My Little Pineapple

Just harvested today. Had it for lunch!

I planted the top of a pineapple that we bought at the store. I just cut it off and stuck it in the ground outside. It's was not in full sun and it survived, with little attention given it. I had heard that it takes about 4 years before it will produce a fruit. Well it took at least that. I planted another one in a pot next to it with a philodendron and that one ended up with a fruit last year about a year before this one. I wasn't sure if it would fruit again, but I left it in the planter and the plant did get a new center and is still growing. On this plant a new center pushed its way up and was tipping my little pineapple over, enough so the top was starting to tilt.

It's fun when you first notice the little top of the fruit popping through. This photo was taken in March.

I never realized that the fruit had these little purple flowers on them, at this stage.


Here it is! Four years and some later here it is, it's so tiny, but tasty. If you ever get the chance to eat "vine" ripened pineapple it's Delicious! The new top of the one from the pot last year was so pretty I planted that one in a pot too. I'll have to wait to see if either mother plant with fruit again or it the new fruit top will. I know it's quicker in the planter, and if you are in a cooler climate you could move it inside for the winter. Anyone else have some interesting fruit or plants that you like to watch? (or not) This one was a little neglected.