I never thought I would say this, but growing a pineapple is surprisingly easy.
Yep, that tropical fruit you probably assumed could only be grown somewhere warm and sunny year-round can be grown almost anywhere. If your winters are too cold, simply grow your pineapple in a pot, treat it like a houseplant during the winter, and move it back outside when the weather warms up.
Even better, you don't necessarily have to buy a pineapple plant. You can start one from the top of a pineapple from the grocery store.
And don't worry—I'm not going to make this complicated.
QUICK GROWING GUIDE
Sun: Full sun to bright light
Plant: Anytime indoors; move outside after cold weather has passed
Water: Lightly; don't keep the soil soggy
Soil: Well-draining potting soil
Fertilizer: Light feeding during active growth
Container: Yes—perfect for growing in pots
Fruit: Usually takes a couple of years
Difficulty: Surprisingly easy
STARTING A PINEAPPLE FROM A GROCERY STORE PINEAPPLE
The easiest way to get started is with the leafy top, or crown, from a pineapple you buy at the grocery store.
Choose a pineapple with a healthy-looking green top.
Twist or cut the leafy crown from the pineapple.
You'll find all sorts of instructions telling you that you need to carefully remove every bit of fruit, pull off several of the bottom leaves, root it in water, and follow a long list of other steps.
I've never made it that complicated.
I usually let the pineapple top dry for a day or two before planting it.
I've also never bothered removing all the little bottom leaves, and mine have rooted just fine.
HOW TO PLANT A PINEAPPLE TOP
Fill a flowerpot with soil that drains well.
Make a small hole or indentation in the center and set the bottom of the pineapple top into it.
Push the soil around the base firmly enough that the pineapple stands upright and doesn't fall over.
If the soil is dry, give it a little water.
That's pretty much it.
The pineapple will eventually begin developing roots and new growth.
Don't worry if nothing dramatic happens right away. Pineapples aren't in a hurry.
WHERE TO GROW YOUR PINEAPPLE
Pineapples love sunshine.
Mine can handle plenty of sun, including our hot summer weather, although they can also grow with some light or dappled shade.
If you're growing yours indoors, put it near a bright, sunny window.
During warm weather, I like to move mine outside and let it enjoy the sunshine.
WATERING PINEAPPLE PLANTS
Here's another reason pineapple plants are so easy:
They don't need a lot of water.
Their thick, tough leaves help them conserve moisture.
Water when the soil has dried rather than keeping the pot constantly wet. Pineapples don't like sitting in soggy soil.
If you're someone who occasionally forgets to water a houseplant, a pineapple can be pretty forgiving.
DO PINEAPPLES NEED FERTILIZER?
You don't need an elaborate fertilizer schedule.
During spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, you can give it a light feeding with a general-purpose fertilizer occasionally.
Follow the directions on the fertilizer you're using and don't overdo it.
Remember, this is a plant that grows slowly. Pouring more fertilizer on it isn't going to turn it into a pineapple overnight.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A PINEAPPLE IN WINTER?
If you live somewhere that gets cold winters, this is where growing your pineapple in a container makes everything easy.
Before cold weather arrives, bring the pot inside and treat it like a houseplant.
Keep it somewhere bright and cut back on watering since it won't be growing as quickly indoors.
Once spring arrives and the weather is consistently warm again, move it back outside.
That's how you can grow a tropical pineapple even if you don't live in the tropics.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GROW A PINEAPPLE?
This is the part where you'll need some patience.
A pineapple grown from a top can take two years or longer to produce fruit.
You'll spend a lot more time growing the plant than watching an actual pineapple develop.
But when you finally see a little pineapple forming in the center of a plant you started from a grocery-store pineapple top, it's pretty exciting.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU HARVEST THE PINEAPPLE?
The original plant won't continue producing pineapples forever, but don't throw everything away.
Pineapple plants often produce little shoots called pups or suckers around the base of the plant.
Those can be separated and planted to start new pineapple plants.
So one grocery-store pineapple can eventually give you more plants to grow.
IF YOUR PINEAPPLE ISN'T DOING WELL
Leaves are yellowing: Check your watering first. Constantly wet soil can cause problems.
Brown leaf tips: Dry indoor air, watering issues, or normal aging can cause some browning. A little brown on the tips isn't necessarily a reason to panic.
Plant isn't growing: Pineapples grow slowly, especially during winter. Give it warmth, bright light, and time.
Plant grows but doesn't produce a pineapple: This is another case where patience matters. A pineapple grown from a top can take several years before it's mature enough to fruit.
DON'T OVERTHINK GROWING PINEAPPLE
If you had told me years ago that growing pineapples was this easy, I'm not sure I would have believed you.
I take the top from a pineapple, let it dry for a day or two, stick it in some dirt, water it, and let it grow.
That's about as close to lazy gardening as you can get.
If you live somewhere with cold winters, put it in a pot and bring it inside. When warm weather returns, take it back outside.
Will you have a pineapple next month? Nope.
But with a little patience, that pineapple top you would have thrown in the compost or trash can can turn into an actual pineapple plant—and eventually produce a pineapple of its own.
That's all there is to it.