| What type of fertilizer do you use on pineapple plants? Also, how long before they produce, and where does the fruit grow on the plant? |
| A balanced fertilizer such as MiracleGro will keep your pineapple vigorous and healthy. Use the low, constant feed rate. Pineapples will generally fruit in about 18 months although this can vary significantly due to growing conditions such as temperature, light, fertility, etc. If your plant is over 18 months old and has not fruited, place an apple in the top of the plant, cover the plant with a large, clear plastic bag (like a dry cleaner bag) and poke a few holes for aeration. (Note: this is assuming you have a container plant which can be placed out of direct sun. Covering a plant in the sun with a plastic bag will "cook" it!) After about two weeks remove the apple, keep the plant well watered and wait. The ethylene gas released from the apple will usually initiate blooming. A central stalk with a miniature pineapple on the end will grow up from the plant. Continue to water well during this period. When the pineapple reaches full size and turns from greenish brown to the yellowish brown color of a ripe pineapple it is ready to be cut from the plant. |
