It is a fascinating adventure to grow and care for a pineapple yourself. We have put together for you here what you should pay attention to during the long ripening period. There are also useful tips on the question of 'when ripe'.
How do you recognize a ripe pineapple?
A ripe pineapple can be recognized by its juicy green leaf crown without mold, an easily removable single leaf, the typical pineapple scent and elastic flesh when pressed lightly. The color of the pineapple does not indicate its ripeness.
The bar for the location is high
In order for a pineapple plant to thrive and produce a ripe fruit, it has very high demands on the site conditions due to its tropical origins. This is how the situation should be:
- constantly high temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius
- humidity of more than 60 percent
- sunlit throughout the day
In addition, the vast majority of all pineapple varieties develop a sprawling habit. It is not uncommon to reach a height of 200 centimeters and a width of 100 centimeters. Therefore, the ideal location is primarily a large winter garden, a greenhouse or a large, bright bathroom.
Proper care during the ripening period
Growing a pineapple plant is easy from the leaves of a ripe fruit. In the stalk there are numerous shoots that are cleaned of the pulp. If you also pull off the lower 2-3 rows of leaves, the plant will quickly root in the nutrient-poor substrate at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius in a warm, humid indoor greenhouse (€24.00 at Amazon). To attract flowers in the next 1-4 years, follow these steps:
- After rooting, repot into a humus-rich, permeable substrate with a slightly acidic pH value
- water regularly but cautiously with low-lime water
- let the substrate dry between waterings
- spray every 2-3 days during the summer with collected, lukewarm rainwater
- Administer organic liquid fertilizer every 14 days from April to August
The pineapple plant thanks such careful care with a flower after an average of 2 years. Within a ripening period of 4 to 8 months, the desired fruit develops completely independently.
How to recognize a ripe pineapple
An unripe pineapple not only tastes unbearably sour, but is also slightly toxic to sensitive people. In addition, these tropical fruits do not ripen, so a premature harvest would be fatal. Good to know that you don't have to guess 'when ripe'? You can recognize a ripe pineapple by the following characteristics:
- the leaf crown shines juicy green and has no mold
- a single pineapple leaf can be easily pulled out
- the fruit exudes its unique pineapple scent
- The pulp reacts elastically to light pressure
You can't rely on the color of a pineapple in this regard. While the most common varieties are golden-brown in color, extravagant species sometimes shine green, orange or pink when fully mature.
Tips & Tricks
Do you want the queen of fruits to hold court in your living room? Then choose an ornamental pineapple (Ananas comosus 'Variegatus') as a houseplant. With a height of 60 centimeters, it is ideal for smaller rooms without having to compromise on its royal silhouette.