How to Grow Pineapple

Updated June 2026

A warm-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

pineapple established stage — Established

Pineapple is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Pineapple in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the pineapple page for exact timing.

Varieties

Smooth Cayenne, Common sweet commercial type (grocery tops / nurseries)
Sugarloaf, Very sweet, white-fleshed (Florida nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 24 in between plants.
Sowing: sow about 2 in deep.
Water: roughly 1.3 gal per plant every 7 days in hot weather.
Containers: grows well in a pot of 16 in+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Mealy bug and Root rot. In humid regions, Heart rot and Fusarium wilt can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Pineapple is usually ready to harvest within roughly 18 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant pineapple where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →