The Grand Dame & her Little Prince - hanging out on Day 40.
Today is Day 40 in our adventure to grow our own pineapple. So far, it’s been glorious. The biggest surprise, besides how fast she’s growing, is the rows of gorgeous purple flowers. I never expected that. In fact, I had no idea it would bloom all around the pineapple. It’s really beautiful. Here’s a close-up of the flowers so you can see them in all their glory:
And now, here’s a photo of the pineapple I got for Mother’s Day. It came from the grocery store. In fact, it is the pineapple we used to create Spike – pineapple plant #2. Notice those golden pentagon shapes on the sides of the pineapple? See those little brown pointed tags sticking out of each pentagon? That’s where the purple blooms emerged and then died back. Who would have guessed?
The store-bought pineapple that birthed Spike.
How cool is that? I had NO idea that those little shaggy brown things on the side of a pineapple used to be gorgeous purple flowers. I’ve learned so much from our pineapple plant. I really have. And because of it, I have a much greater appreciation for every pineapple I see in the grocery store, and for the people who grow them. I wonder if they name their pineapples, too?
Here’s the gratuitous 3-panel shot so you can see how she’s doing. As you can see, the shoots are bulging from the base of the pineapple fruit. I keep expecting them to pop out onto stalks any day now. They’re fascinating. Since we’re hoping to get at least one more pineapple from this plant, we’ll have to cut at least one of the shoots off once they fully emerge. According to my trusted Hawaiian Ag website, I should be able to plant the shoots to create additional plants. Then we’ll have a full-fledged pineapple farm (of 3-4 plants). Okay, it will be more like a pineapple “patch” but I’m okay with that. Overall, things are progressing beautifully. Maybe I’m just a proud pineapple mommy, but I think my baby is turning into one gorgeous little lady. “Who’s a pretty girl?”
To see them up close, click on the photo. To return, just hit your “back” arrow.
Inside NanaBread's Head 
Technically it is day 2,200 and something… You have been waiting for 6 years for this pineapple…
Good point. You’re right – from the day we planted the pineapple top to today, this is about Day 2,230 for the pineapple plant. That’s what happens when your late bloomer takes its sweet time. I’l be interested to see if Spike adheres to the 20-24 month standard growth period, or if he drags his feet, too. But since I’m blogging about my baby pineapple’s bloom-to-fruit process, I’m only counting this as Day 40. And counting! Speaking of counting – Jonah Bear is totally counting on making a pineapple upside-down cake when this is over!
Your baby is growing up before our eyes. Will you be able to eat it when the time comes. They say if you name it, “NAH!!!”
My grandson, Jonah, asks me every time I talk to him if the pineapple is ready to make a pineapple upside-down cake with yet. It’s sad, but true – the pineapple’s fate has been sealed. What Jonah Bear wants, Jonah Bear gets!
That’s pretty cool. I never realized each ‘section’ has it’s own bloom. But I’m thinking Pina Coladas to go with the pineapple upside-down cake!!!
I know, right? I had no idea pineapples were so pretty or that it was such an amazing transformation from little flower bud to edible pineapple. I’m amazed every week by how much our pineapple changes. The purple flowers by far are the most unexpected but wonderful surprise. I think our baby pineapple is beautiful!
I’ve learned more about pineapples from you than… well, I’d never really stopped to think about them before, but I have a whole new appreciation now!
Wow… I feel like Pinapedia! Just kidding. Pineapples are one of those fruits you just eat without thinking about how it grows. I have to admit, I used to just buy it in a can and not think about it at all. Now that I’ve seen it with my own eyes, I will always appreciate them. Much like bananas, which we also grow. When you’ve harvested your own giant stalk of bananas, you’ll never look at them the same way again. I’m just happy others are as fascinated with my little pineapple as I am. It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever grown.
Cool! I had no clue about the flowers either.
I think your sister has the right idea with pina coladas. Mmm-mmm. Drink one and think of me, okay? ;)
How about joining me, Kandi? I found a fabulous non-alcoholic version on Tasty Kitchen by Carol at CakeRocks. Sounds like a perfect summer treat to me! Check it out at: http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/drinks/pina-colada-2/
Seriously, flowers? I’m absolutely astonished by The Little Lady. Why didn’t we know about this part sooner? They would become every elementary school-aged child’s favorite fruit/plant instantly.
I know, I know. It’s such a surprise to see those gorgeous purple flowers bloom. I had NO idea pineapples had purple flowers until we grew one for ourselves. How did we not know this? I need to post our banana photos from last summer’s crop. If you’ve never seen how bananas grow, they’re just as fascinating. Stay tuned!
I can’t believe that I’ve lived to be older than dirt and never realized that a pineapple flowers. Logically, I know that it should, but its shocking nonetheless. Pink and purple flowers are my absolute favorites. I wonder if I could grow a pineapple indoors? We are anything but tropical Up North. I am loving living vicariously through your pineapple, though. Very cool.
I’m with Kandi & Big Sis–Pina Coladas are a must accompaniment to the upside down cake.
I know, I know….me, too. If I hadn’t grown one, I’d never have known about the flowers. I’m amazed every week by our little pineapple. I think you should absolutely try to grown one! What do you have to lose? I’ve learned that they like full sun, so if you grow it indoors, put it next to a really sunny window and water it 2-3 times a week. If it works, we’ll toast your success with a pina colada!
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