Growing a fruiting pineapple plant requires patience

Pineapples, fruiting pineapple plants in Yuma? Whoever heard of such a thing! I haven’t; but I’m sure there are some gardeners out there in Yuma who are keeping secrets. If gardeners are growing pineapple fruits in places from Alaska and Seattle to Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and Massachusetts, and Florida, someone must be growing them in Yuma. I knew the plants would grow here because my husband, Gordon, successfully planted four we have in our yard. But getting fruit? We will see.

First clue to success: pineapples are tropical and Yuma’s climate is classified as subtropical desert by the Sunset Western Garden Book, with short, mild winters and possibly brief frosts between Dec. 1 and Feb. 15. The Yuma climate allows us to grow several other tropical plants such as plumeria, jacaranda and royal Poinciana trees with certain caveats, so why not pineapples? Our very hot summers may require providing more shade than in other locations. The important thing is, as with whatever you plant; just find the right spot in your yard. At least here we don’t need to bring them inside out of the cold.

Pineapples are in the bromeliad family and are related to Tillsandia or the Spanish moss you see festooning trees in the south. This means they absorb nutrients from water in the cup formed by their leaves and the air as well as soil. It also means they need well-drained soil to prevent rot.

These plants are the ultimate in recycling. Just buy a nice, ripe pineapple in the local grocery store and then plant the top. The leaves of the fruit you select should be green and crisp. If they pull out easily, take another. To prepare for planting, you can either twist off or slice the crown from the top of the fruit, about an inch into the fruit. Most of the resources I checked said to remove the fruit flesh from the base to prevent rotting. You can also remove some of the leaves by pulling down on them. Then set the top aside for several days to dry out. (The same procedure you follow for planting cactus.).

To root the crown, Gordon uses a good planting mix in a gallon pot, either plastic or clay. Eventually your plant will need to be transplanted into a 5-gallon pot. Good drainage is particularly important; a half inch of gravel in the bottom of the pot can help with this. He then puts the pot out in light shade to get started. Here in Yuma we have not successfully had them in full summer sun; afternoon shade at that season seems to work well. Also protect your pot from any frost. One advantage in planting in a pot is being able to move it around as seasons change. We are still experimenting with Yuma weather, much more seriously since I see the possibility of our harvesting our own delicious fruit.

The University of Hawaii Web site reports that, "The pineapple plant is miserly with water, requiring only about 20 inches of natural rainfall per year, if well distributed. You need only wet the soil once a week . . ." Gordon had his with a group of cactus he was growing, so it probably did not even get once a week water except in the summer. Do not over water.

For fertilizing, most of the sources I found recommended fertilizing when you first plant and then every two or three months — Miracle Grow would be good. Foliar fertilizing is also acceptable. Pour the solution on to the base of the leaves or soil, not into the center of the plant. Follow solution strength for small shrubs. This is an easy plant to grow, once rooted.

Growing a fruiting pineapple plant requires, above all, patience. The picture here is ours at present, about 2 years old, and it is about 24x24. These plants get really large. In Hawaii, it takes 18 months or longer for a plant to produce fruit. After that time a flower appears, usually in December or January. This is the short-day time of year with cool nights, much like Yuma. The flowers, according to the literature, are blue in a pineapple shape and open, row after row. After all the flowers have opened and dried, the fruit begins to develop in the center.

If your plant has not flowered, it can be forced using ethylene gas. Just tie a polyethylene bag over the plant and include two ripe apples for a week. We intend to try this on our larger plant if it doesn’t flower this winter. I’ll let you know our results.

Recycling our pineapple tops after enjoying the fruit was fun and resulted in a nice, decorative plant to fill garden space. Now, it has taken on a completely new complexion — more careful watering and fertilizing, watching exposure — and waiting for a flower.

Just getting one fruit is not the end of your pineapple plant. It will sprout a second and maybe a third fruit. Then it will have more sprouts that can be cut off and planted. On to a pineapple plantation in Yuma.

On to Pecan Grove Garden Club news — As usual at this time of year, I am still looking for some gardens to be included in "Welcome to My Garden" tour that happens in March. Are you acquainted with a garden that cries out to be shared? It could be yours or someone you know, or one you have seen somewhere in the Yuma area. The only criteria is that it appeals to your eyes, or your other senses — something that inspires other gardeners or creates a desire to be a gardener. Let me know at (760) 572-5413 or gbensel@tds.net.

The club received the grant of almost $6,000 for their School Education Tree Project, but may not be able to begin the project until January. Frank Saldana, certified arborist, Arbor Tech, Inc. Tree and Landscaping Service; Frank Vasquez Jr., certified arborist, city of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department; Greg Hyland, city of Yuma Communication and Public Affairs; and Pat Fox, Yuma Nursery Supply, will be helping with the project.

A quick peek at the meeting on Nov. 18 — Brian Golding Sr. will tell us about what is happening at the East Wetlands and Quechan Nature Park. The club meets upstairs at the Yuma Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive. Join the group at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays for refreshments and garden chat, and the speaker will begin at 7 p.m.

Barbara Bensel is a Master Gardener and member of Pecan Grove Garden Club. She can be reached at 760-572-5413 or by e-mail at gbensel@tds.net.