Not many are familiar with how to grow pineapple from slips but isn’t that why we are here for you?
As always, in this article we will show and guide you through a step-by-step approach on how to grow pineapple from slips and achieve your desired results.
This delicious fruit is very much craved and serves as a health recipe for everyone both young and old.
Whether consumed directly or indirectly as additives to certain edible or skin care products.
It is with these in mind, that propagating pineapples is on the increase in countries where the growth of this fruit is clement.
So, let’s get started.
Types of pineapple Propagations
There are several ways of growing pineapples and each method arrives at similar end result, but differences may be based on locations, space, farmer’s preferences and aims.
The recognized types of pineapple propagation include:
- Propagation by Crown or top
- Propagation by Sucker
- Propagation by Ratoons
- Propagation by Slips
What are Slips: Slips are tiny plants usually found at the base of pineapple fruits. Though, they are not present in all varieties of pineapples.
They are commonly found in the Smooth Cayenne and Rough Cayenne pineapples.
Also Read: How to Grow Pineapple from Top
Steps on How to Grow Pineapples from Slips
First thing to consider on how to grow pineapple from slips is to prepare your slips, and strip them by snapping them off carefully or simply pull them off.
If the slip happen to have a bulge at the end, with dark rough skin, remove it.
Sometimes you may notice some short leaves at the bulb at the end. The emerging roots of the pineapple plant are usually inside those short leaves.
You may give your pineapple slip a little push by peeling off a few leaf layers to reveal some of those tiny roots.
Dry the slip in a dry shady location for about 2-5 days is your next step after removing the leaves.
Choose and prepare a planting site. Sunlight exposure helps pineapple plant grow fastest but beware of exposure to scorching sun.
Your planting site should be well drained and have low pH and alkalinity.
It may be best to plant pineapples on raised beds if in a garden to avoid flooding or stagnant water.
Also, ensure to space your pineapple at least 12 inches apart when planting.
Plant your slips about two inches deep in the soil (deep enough to keep the slip from hanging or tilting over but not so deep that soil gets into the slips heart.
Plant them traditionally just like you do pineapple suckers.
Next, mulching is highly encouraged to prevent water loss and prevent the need for weeding too early. .
Protect your slips from pest and diseases as they grow and mature.
Fumigate or use the right pesticides for your pineapple as directed by an expert. Also, set traps, for rodents or introduce your pets to help out.
Usually it will take up to 18 months for a slip to mature into a pineapple fruit. But a pineapple can take anywhere from 15 months to 3 years to form the first pineapple.
Once your pineapple fruits, turn from green to a slightly different color, usually golden or orange and the scent becomes tantalizing, harvest is due.
You can harvest and let it sit in your house and continue to ripen off the plant.
Conclusion
With this insight on how to grow pineapple from slips. It is clear that compared to other pineapple propagation methods, propagation through slips is one of the fastest form of fruiting.
It also requires very little, except for following the proper planting steps and doing so, on a good soil.
Pineapples are very beneficial and tasty too. One of the best things I love about them is the fact that it is safe for kids and adult alike and reduce the progress of certain health conditions.