The date for harvesting a pineapple is much more important than the process itself. Since the fruit does not ripen, correct harvesting requires a delicate touch. We sum up all the essential constellations for a successful harvest.

You can recognize a pineapple that is ready to be harvested by these characteristics

Cultivating a pineapple plant requires a lot of patience from hobby gardeners. After cultivation, the bromeliad takes between one and four years to flower. The ripening time of the longed-for fruit lasts what feels like an eternity of 4 to 8 months. A premature harvest would now be fatal. How to choose the perfect time:

  • the tuft of leaves glows juicy green
  • a light pull is enough to release a pineapple leaf
  • the flesh yields elastically when pressed with a finger
  • the unmistakable pineapple scent pampers the senses

Don't wait until the pulp feels soft and spongy. If you harvest an overripe pineapple, it cannot be stored. On the other hand, if the flesh is too hard, this indicates an immature state. This is accompanied by an extremely sour taste, combined with harmful effects on sensitive people and pregnant women.

It's that easy to harvest a ripe pineapple

To harvest a ripe pineapple, you need a sharp knife. In addition, protective gloves are recommended, as most pineapple plants are armed with small spikes on the leaves. While holding the fruit with one hand, use the stalk to cut out the gem.

As a result, the mother plant gradually dies. This is not a cause for concern, however, as several saplings will sprout. These are excellent for propagation, being treated exactly like the leaf tuft during cultivation.

tips and tricks

Animate a pineapple plant to flower with this simple trick: cut a fully ripe apple in half. Place one half on the substrate with the cut side facing up. Place the other half exactly in the middle of the leaf rosette and put a plastic bag over it for 4 weeks. When the first, delicate blossoms appear, the apple and cap are removed. This little miracle is caused by the ethylene gas that escapes from the ripe apple.

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Trees