Native & adapted

Pineapple

Ananas comosus

Also known as Piña · Ananas · Dứa · White pineapple

A low, spiky plant that grows one fruit from its center about two years after planting. Easy to start from a store-bought top and well suited to pots.

EdibleFruitingContainer friendlyFrost tender

Landscape layersUnderstory · Ground cover

Mature size

2–4 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b

Plant spacing

2–3 ft between plants

Frost

Leaves damaged near 32°F; plants die below about 28°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 10–11; leaves damaged near 32°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

About 18 to 24 months after planting; usually ripens in summer.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Very fast-draining, slightly acidic mix, such as cactus mix with compost.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Container on a patio or a raised bed that can be covered on frost nights.

Cold hardiness

Cover on every frost night

Near-freezing nights scorch the leaves and can rot the fruit, and plants won't survive below about 28°F. Cover or move it indoors on any night near 32°F.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 32°F · Blossoms and fruit: below 32°F

Heat tolerance

Shade from late-afternoon sun

Needs plenty of sun to fruit, but growth slows above 90°F and fruit sunburns when it leans over. In Phoenix, filtered afternoon shade in summer is worth it.

Sources:

edis.ifas.ufl.edu

Right plant, right place

Will Pineapple grow at your Arizona property?

Each plant gives one main fruit, then side shoots carry on. White varieties are especially sweet.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Morning sun with afternoon shade in summer; full sun in spring and fall.

Water

Irrigation

Low to moderate. Water when the top inch of soil is dry; it rots in soggy soil.

Fruit set

Pollination

Not needed; fruit forms without pollination.

Harvest

How to use it

Fresh, grilled, juiced or in salsa. Plant the leafy top for the next crop.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Pineapple thrive

1
Plant the top shallowly in fast-draining mix and keep it barely moist until rooted.
2
Feed lightly every month in the warm season.
3
Move or cover pots on frost nights.
4
Harvest when the fruit smells sweet and the base turns golden.

Read the horticultural reference ↗