Monday, January 23, 2012

History of Pineapples


Pineapple’s, also known as Ananas, Nanas and Pina are originally from South American, mainly Brazil and Paraguay, where they still grow in the wild. The Spanish helped to spread them around the world in the 16th Century; most now come from Hawaii, Guam and thePhilippines. The best qualities come from Hawaii They are the only edible plants in the Bromeliad family. Like Bromeliad’s they produce one flower that fruits in about eighteen months. Keep your pineapple plant slightly acid, (4.5 to 6.5) adding some pine bark will work. Pineapple’s are drought tolerant, and love rainfall. They grow easily in both Tropical and sub-tropical regions. Short bouts of freezing temperatures are usually not a problem.Pineapples do just fine in Central Florida. I’ve been growing them for years on the Central East Coast of Florida.


Don’t let other people tell you that you can’t grow something where you live, it all depends on how much effort you are willing to put into it to keep it alive and growing. Its true that it is easier to grow it under ideal conditions, but if you adjust for them based on the difference you face from where they originally came from you can product acceptable results. Now regarding tropical fruit such as Pineapple’s, if your location is slightly cooler, watch the weather closely and either cover them or keep them in pot’s and bring them inside. In more northern location you may need a greenhouse  with or without a heater.  



Saturday, January 21, 2012

Growing Pineapples


Starting a new pineapple is easy. Begin with a pineapple you buy at the super market, when it is ready to cut and eat, don’t cut off the top. Twist it off and set it aside for 3 days. On the third day peel off the bottom leaves until you can see the root stubs. At this point place the top into a clear jar of water, topping off the water each day until you see a strong growth of roots. At this time fill a pot with potting soil and a little fertilizer (soil with fertilizer in it is best). You have now started your first pineapple. Keep it in full sun and well watered. It will take about a year or so to flower. The flower is your pineapple, give it times to mature.
Follow the steps in the photo's below 
                                     
                                                                                                                                                                      PINEAPPLE WITH TOP TWISTED OFF                              


TOP BEFORE LEAVES REMOVED






TOP WITH BOTTOM LEAVES REMOVED








READY FOR JAR OF WATER









PLACE INTO JAR OF WATER


PLANT INTO POT