How To Propagate Pineapples

Propagating pineapple is a straightforward process that allows you to multiply your pineapple plants and enjoy more of this delicious tropical fruit.

There are three primary methods for pineapple propagation: top, sucker, and slip. Each method has its advantages and can result in healthy new pineapple plants. But pineapples can also be grown from seeds as well...

Published: April 28, 2023.

Propagating Pineapples From Pineapple Tops

Propagating pineapples from pineapple tops method involves using the crown of existing pineapple fruit:

• Select a healthy, ripe pineapple with green leaves and no signs of mold or disease.
• Remove the top by twisting and pulling it from the fruit.
• Trim off any remaining fruit flesh and remove the lower leaves to expose the stem.
• Allow the top to dry for a few days to prevent rotting.
• Place the pineapple top in a container of water until the roots develop.
• Transplant the rooted top into a pot with well-draining, slightly acidic soil.

For more details about this method, feel free to check our How To Grow A Pineapple From A Pineapple Top article.

Propagating Pineapples From Suckers/Baby Plants

Suckers, also known as pups, are offshoots that grow from the base of a mature pineapple plant. These can be easily propagated to create new plants.

• Wait until the sucker is at least 6 inches tall and has developed a few leaves.
• Carefully remove the sucker from the parent plant by cutting it as close to the base as possible, using a clean and sharp knife or pruning shears.
• Allow the sucker to dry for a few days to promote callus formation and prevent rotting.
• Plant the sucker in a pot with well-draining, slightly acidic soil and water moderately.
• Provide the new plant with similar growing conditions as a pineapple top, such as ample sunlight and warm temperatures.

Propagating Pineapples From Slips

Slips are similar to suckers, but they grow from the base of the pineapple fruit itself rather than the main plant. This method of propagation is less common but can still be successful.

• Harvest the slips from a ripe pineapple by gently twisting and pulling them away from the fruit.
• Remove any remaining fruit flesh and let the slips dry for a few days.
• Plant the slips in a pot with well-draining, slightly acidic soil and water moderately.
• Provide the new plant with the same growing conditions as a pineapple top or sucker.

Propagating Pineapples From Seeds: Do Pineapples Have Seeds?

Yes, pineapples do have seeds, but they are small, inconspicuous, and not commonly encountered in the commercial pineapples sold in stores.

This is because the majority of commercial pineapples are produced through vegetative propagation and are selected to be low in seed content for a more enjoyable eating experience.

Pineapple seeds are usually found along the outer edge of the fruit, just beneath the skin, and embedded in the fruit's flesh. They are small, dark brown or black, and somewhat similar in appearance to apple seeds. In some cases, pineapple seeds may be so small that they are barely noticeable.

Pineapples grown from seeds can exhibit greater genetic variability compared to those propagated vegetatively. This can result in differences in fruit quality, size, and flavor.

However, it is still possible to grow pineapple plants from seeds, although it is a slower process compared to growing them from tops, suckers, or slips.

To grow a pineapple from seed, follow these steps:

• Collect seeds from a ripe pineapple, preferably one from a non-commercial variety known to produce seeds.
• Rinse the seeds gently under water to remove any fruit residue and allow them to dry on a paper towel for a day or two.
• Fill a small container with a well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix.
• Place the seeds on the soil surface, spacing them apart, and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
• Water the soil gently and keep it consistently moist but not saturated.
• Place the container in a warm, well-lit area with temperatures between 65°F and 95°F (18°C to 35°C).
• Germination can take several weeks, so be patient. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

It is essential to keep in mind that growing pineapples from seeds is a slower process than vegetative propagation and can take even longer for the plant to mature and produce fruit.

Few Final Words

Regardless of the propagation method you choose, it is essential to provide your new pineapple plants with the appropriate growing conditions to ensure their success. This includes well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and moderate watering.

Keep in mind that pineapple plants are relatively slow-growing, and it may take 18 months to 3 years for them to produce fruit. Nevertheless, the satisfaction of harvesting your own pineapple is well worth the wait.

Don't know where to start? Consider growing a few plants from tops or try to find small pineapple plants in nurseries or garden centers.