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{{SPlantbox
{{SPlantbox
|familia=Bromeliaceae
|genus=Ananas
|species=comosus
|common_name=Pineapple
|common_name=Pineapple
|habit=bromeliad
|origin=S Brazil, Paraguay
|lifespan=perennial
|exposure=sun
|water=moderate
|features=edible, fruit
|Min Temp Num=28
|Temp Metric=°F
|Temp Metric=°F
|sunset_zones=25-27, greenhouse/house
|jumpin=If this plant info box on watering; zones; height; etc. is mostly empty you can click on the edit tab and fill in the blanks!
|jumpin=If this plant info box on watering; zones; height; etc. is mostly empty you can click on the edit tab and fill in the blanks!
|image=Pineapple1.JPG
|image_width=180
|image_caption=A pineapple, on its parent plant
| image = Pineapple1.JPG
| image_width = 180px <!--- leave as 240px if horizontal orientation photo, or change to 180px if vertical -->
| image_caption = A pineapple, on its parent plant
}}
}}
'''Adaptation''': The pineapples is a tropical or near-tropical plant, but will usually tolerate brief exposures to 28° F. Prolonged cold above freezing retards growth, delays maturity and causes the fruit to be more acid. Pineapples are drought-tolerant and will produce fruit under yearly precipitation rates ranging from 25 - 150 in., depending on cultivar and location and degree of atmospheric humidity. They are successfully grown in southern Florida and coastal areas of southern California. The small plant adapts well to container and greenhouse culture and makes an interesting potted plant.
'''Adaptation''': The pineapples is a tropical or near-tropical plant, but will usually tolerate brief exposures to 28° F. Prolonged cold above freezing retards growth, delays maturity and causes the fruit to be more acid. Pineapples are drought-tolerant and will produce fruit under yearly precipitation rates ranging from 25 - 150 in., depending on cultivar and location and degree of atmospheric humidity. They are successfully grown in southern Florida and coastal areas of southern California. The small plant adapts well to container and greenhouse culture and makes an interesting potted plant.
'''Flowers''': At blooming time, the stem elongates and enlarges near the apex and puts forth an inflorescence of small purple or red flowers. The flowers are pollinated by humming-birds, and these flowers usually develop small, hard seeds. Seeds are generally not found in commercially grown pineapple.
'''Flowers''': At blooming time, the stem elongates and enlarges near the apex and puts forth an inflorescence of small purple or red flowers. The flowers are pollinated by humming-birds, and these flowers usually develop small, hard seeds. Seeds are generally not found in commercially grown pineapple.
'''Fruit''': The oval to cylindrical-shaped, compound fruit develops from many small fruits fused together. It is both juicy and fleshy with the stem serving as the fibrous core. The tough, waxy rind may be dark green, yellow, orange-yellow or reddish when the fruit is ripe. The flesh ranges from nearly white to yellow. In size the fruits are up to 12 in. long and weigh 1 to 10 pounds or more.
'''Fruit''': The oval to cylindrical-shaped, compound fruit develops from many small fruits fused together. It is both juicy and fleshy with the stem serving as the fibrous core. The tough, waxy rind may be dark green, yellow, orange-yellow or reddish when the fruit is ripe. The flesh ranges from nearly white to yellow. In size the fruits are up to 12 in. long and weigh 1 to 10 pounds or more.
==Cultivation==
[[Image:pineapple field.jpg|thumb|right|A pineapple field in [[Veracruz (state)|Veracruz]], [[Mexico]].]]
'''Location''': Pineapples should be planted where the temperature remains warmest, such as the south side of a home, or in a sunny portion of the garden.
'''Soil''': The best soil for the pineapple is a friable, well-drained sandy loam with a high organic content. The pH should be within a range of 4.5 to 6.5. Soils that are not sufficiently acid can be treated with sulfur to achieve the desired level. The plant cannot stand waterlogging and if there is an impervious subsoil, drainage needs to be improved.
'''Irrigation''': The plant is surprisingly drought tolerant, but adequate soil moisture is necessary for good fruit production.
'''Fertilization''': Nitrogen is essential to increase fruit size and total yield, which should be added every four months. Spraying with a urea solution is another way to supply nitrogen. Fruit weight has also been increased by the addition of magnesium. Of the minor elements, iron is the most important, particularly in high pH soils. Iron may be supplied by foliar sprays of ferrous sulfate.
