My mother and I have been growing pineapple plants for some time now, and have quite a few, of varying sizes. They are such beautiful plants, so architectural, and even better when they start fruiting.
These two particular plants have fruited once before, but unfortunately, the squirrels and raccoons of my neighborhood enjoyed their feast before we could try them, so this time, when I noticed fruiting, we brought them inside our screened-in porch.
They are quite gorgeous when they first start out. Reds and purples. And the details.
As they get a little bigger, the purple becomes even more prominent.
And then, before long, the colors disappear, and it’s just browns and greens.
Figuring out when they’re ready to pick is easy. When they turn yellow. A beautiful bright yellow. Also pay attention to the fragrance, because as they start to turn yellow, you can really smell them. Knock on them – if they sound hollow, then they’re not ready yet; if they sound solid, they can be picked. (Note: You can pick them at green, and allow them to ripen, but don’t put them in the refrigerator because it can ruin the fruit.)
Today our pineapples were the most perfect color of yellow. Time for picking! Take a sharp knife and slice it at the bottom where it connects to the plant. (If you’re concerned about the readiness of any pineapple, whether growing your own or in a grocery store, pull on one of the top leaves. If it pulls out easily, it’s fresh.)
Our harvest of the day – and one gorgeously beautiful lemon.
Beautiful Screamer 