The pineapple (Ananas comosus, USDA zones 10 through 12), a member of the bromeliad family, requires regular applications of a balanced fertilizer, less frequent applications of micronutrients, and depending on the pH of the growing area, iron treatments. Pineapple plants like slightly acid, well-draining soil and full sun. The pineapple does not like freezing temperatures.
To begin, plant pineapples in 1-gallon pots with bottom drainage. As the plant develops, increase the size until the mature plant is in a 5-gallon container. For any container, make sure drainage is adequate. Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix in the container. Many potting soils include a slow-release fertilizer that feeds the pineapple plant for three months or more.
Place pots outside only once all threat of frost has passed because pineapples are extremely sensitive to cold. The pineapple should be acclimated for the first few days by being kept in some shade. This will help prevent leaf burn. Place the container in a spot that receives direct sunlight after becoming accustomed. Growing pineapple plants in a sunny environment results in the best growth.
For the first year, balanced fertilizer applications should be made to pineapple plants every two months for a total of six fertilizer applications. The pineapple will receive basic fertilizer in the form of a mixture of 6–10% dry or foliar nitrogen (N), 6–10% available phosphoric acid (P), 6–10% potash (K), and 4–6% magnesium (Mg).
Use 1-2 ounces of fertilizer during the first two feedings (four months), 1-3 ounces during the third and fourth feedings, and 2–6 ounces during the fifth and sixth feedings of the first year. Consider using the lower end amount (use 1 ounce rather than 2) if you are using a higher 10-10-10 ratio. Use the higher amount if you’re going with a 6-6-6 combination.
There are three times a year that micronutrient fertilizers are required: in May, July, and September. Zinc and manganese are usually in these foliar sprays. Iron is also sometimes present. Follow label directions for proper mixing and application. The objective is to provide the pineapple with micronutrients while avoiding burning the leaves. Spray away from yourself and attempt to only hit the plant, not the nearby deck or furniture.
Pineapples in high pH (more than 7. 5) soils will need six applications of iron each year. If the growing medium is slightly alkaline, iron addition is crucial because pineapples prefer slightly acidic soil. This may be used concurrently with the addition of NPK fertilizer. For a soil drench, use chelated iron. For a foliar spray, iron (ferrous) sulfate is recommended.
The six-times-per-year pineapple fertilizer application schedule is continued for the second year of plant growth. Every other month, after the six applications if necessary, there is also an iron drenching. For months 12 to 16 of the second year, fertilizer amounts rise to 3 to 6 ounces of NPK, and for months 17 to 24 to 5 to 8 ounces. The second year should also continue the micronutrient spray regimen, with three applications made during the warm season, typically May, July, and September.
Best Fertilizer for Pineapple Plant
The best fertilizer for pineapple, as previously mentioned, is an NPK fertilizer with 6-6-6 or 10-10-10 values. After planting the pineapple, solid fertilizer applications are made in months two and four, and foliar fertilizer applications are made every two weeks from months six to fourteen.
When using fertilizer for pineapples, I always advise reading the manufacturer’s instructions because each manufacturer has a different dosage. Fast-acting fertilizer and slow-release fertilizer are not interchangeable terms.
In soils with a pH between 4 and 7, pineapple plants grow and absorb nutrients the best. 5 and 5. 5. To ensure that nutrients will be utilized to the fullest extent by the pineapple plant, I advise measuring the pH of the soil.
Then a NPK fertilizer in the ratios of 6-6-6 or 10-10-10 will be the best fertilizer for pineapple. I’ll describe how to make homemade fertilizer for pineapple plants in the paragraph after this. Learn more about how to propagate pineapple.
What Kind of Fertilizer for a Pineapple Plant
Nitrogen is necessary for pineapple growth, just like it is for all other crops, as a deficiency results in stunted growth, dwarf plants, and yellowing of the leaves. The pineapple plant’s deficiency in nitrogen affects the stems and the fruit’s appearance.
Pineapple fertilizer should also be rich in phosphorus and potassium. Lack of potassium causes yellow spots on pineapple leaves. Fruit weight, shape, and quality issues can result from a lack of these nutrients.
Pineapple fertilizer can be solid or liquid. In the case of nitrogen, pineapple fertilizer should be applied monthly in small amounts, and several times for potassium. Additionally, nitrogen should no longer be applied to the pineapple plant two months prior to flower induction.
Apply fertilizer to the pineapple plant using either NPK 6-6-6 or 10-10-10; either of these two types of fertilizers is suitable. When pineapple plants are young, 1 to 2 oz (28 to 58 grams) of fertilizer every eight weeks can be applied; as the plant gets older, the amount can be increased.
The University of Guam mentions that it is also possible to use foliar spray fertilizers, but recommends reading the manufacturer’s directions so as not to cause leaf burn. In my house, I have had several times pineapple plants, and they were always fertilized with granular fertilizer, obtaining excellent results in the growth and development of the pineapple.
Slow-release granular fertilizer is very good for pineapple plants.
When to Fertilize Pineapple Plant
More fertilizer is applied to pineapple plants than almost any other kind of plant. Fertilization should be carried out about six times a year, or roughly every two months, depending on the climatic conditions and the quality of the soil where the pineapple plant is grown.
As I previously stated, I advise reading the label of the manufacturer of pineapple fertilizer to determine the precise dosage. Fertilize your pineapple plant every two months.
The fertilization of the pineapple plant will begin as soon as it is planted and continue for the duration of its productive life.
To produce large, delicious fruits, the pineapple plant requires fertilization throughout the entire production cycle.