'''Frost Protection''': Pineapple plants require a frost-free environment. They are small enough to be easily covered when frost threatens, but cold weather adversely affects the fruit quality.
'''Harvest''': It is difficult to tell when the pineapple is ready to be harvested. Some people judge ripeness and quality by snapping a finger against the side of the fruit. A good, ripe fruit has a dull, solid sound. Immaturity and poor quality are indicated by a hollow thud. The fruit should be stored at 45° F or above, but should be stored for no longer than 4 - 6 weeks.
'''Misc.''': Fruiting can be forced when the plant is mature by using acetylene gas or a spray of calcium carbide solution (30 gms to 1 gal. water), which produces acetylene. Or calcium carbide (10 -12 grains) can be deposited in the crown of the plant to be dissolved by rain. A safer and more practical method for home growers is a foliar spray of a-naphthaleneacetic acid (1 gm in 10 gal water) or B-hydroxyethyl hydrazine. The latter is more effective. The plants usually produce for about four years, but they may last longer in California since the life cycle is slowed down by cooler weather.
===Propagation===
Pineapples are propagated by new vegetative growth. There are four general types: slips that arise from the stalk below the fruit, suckers that originate at the axils or leaves, crowns that grow from the top of the fruits, and ratoons that come out from the under-ground portions of the stems.
Although slips and suckers are preferred, crowns are the main planting material of home gardeners. These are obtained from store-bought fruit and are removed from the fruit by twisting the crown until it comes free. Although the crown may be quartered to produce four slips, in California's marginal conditions it is best not to cut or divide the crown. The bottom leaves are removed and the crown is left to dry for two days, then planted or started in water.
Pineapples are planted outside during the summer months. A ground cover of black plastic works very well for pineapples, both as protection from weeds and for the extra heat it seems to absorb. It also helps to conserve moisture. Traditionally, plants are spaced 12 inches apart. Set crowns about 2 inches deep; suckers and slips 3 to 4 inches deep.
===Pests and diseases===
[[Mealybugs]] spread by [[ants]] can be a problem. Controling the ants will control the mealybugs. In most commercial growing areas, [[nematodes]], mites and beetles can also be damaging, but these have not been a problem in California.
==Cultivars==
*'''Hilo''' - A compact 2-3 lb. Hawaiian variant of the Smooth Cayenne. The fruit is more cylindrical and produces many suckers but no slips.
*'''Kona Sugarloaf''' - 5-6 lbs, white flesh with no woodiness in the center. Cylindrical in shape, it has a high sugar content but no acid. An incredibly delicious fruit.
*'''Natal Queen''' - 2-3 lbs, golden yellow flesh, crisp texture and delicate mild flavor. Well adapted to fresh consumption. Keeps well after ripening. Leaves spiny.
*'''Pernambuco (Eleuthera)''' - 2-4 lbs with pale yellow to white flesh. Sweet, melting and excellent for eating fresh. Poorly adapted for shipping. Leaves spiny.
*'''Red Spanish''' - 2-4 lbs, pale yellow flesh with pleasant aroma; squarish in shape. Well adapted for shipping as fresh fruit to distant markets. Leaves spiny.
*'''Smooth Cayenne''' - 5-6 lbs, pale yellow to yellow flesh. Cylindrical in shape and with high sugar and acid content. Well adapted to canning and processing. Leaves without spines. This is the variety from Hawaii, and the most easily obtainable in U. S. grocery stores.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:2009-09-27 17.31.40.jpg|As a potted plant.
Image:iquitospine.jpg|Pineapples and other tropical fruit, in a Peruvian market.
Image:Ananas.jpg|A pineapple
Image:Pineapple display.jpg|Pineapple fruit on display at a [[supermarket]].
Image:Pineapple victoria dsc07770.jpg|'Victoria', a [[cultivar]] of small, sugary and flavourful pineapples, is particularly popular on [[Réunion Island]].
Image:Pineapple.png|Pineapple [[etching]]
Image:Split ananas cropped.jpg|Split pineapple
Image:Ornamentalpineapple.jpg|Ornamental Pineapple
</gallery>
==Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture==
{{Inc|
{{Inc|
Pineapple. The pineapple (see Ananas) is indigenous to America. It produces one of the most delicious fruits now regularly on the markets. The finest qualities are developed when the fruit is permitted to ripen naturally upon the plant. For distant markets the crop has to be gathered in varying degrees of unripeness to suit the time required in transit.
