| Pineapple | |
| Ananas comosus |
Very common tropical fruit coming in several varieties, all with sweetish, acidic flavor.
Description: 2-5ft tall bromeliad. Leaves are 1-6ft long, frond-like, with small razored edges. Fruits take around 9 months to mature, upon which the mother plant will die. Usually, a side shoot or sucker has developed at this point, which will then flower and produce another fruit.
Hardiness: While they are hardy to 28-32F, growth stops below 55F. Ideal growing temperatures are between 68-95F.
Growing Environment: Pineapples enjoy acidic soil, lots of water, full sun, and warm temperatures. They are drought tolerant.
Propagation: By far the easiest way for the home gardener to propagate is to cut the top off of a pineapple fruit. Clean excess pulp and plant in warm, well drained soil. Suckers are the other most common commercial and large scale method of propagation.
Uses: Normally eaten fresh, or used in preserves, desserts, garnishes, and as flavoring for numerous dishes.
Native Range: Native to Brazil and Paraguay.