What Is the Cultivation Process for Pineapples?
Pineapples can produce several fruits over successive production cycles in their natural state. However, industrial production requires new plant stock to be planted after each production climate. Depending on the pedoclimatic conditions and varieties, a cycle extends on average over 14 to 20 months. The pineapple cycle is broken down into 3 stages:
- Sprouts planted and grown (6-7 months)
- Flowering until harvest (5-6 months)
- Sprout production for replanting (3-6 months)
The main condition for pineapple cultivation is the optimal temperature of the plantation which cannot fall below 25 degrees Celsius. Such temperature ensures normal plant growth and proper fruit-bearing. Pineapple water requirements are moderate but a regular and consistent supply is preferable for good plant development. Pineapple sprouts are harvested when they reach about 350-550 G. They are sorted by 100 G categories, to bear fruits of staggering size, with the lighter sprouts bearing smaller fruits than heavier sprouts. After planting on prepared soil, sprout growth is boosted with fertilizers and parasite monitoring. Treatments and weed control are added as necessary.