Pineapple, Ananas comosus, is fun to grow and can be grown in the conservatory or greenhouse, or outside in summer. It thrives in rich but well-drained acidic soil or compost, and makes a fine, ornamental houseplant. A member of the bromeliad family, it bears rosettes of stiff, narrow, sword-shaped, grey-green leaves with toothed edges. From the centre of the rosette a large spike of purple or red flowers may appear. It can take several years to bear fruit.
Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’ has variegated leaves in grey-green with yellow-white stripes along the margins. It’s particularly ornamental and well-suited to indoor growing. Grow in free-draining, neutral to acidic soil or compost in a sunny, frost-free place. If growing outside then bring indoors in autumn. Protect from greenhouse pests.
