Do pineapples grow on trees?

QUESTION: Do pineapples grow on trees? And if so, how big are they? – Richard L

ANSWER: No, pineapples don’t grow on trees. The pineapple plant, also known as ananas comosus, is actually a shrub.

It has a unique appearance with long, sharp foliage. In the midst of the foliage, the pineapple plant will begin to bloom.

Over a period, approximately twenty-four months, the blooms will come together to form a single fruit. Each plant will only form one fruit.

Once the mother plant has fruited, it will die back. This doesn’t take place before the plant forms suckers. These will take root to form more pineapple plants to ensure they come back each year.

It’s important to note that a single pineapple variety can’t pollinate. Therefore, you must plant multiple varieties if you want your plants to form seeds.

Otherwise, the plant will produce a seedless pineapple. This isn’t catastrophic because, as previously mentioned, the mother plant has both suckers and the crown of the pineapple which will produce more fruiting plants.

Pineapples only grow in planting zones eleven and twelve. If you live in any zone outside of these, you must grow pineapple plants as houseplants.

Many people do this but do be aware that it may take the plant longer than two years to fruit under these unique growing conditions.

The pineapple fruit and plant are interesting whether grown outdoors or as an indoor plant. Though they do require patience, it’s intriguing to see this plant produce such a unique fruit.

Learn More About Growing Pineapples

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/pineapples.html

https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/citrus/pineapple.htm

http://ceventura.ucanr.edu/Gardening/Coastal/Veg-Fruit/Pineapple/

https://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/1997/112497.html