Everything I read said to keep the "cup" area moist so when watering, about half the time, i put some water there.

Guess between that, regular watering the bed and rain, it was too much.

My plant was close to a year old and I planted it in the ground in May. The other day it looked like it had fallen over, even though the leaves still looked fine.

Nope. It rotted at the base and all the leaves pulled right out - rotten at the base. Though the tops and ends looked fine. So am gonna start over.

Got some seed that I will start again too. Last year I got 2 to grow to ~ 2 inches tall. Then they keeled over - damping off or something.

Oh, David! So

Awww, so sorry! It's so easy to get one going by cutting the top off of a pineapple & laying it on the soil surface. And you get to eat the pineapple you bought. ;+)

purpleinopp said:Awww, so sorry! It's so easy to get one going by cutting the top off of a pineapple & laying it on the soil surface. And you get to eat the pineapple you bought. ;+)

Right. Exactly what I did.

Sometimes I hate being a gardener.

Well, David, now you know from your own experience. The pineapple is a bromeliad...grow it the way you would a brome. If in the ground, plant it in a raised bed or on a "hill" of soil and rocks. While the roots will take up some nutrients, their main function is as anchors...much of the nutrients are taken in by the leaves. And they definitely do not like wet feet nor constantly wet bases.

Great advice Kadie.

And I may just keep it in a pot that is sunk in the ground ON a mound rather than planting directly in the ground.

I think that was my biggest problem. I planted it AT ground level. And the area was kept too wet cause of all the tropical stuff I have planted there.

Funny cause I have a pot of Bromeliads I have managed to keep alive and lovely inside for over 3 years now.

Sorry, I'd gotten the impression you were growing from seed. Mine are in the ground for summer, potted to bring inside for winter.

About a year ago I started the top and some seed, I got 2 seeds to sprout and they got up to 1 + inches and then keeled over. The pineapple top did well in a pot in a South window over winter. I planted it in the ground at ground level in May.

It was ~ 15 - 18 " tall looked great. All the leaves were healthy and very green.

I think that's excellent in your location!

Sorry to hear about your pineapple David.

I planted some more seed Top was not worth trying as far too many leaves were pathetic.
When I find one with a really nice top, I will try again.

I think it is better to try again the pineapple top in Spring, that way weather and temps are heading to warmer conditions.

That is sad, David.
But mine are going so well. Bring on the fruit!