Question
I enjoy eating fresh pineapple, particularly the new sweet variety.  When slicing through, I usually find a couple of dozen small brown kidney shaped seeds, and I am compelled to try to grow pineapple plants by the seed, and have never once been successful!  Is there a secret to seed propagation, or should I forget it and stick with growing the pineapple's leafy crown?

Answer
Hi Kathryn,
Thanx for your question.  Pineapples are usually propagated vegetatively.  Seeds are only used by commercial growers for breeding purposes.  They are viable for 6 months, are unreliable and difficult to germinate.  Pineapples from the store are hybrids and if you do manage to get the seed to germinate and grow into a plant and eventually fruit (2-3 years) the fruit will not resemble what you bought.  It still could be a lot of fun.  Nick the seed and plant as deep as it is long in moist (not soggy) potting soil and place the pot inside a plastic baggie.  Keep it warm (75-80 F).  It will take a long time (up to 6 months to germinate).  Here's a link for an easier way to grow the pineapple.  I hope this helps.
tom

http://www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/Pineapple/pineapple.htm