At What Outdoor Temperature Will A Pineapple Plant Die?

Question

Over two years ago I started two pineapple plants from the top off pineapples. One of the plants reached 3ft tall × 6ft wide. The other plant was a little smaller but well on it’s way to being as big as the larger plant. Then during the summer I placed the smaller plant outside to get plenty of sunlight. Something went wrong and the plant began dying. I threw the plant out in the forest under the trees believing it was dead. Then to my surprise this fall I found it growing like crazy. Growing so well, in fact, it had two seperate stalks. I never got around to digging it up before freezing temps arrived so, once again, I believed it to be dead. Then today.. December 27th.. I was walking around the yard and there it was.. still growing! The tips of some leaves were yellow but the dang thing seems to refuse to die. We’ve had temps well below 32 degrees. In fact.. We’ve had sleet, freezing rain, frost and high temps of 32 degrees and low temps reaching the upper teens. Is this normal for a pineapple? I feel so bad for the plant because it’s fighting like hell to survive. I’m planning to dig it up but kind of afraid it may shock it.

Answer 1

Temperatures below 28 degrees F normally will do them in. Perhaps yours is in a protected area. I would go ahead and dig it up and put it in a container filled with well draining soil and compost. Move it inside to a sunny area or at least an area that won't freeze. Here is more on their care:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/mg/mg05500.pdf

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pineapples/care-of-pineapple-plants.htm

Answer 2

It isn't typical, but it isn't impossible! Temperatures in your zone can reach well below the temperatures that would kill a pineapple, but being in the woods, or having leaf mulch or any other material that would act as a barrier to the cold can ensure its survival.

Likely, if left outside in its spot, it will acclimate and continue to grow. I don't see it fruiting any time soon, though. The growing season will not be long enough.

Once you start to see new growth in the Spring, you might be able to dig it back up and keep it in container. Bringing it in through the winter can help it to stay alive, and even fruit!

Here is an article that will help you to grow them in container:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pineapples/care-of-pineapple-plants.htm