Question
My mother bought a pineapple to eat, cut the top of it off and handed it to me.  She said that I have a green thumb and clearly I have been lucky with a few plants.  Now this plant has a beautiful pineapple that has come from the middle of the plant.  I have misted this plant during the winter and it seems to be doing fine.  I am just wondering if I can now put it out side on my back patio, that has no cover or what should I do.  I live in East Texas where the weather is weird and not like the weather in Hawaii where I have seen them grow.  Also how long does it take for the fruit to be ready to eat or will it be eatable?  

Answer
Hi Cathy,

Your mother was right about your having a green thumb! Great job with your pineapple.

Outdoor sun is much more intense than indoor sun, so you cannot move it to direct sun outside. Keep it in a shaded location where it will get lots of bright indirect light. After a month or so, you can gradually increase the light. In addition, you must not keep it outside when temps fall below 50 degrees.

The fruit will be ready to remove from its stem when the lower half is golden yellow. You may want to let it ripen a bit further after that before you cut it open and eat it. I bet your Mom knows when it is ripe!

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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