🍍 Pineapple: Growing Guide
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at 10–38 °C (50–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 4.5–6.5. Space plants about 100 cm (39 in) apart. Expect 500+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Ananas comosus |
|---|---|
| Category | Exotic |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 100 cm (39 in) |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 10–38 °C (50–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 500+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 60–100 cm (24–39 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Aug–Sep.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Nov · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Moderate watering, tolerates drought.
Growing tips
Grow in a pot! Plant the leafy crown. Expect an 18-month wait. Smooth Cayenne and Queen.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Pineapple: when should I sow and plant it?
Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Aug–Sep. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Nov · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
Pineapple: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Moderate watering, tolerates drought.
Pineapple: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 100 cm (39 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Pineapple: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 500+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Pineapple: which plants grow well with it?
Guava.
Pineapple: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Mealybug, Root rot.
Plan your garden
Add Pineapple to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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