A Pineapple Tree's Life Cycle

Propagation

• New plants are started by detaching the slips, or hapas, that grow around the stalk just under the fruit; the suckers that grow from the leaf axils; or the ratoons that are produced at the underground portions of the stem. After detaching any of these plant growths, let them dry in shade prior to planting. Plant in a well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility and neutral to mild pH. Select an area of full sun for best growth.

Flower Production

• An inflorescence bud will start to develop in the center of the foliage after 12 to 14 months when the plant is about 2 feet tall. The needle-tipped, long pointed leaves measure 20 to 72 inches long and are green to variegated green in color. This is the start of the fruit development but the actual fruit won't be visible for the next two months. Under optimal conditions, this bud will be produced in late December or January.

Fruit Growth

• Two months following the development of the inflorescence bud, a bright red cone emerges from the plant's center. Over the next two weeks light blue flowers start to open on the cone. When the last flowers have dried, the fruit starts to flesh out. This occurs about two years from the time of planting.

Fruit Development

• About four months later, the color of the fruit starts to change from green to gold, beginning at the base. Sugar production increases and the flesh color transforms from white to yellow. Mature fruit weighs between 2 to 4 pounds. Fruit is harvested anytime after it's halfway golden. The suckers on the mother plant are produced during the fruit ripening period.

Plant Death

• A healthy plant can generally produce a second crop, referred to as ratoon. This successive fruit development occurs in about a year following the first harvest. Pineapple plants may produce up to three ratoons before the mother plants die. The old plants are then cut down and the fields tilled and replanted again.