The date for harvesting a pineapple is significantly more important than the process itself. Since the fruits do not ripen, correct harvesting requires sensitivity. We get to the heart of all the essential constellations for a successful harvest.
How do I recognize a pineapple that is ready to harvest and how do I harvest it?
A pineapple is ready to harvest when the leaves are juicy green, the pineapple leaves can be easily removed, the flesh is elastic and the typical pineapple scent is perceived. To harvest, all you need is a sharp knife to cut off the fruit including the stem.
You can recognize a pineapple that is ready to harvest by these characteristics
Cultivating a pineapple plant requires a lot of patience from hobby gardeners. After cultivation, the bromeliad plant takes between one and four years to flower. The ripening time of the longed-for fruit takes what feels like an eternity of 4 to 8 months. A premature harvest would now be fatal. How to accurately choose the perfect time:
- the tuft of leaves shines juicy green
- a light pull is enough to remove a pineapple leaf
- the pulp yields elastically when pressed with your finger
- The unmistakable pineapple scent pampers the senses
Don't wait until the flesh feels soft and spongy. If you harvest an overripe pineapple, it cannot be stored. However, pulp that is too hard indicates an unripe condition. This is accompanied by an extremely sour taste, associated with harmful he alth effects on sensitive people and pregnant women.
It's so easy to harvest a ripe pineapple
To harvest a ripe pineapple, you need a sharp knife. In addition, protective gloves are recommended as most pineapple plants have small spines on their leaves. While you stabilize the fruit with one hand, cut out the gem with the stem.
As a result, the mother plant gradually dies. However, this is no cause for concern, as several shoots are sprouting. These are ideal for propagation and are treated exactly like the leaves during cultivation.
Tips & Tricks
With this simple trick you can encourage a pineapple plant to bloom: A fully ripe apple is cut in half. Place one half on the substrate with the cut side facing up. Place the other half exactly in the middle of the leaf rosette and put a plastic bag over it for 4 weeks. When the first, delicate blossom appears, the apple and cap are removed. This little miracle is caused by the ethylene gas that escapes from the ripe apple.
