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ANANAS COMOSUS- Pineapple |
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CULTURE |
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Location: Pineapples
should be planted where the temperature remains warmest, such
as the south side of a home, or in a sunny portion of the garden.
Soil: The best soil for the pineapple
is a friable, well-drained sandy loam with a high organic content.
The pH should be within a range of 4.5 to 6.5. Soils that are
not sufficiently acid can be treated with sulfur to achieve the
desired level. The plant cannot stand waterlogging and if there
is an impervious subsoil, drainage needs to be improved.
Irrigation: The plant is surprisingly
drought tolerant, but adequate soil moisture is necessary for
good fruit production.
Fertilization: Nitrogen is essential
to increase fruit size and total yield, which should be added
every four months. Spraying with a urea solution is another way
to supply nitrogen. Fruit weight has also been increased by the
addition of magnesium. Of the minor elements, iron is the most
important, particularly in high pH soils. Iron may be supplied
by foliar sprays of ferrous sulfate.
Frost Protection: Pineapple plants
require a frost-free environment. They are small enough to be
easily covered when frost threatens, but cold weather adversely
affects the fruit quality.
Propagation: Pineapples are propagated
by new vegetative growth. There are four general types: slips
that arise from the stalk below the fruit, suckers that originate
at the axils or leaves, crowns that grow from the top of the fruits,
and ratoons that come out from the under-ground portions of the
stems.
Although slips and suckers are preferred, crowns are the main
planting material of home gardeners. These are obtained from store-bought
fruit and are removed from the fruit by twisting the crown until
it comes free. Although the crown may be quartered to produce
four slips, in California's marginal conditions it is best not
to cut or divide the crown. The bottom leaves are removed and
the crown is left to dry for two days, then planted or started
in water.
Pineapples are planted outside during the summer months. A ground
cover of black plastic works very well for pineapples, both as
protection from weeds and for the extra heat it seems to absorb.
It also helps to conserve moisture. Traditionally, plants are
spaced 12 inches apart. Set crowns about 2 inches deep; suckers
and slips 3 to 4 inches deep.
Pests and diseases: Mealybugs spread
by ants can be a problem. Controling the ants will control the
mealybugs. In most commercial growing areas, nematodes, mites
and beetles can also be damaging, but these have not been a problem
in California.
Harvest: It is difficult to tell
when the pineapple is ready to be harvested. Some people judge
ripeness and quality by snapping a finger against the side of
the fruit. A good, ripe fruit has a dull, solid sound. Immaturity
and poor quality are indicated by a hollow thud. The fruit should
be stored at 45° F or above, but should be stored for
no longer than 4 - 6 weeks.
Misc.: Fruiting can be forced when
the plant is mature by using acetylene gas or a spray of calcium
carbide solution (30 gms to 1 gal. water), which produces acetylene.
Or calcium carbide (10 -12 grains) can be deposited in the crown
of the plant to be dissolved by rain. A safer and more practical
method for home growers is a foliar spray of a-naphthaleneacetic
acid (1 gm in 10 gal water) or B-hydroxyethyl hydrazine. The latter
is more effective. The plants usually produce for about four years,
but they may last longer in California since the life cycle is
slowed down by cooler weather.
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CULTIVARS |
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Hilo
A compact 2-3 lb. Hawaiian variant of the Smooth Cayenne. The fruit
is more cylindrical and produces many suckers but no slips.
Kona Sugarloaf
5-6 lbs, white flesh with no woodiness in the center.
Cylindrical in shape, it has a high sugar content but no acid. An
incredibly delicious fruit.
Natal Queen
2-3 lbs, golden yellow flesh, crisp texture and delicate mild flavor.
Well adapted to fresh consumption. Keeps well after ripening. Leaves
spiny.
Pernambuco (Eleuthera)
2-4 lbs with pale yellow to white flesh. Sweet, melting and excellent
for eating fresh. Poorly adapted for shipping. Leaves spiny.
Red Spanish
2-4 lbs, pale yellow flesh with pleasant aroma; squarish in shape.
Well adapted for shipping as fresh fruit to distant markets. Leaves
spiny.
Smooth Cayenne
5-6 lbs, pale yellow to yellow flesh. Cylindrical in shape and with
high sugar and acid content. Well adapted to canning and processing.
Leaves without spines. This is the variety from Hawaii, and the
most easily obtainable in U. S. grocery stores.
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