Spiky pineapple plants (Ananas comosus) make a dramatic statement in the tropical and sub-tropical garden. The long sword-shaped leaves grow in a rosette pattern from a central stalk. Two years after planting, a tiny pineapple forms in the center of the leaves and gradually matures to a full-size fruit. It's a long time to wait for harvest, but the maturing fruits add an ornamental appeal in the garden. Pineapple plants grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12.
Plant Spacing in Rows
Pineapple plants have a mature spread of 3 to 5 feet. To plant pineapples in rows, space the plants 3 to 5 feet apart. Planting in rows works well for cultivating pineapples as a crop or when planting in border areas. Plant 3 feet apart for a dense planting. When growing pineapples as a crop, allowing 5 feet between plants will result in better fruit production. You can also grow pineapples as specimen plants in the garden, spacing them at least 5 feet from other landscape plants, buildings and walls.
Plant Spacing en Masse
Create an edible landscape and high ground cover by planting pineapples en masse. Plant pineapples on 4-foot centers for dense, full coverage. Planting on center is a method to create even spacing between plants. To plant pineapples on 4-foot centers, measure 4 feet between each planting hole. Rather than creating rows, plant pineapples in a triangular pattern, keeping the 4-foot distance between all plants.
If you want fruit, plant pineapples in full sun in the hottest part of the garden. As foliage plants, pineapples grow well in part shade. Good drainage is important for growing pineapples. Select a spot that drains quickly and has sandy or loamy soil. Pineapples can tolerate drought but do not survive well in wet conditions or areas that flood periodically. Amend the soil with 1 to 2 inches of compost before planting new pineapple plants to improve the soil structure and nutrients.
You can plant pineapple plants year round within the growing zone. Look for 6-inch to 2-foot tall immature plants for planting. At planting time, position new plants the same depth in the soil as they were in the nursery pot, and follow up with a thorough watering to settle the soil. Many pineapple varieties have sharp thorns along the edge and at the tip of the long leaves, so plant them away from areas where pets and children play.
Pineapples grow well in containers, either indoors in a greenhouse in frost-prone climates, or outdoors in patio planters and aboveground containers within the climate zone. Use a 3- to 7-gallon container for each pineapple plant, and make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom to prevent excess water buildup. Pineapples grow best in a potting soil formulated for good drainage. Look for one formulated for cacti and succulents.
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