Growth Zones for Pineapple

United States

• Pineapple thrives in the warm sunny climates found in tropical Hawaii. This region is not the only area within the United States capable of supporting this plant. Pineapple plants are commercial crops in Florida and, because of their ability to withstand occasional drought and frost, in coastal areas of California. The plants do well in sandy loam soils but do not tolerate moist, wet soil. When suckers are removed from the plant after the initial harvest, one remaining sucker will develop into another harvestable fruit. The plants will continue to produce fruit every 50 days for a continuous subtropical harvest.

Worldwide

• Pineapples are grown throughout regions and countries that straddle the equator -- from the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, to Costa Rica, Mexico and Brazil, to Nigeria and India -- these countries export a commercial pineapple crop to cooler areas of the world.

Indoors

• In cool, temperate regions, commercial growers nourish crops within greenhouses while home growers, with enough space, accommodate plants indoors. Full-grown pineapple plants are 3 to 4 feet wide and up to 4 feet tall. The squat, full plant produces up to two fruits throughout the growth cycle, but the fruits are not produced simultaneously. To propagate a fruit indoors, remove the crown from a mature, harvested pineapple. Allow the crown to dry out for two or more days before planting in an 8-inch deep pot full of a coarse growing medium. When watered well and kept within a temperature range of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, your pineapple plant will take root. Transplant to larger containers as needed. Within three to four years, the plant will bear fruit.

Home Garden

• Home growers residing within United Stated Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 11 are able to successfully grow pineapple plants outdoors. Propagate the plant indoors and move it to the outside garden site within eight weeks of propagation. At this time the root system will be developed and if outdoor conditions are warm, the plant will take to the soil. Ensure that the site is protected from wind and cold and that the growing plant receives at least six hours of bright sun per day.