As spring breathes new life into our surroundings, it’s the perfect time to try something different in your garden, like growing pineapples at home. This tropical fruit, with its sweet and tangy flavour can be surprisingly easy to grow, even in limited spaces. Whether you have a spacious garden or a small balcony, as Akash Jaiswal and Preeti Patil have shown, growing this fruit is an achievable and rewarding experience.
Akash, who transformed his urban balcony into a pineapple-growing paradise, while Preeti Patil has cultivated a range of plants on her Mumbai rooftop for over 20 years. Both prove that with care and patience, anyone can grow pineapples at home.
In a conversation with The Better India, the two urban gardeners shared valuable insights, proving that limited space is no obstacle to growing this tropical delight.
Step-by-step guide to growing pineapples
1. Selecting the right pineapple
The first step is to choose a healthy pineapple. You should look for one with vibrant and firm leaves, as the crown (the top leafy part) is crucial to the plant’s success. Both Akash, who grows pineapples on his urban balcony, and Preeti, who cultivates a rooftop garden in Mumbai, have proved that with the right start, you can grow a pineapple anywhere.
2. Preparing the crown
Once you have picked your pineapple, carefully twist off the crown and remove the lower leaves. This will expose the stem, and the roots will develop. Allow the crown to dry for a few days to prevent rot. This is something that Akash, who grows his plants in containers, recommends for successful rooting. This drying period is essential for healthy growth.
3. Rooting the crown
Next, place the base of the crown in a bowl of water, making sure only the exposed stem is submerged. Change the water every two to three days. After 10 to 15 days, roots should begin to form. It is extremely important to be patient in this step. It is not an overnight process, but with a little care, you will see roots begin to emerge.
4. Planting the pineapple
Once your pineapple crown has developed a solid set of roots, it is time to plant it in the soil. Akash suggests, “The ideal size of a pot to grow a pineapple is between 14 inches and 18 inches. If the pot is small, the plant will fail to bear fruit.” For those like Preeti, who have a larger terrace garden, direct planting into well-draining soil works just as well. One should make sure to place the plant in a sunny spot because it grows well in warmth and light.
5. Caring for the plant
Watering your pineapple plant regularly is key to keeping it healthy. One should not overwater the plant, as pineapples like moist soil but don’t thrive in waterlogged conditions. While the plant grows, give it enough light, and watch as it slowly develops into a full-fledged pineapple plant.
6. Harvesting your pineapple
After 18 to 24 months, your pineapple should be ready for harvest. It will develop a golden-yellow hue and a sweet fragrance when ripe. Both Akash and Preeti, who have successfully grown pineapples in their homes, focus on the joy of eating a fruit they have nurtured from crown to harvest.
Edited by Megha Chowdhury
