Pineapple is a wonderful tropical fruit with an unusual form and sweet and sour taste. At us he quite popular fruit and a regular of celebratory tables. Surely many of us, thinking about where pineapples grow, succumbed to the general stereotype and believe that the fruit appears on a palm tree or some other tree. In fact, this is not at all what we will talk about in the article.
In which country do pineapples grow?
In general, the birthplace of this tropical fruit is South America, to be exact, Brazil. The first European who appreciated the taste of pineapple, was Christopher Columbus. Then he fell in love with the colonizers who mastered the territory of the continent. But Brazil is not the only place where pineapples are grown. Over time, the fruit was transported to other countries with a tropical climate, where it successfully took root. These are the Philippines, Hawaii, Mexico, India, Australia, Ghana, Guinea, and others.
How does pineapple grow in nature and plantations?
Probably it will seem surprising, but pineapple is a perennial herb. It belongs to the family of bromeliads, one of its species - large pineapple - is considered a valuable fruit crop. The plant looks like a root rosette of sharp long leaves, from which stands a long stem with a peduncle. Their height is approximately 70-80 cm. The plant perfectly tolerates arid periods, thanks to its leaves, which have the property of accumulating liquid (succulents). Over time, on the peduncle, surrounded by another rosette of small leaves, inflorescence comes from a variety of flowers, each of which then appears a berry. Each such berry is filled with juice and, by closing, they form a common fruit - pineapple. It resembles its appearance a large pine cone of yellow color with a tuft on top. As to how much pineapple grows, it is necessary for the formation and maturation of the fetus about 5 months.
It is necessary to say a few words about how pineapples are grown on plantations. This is not an easy task at all. Countries with tropical climates specialize in the cultivation of pineapples in the open. Their plantations are ordinary, unremarkable fields. For a good harvest, high-quality planting material is important, a constant struggle with weeds and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. Despite the long period of fetal development, at places where pineapple is cultivated, up to 3 crops per year are sometimes obtained!
Unfortunately, in our regions it is possible to grow pineapples in a greenhouse, which is successfully carried out in the greenhouses of the Krasnodar Territory.
Can I grow pineapple at home?
Many of our compatriots have already tried their hand at growing lemon or other exotic fruits at home. Why not try to start a home and a pineapple ? For this, there is no need to search for its seeds. It is enough to buy a quality pineapple fruit: with hard leaves, a beautiful golden-yellow skin. From the fruit should be cut off the top with leaves. Remove the bottom layer of leaves so that our cuttings are exposed to 2 cm. The resulting cuttings should be left in a dry warm place for a few days to dry the cutting site. Then we lower it into a container of water a few centimeters. Do not forget to change the water every few days. The container with the handle must be kept in a draft-free environment and away from heaters.
While cultivating pineapple at home, watch for the appearance of roots. When this happens, pour a layer of drainage and good soil into a small pot. Place the top of the pineapple there and place the pot in a well-lit place. For better growth, cover the pot with the plant glass container or plastic bag for 1.5-2 months. Pineapples like regular watering with temperature water about 30 ° C, slightly acidified with lemon juice. Every two weeks, the plant should be supplemented with a complex mineral fertilizer and spray the rosette of leaves with a solution of ferrous sulfate.
With proper care in three to four years, you may have the first fruit at home.