Pineapple, native to Paraguay and southern part of Brazil, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is quite easy to grow indoors as well as outdoors. It is able to grow up to about 5 feet, producing 30 and more trough shaped and very pointed leaves 1 to 3 ½ inches long that grow around a very thick main stem.

The first step in growing a pineapple involves purchasing a nice looking and ripe pineapple. Once you’re at home, rinse it thoroughly, place it on it’s side on a cutting board and with a sharp knife cut the head, leafy part, off along with two inches of the pineapple’s flesh. Save the head, the rest of the pineapple can be eaten right away.

If the climate is warm and similar to the native growing conditions of pineapples, then the head can be planted outdoors directly into the ground. If the climate is cooler, it is strictly recommended to plant the pineapple head into a pot that can be taken indoors anytime needed. The pot has to be large enough so the plant has room for its long leaves. While planting a pineapple’s head, dig a shallow hole in the dirt, deep enough to cover the pineapple’s flesh that is still attached to the leaves. Put the pineapple’s head in the hole and cover with dirt allowing the leaves to be exposed. Water the plant thoroughly.

What makes pineapples extremely easy plants to grow is they do not require any special care and maintenance. They should be watered every several days, but they are able to survive quite long time without water. However pineapples grown inside in pots should be watered frequently and on regular basis. Also pineapples do not require any high quality soil and too much of fertilizer as it can burn their root system.

The fruit is produced in the center of the pineapple plant starting out as a big flower that eventually turns into the usual pineapple. Keep in mind that pineapples grow very slowly so patience is required. It takes approximately 2 to 3 years for them to start bearing fruit.

Pineapples are ready to be harvested when they are fully ripe. They also taste much better this way. The pineapple is ripe when the skin starts changing color from brown to yellow. Use a saw and cut through the thick stalk which is supporting the pineapple to harvest the fruit.

If the basic steps are followed, everybody can obtain pineapple fruit without any special effort. In addition, pineapples are very rich in vitamin C, manganese and vitamin B1 making them a very healthy fruit option. Pineapple is a very versatile fruit and can be eaten fresh or canned, and is also available as a juice and used in different types of desserts, fruit salads and fruit cocktails.