Pineapple. The pineapple (see Ananas) is indigenous to America. It produces one of the most delicious fruits now regularly on the markets. The finest qualities are developed when the fruit is permitted to ripen naturally upon the plant. For distant markets the crop has to be gathered in varying degrees of unripeness to suit the time required in transit.
Subsequent rains and dews leach the tobacco and carry the solution down to the red-spiders. If they are not all dead in a week or ten days, repeat the dose. (6) Scale insect (Diaspis bromeliae): This scale insect becomes troublesome in dry localities and in greenhouses. The insect usually attacks the lower surface of the leaf, but each point of attack shows through as a yellow spot or blotch on the upper surface. Spray with resin wash, resin compound, or whale-oil soap. (7) Mealy-bugs (Dactylopius citri and other species): These insects attack the base of the leaves just at or below the ground-level; also the bud, and when fruit matures they multiply in great numbers among the slips and in the eyes of the fruit itself. The remedy is the same as for scale insects, but it is very difficult to make the application effective. When the mealy-bugs are present before the fruit-bud forms, much good can be done by applying a large handful of tobacco dust in the axils of the lvs.
Subsequent rains and dews leach the tobacco and carry the solution down to the red-spiders. If they are not all dead in a week or ten days, repeat the dose. (6) Scale insect (Diaspis bromeliae): This scale insect becomes troublesome in dry localities and in greenhouses. The insect usually attacks the lower surface of the leaf, but each point of attack shows through as a yellow spot or blotch on the upper surface. Spray with resin wash, resin compound, or whale-oil soap. (7) Mealy-bugs (Dactylopius citri and other species): These insects attack the base of the leaves just at or below the ground-level; also the bud, and when fruit matures they multiply in great numbers among the slips and in the eyes of the fruit itself. The remedy is the same as for scale insects, but it is very difficult to make the application effective. When the mealy-bugs are present before the fruit-bud forms, much good can be done by applying a large handful of tobacco dust in the axils of the lvs.
}}
{{Inc|
Ananas sativus, Schult. f. Pineapple, which see for field culture Fig. 194. Plant producing a single shaft 2-4 ft. high, and when 12-20 mos. old bearing a head, or pineapple, on the top of which is a rosette of stiff Lvs.: Lvs. tropics. B.M. 1554 (as Bromelia Ananas). B.R. 1081 (as A. bracteata).—There is a common cult. form (var. variegatus or stratifolius), Fig. 195, with striped Lvs. Gn. 51, p. 57. A. Porleanus, Koch, is a form of A. sativus, with olive-green, sharp-spined Lvs. with a yellow central band. A. cochin-chinensis, Hort., is another form (intro. by Pitcher & Manda, 1891).
}}
}}
{{Inc|
Ananas (modified from aboriginal S. Amer. name). Written also Ananassa. Bromeliaceae. Stove herbs, allied to the billbergias, and demanding the same general treatment. As ornamental subjects, grown mostly for the rosette of rigid Lvs. and the strange, often colored head of fleshy fls., which are 6-cleft, with 6 stamens and 1 style. The ripe head is composed of the thickened rachis, in which the fleshy berry is imbedded, and the fleshy persistent bracts; in the pineapple, the fls. are abortive. Prop, by the leafy crown or topknot, by long and sword-shaped, stiff, more or less rough-edged. The same stalk does not bear a second time, but a new shoot may arise from the same root and bear fruit. Better results are usually secured by severing the sucker or crown, and growing a new plant. American strong suckers, or by small offsets from the base: these are treated as cuttings, being rooted in sand with bottom heat, or in the S. set directly in the field. Monogr. by Mez, DC., Monogr. Phaner. 9.
A. bracteatus, Schult. f., is a showy species with red heads, all the bracts being elongated, spiny and prominent. Brazil. B.M. 5025. Regarded by Mez as a form of A. sativus. – A. macrodontes, Morr., like a bromeliad, has large toothed bracts. Brazil.- A. Mordilonus, Hort., a form of A. sativus probably, has variegated spineless lvs.
}}
==References==
==References==
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