.
I often find several clustered in one area.
Gently lift out any seeds with a butter knife (or similar tool) and place them on a dry paper towel.
When you’ve worked through all of the slices, set the seeds aside to dry. They do best at room temperature (70°F or 21°C) with moderate or (preferably) low humidity. Never apply direct heat or you can harm the seed.
Seed drying can take several weeks.
This has tips on seed storage.
How To Sprout Pineapple Seeds
These are recommended temperatures for pineapple:
- Seed germination: 77°F (25°C).
- Plant growing: Full sun with temperature between 68°F and 86°F (20-30°C) and 70-80 percent humidity.
How Long Does It Take?
I found reports of seeds sprouting in as little as two weeks while others took weeks or months or even years.
Again, it’s all going to depend on the seeds used and the growing conditions.
Presoak Seeds
Prior to sowing, soak your seeds in warm water (77°F or 25°C) for 8 hours.
Then use either of the methods listed below.
You may notice when the seeds touch water that little capsules form around the seed. It looks odd but apparently it’s normal.
Paper Towel Sprouting Method
- Pineapple seeds
- Paper towel
- Plastic food bag
- After presoaking, spread seeds out on moist paper towel. Paper towel should be moist but not dripping wet when squeezed.
- Fold over paper towel and place in food bag.
- Keep bag at 77°F (25°C) or a bit lower, replenishing moisture as needed using spray bottle. A heat mat with a thermostat is helpful for this. At lower temperatures (70°F ish or 21°C), seed sprouting will be slower but can still work.
Potting Mix Sprouting Method
- Pineapple seeds
- Clear plastic cup with lid (or cling wrap)
- Potting mix
- Fill small plastic cup (with drainage holes) with moistened potting mix.
- Place a few presoaked pineapple seeds on surface.
- Add just enough potting mix to cover seeds, spray surface with water ensuring moisture will touch seeds, and add lid (acts as a humidity dome).
- Keep potting mix at 77°F (25°C) or a bit lower, replenishing moisture as needed using spray bottle. A heat mat with a thermostat is helpful for this. At lower temperatures, seed sprouting will be slower.
What Do Pineapple Seedlings Look Like?
Pineapple seedlings are cute! They look like miniature pineapple fruit tops. After germination, the tiny leaves will appear and get larger over a period of months.
If you used the paper towel method, you can move your seedlings to potting mix in small cups or flower pots with drainage holes when there are visible roots.
If you started the seeds in potting mix, wait until the seedling outgrows its current container before moving to a larger pot.
For more information see this complete guide to growing pineapple plants in containers. It includes everything you need to know to continue growing your plant indoors for years and (hopefully) produce fruit.
Resources
Video
This video on YouTube shows a hobby grower testing out various (informal) methods that worked with her growing conditions.
While we know germinating pineapple seeds can be difficult, this shows it is possible.
More Pineapple Tips
Recommended Book
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
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How To Grow Pineapple From Seed
Equipment
- Tweezers
- Heat mat with thermostat
Supplies & Materials
- 10 seeds Pineapple seeds
- 2 sheets Paper towel moist
- 1 bag Food storage bag
Instructions
- Prior to sowing, soak your seeds in warm water (77°F or 25°C) for 8 hours.10 seeds Pineapple seeds
- After presoaking, spread seeds out on moist paper towel. Paper towel should be moist but not dripping wet when squeezed.2 sheets Paper towel
- Fold over paper towel and place in food bag.1 bag Food storage bag
- Keep bag at 77°F (25°C) or a bit lower, replenishing moisture as needed using spray bottle. A heat mat with a thermostat is helpful for this. At lower temperatures (70°F ish or 21°C), seed sprouting will be slower but can still work.
Carol says
Got my hands on 2 Pinkglow seeds from a snack container and I felt like I struck gold! They appear healthy in every way, not dark brown but a nice medium. These instructions seem easy enough and worth the wait to see if they will produce, HOWEVER, I’m going to need more than 2 seeds to make this work (LOL)!! In the meantime, I’ve stored them in a dry ziploc and papertowel with hopes of getting a few more.