GROW A NEW PINEAPPLE FROM A DISCARDED TOP

Pineapple is a popular fruit that is simple to propagate in your garden or a pot. All you need is the leafy head, called the crown, explains KARYN COUPER-SMITH

1 CUT OFF the crown of a pineapple, leaving 2–3cm of flesh at the base. Allow it to dry out for a week or two before planting to prevent the base from rotting.

2 REMOVE a few layers of leaves at the base of the crown to create a 2cm stalk. Plant the crown in the garden or in a pot with well-drained potting mix, with the soil coming up to the start of the remaining leaves.

3 PROTECT your crown by covering it with a wire cage if there’s a danger of animals digging in the bed. I have naughty bandicoots that like to dig out plants that have just gone in the ground (pictured). Remove the cage in a month or two, when your crown has developed a strong root system.

4 WATER and fertilise regularly with liquid seaweed.

In 12–24 months, you will see a bright red heart develop, followed by a beautiful flower, which is the start of a new pineapple. The fruit takes about six months to mature.