Smooth Cayenne Pineapple

Smooth Cayenne Pineapple

  • Classic commercial pineapple flavor
  • Spineless leaves (easy to handle)
  • Large, cylindrical fruit
  • Juicy, pale yellow flesh

 

Botanical Name: Ananas comosus
Format: Pineapple sucker/slip

Smooth Cayenne is the classic commercial pineapple type known for juicy, sweet-tart fruit and processing quality. It is the pineapple of canned pineapple rings and Dole juice – a variety with a long, distinguished history. The fruit is large, cylindrical, with a golden-yellow rind when ripe and pale yellow, very juicy flesh. The flavor is sweet with a characteristic tang. The plant has spineless leaves (hence “Smooth” Cayenne), making it easier to handle than other pineapples. Easy to present as an attractive patio or tropical fruit plant. This is the most reliable pineapple for home growers.

🍍 Taste note: Juicy, sweet-tart, classic pineapple flavor – perfect for fresh eating or juicing.

Key Highlights
Feature Details
Light Full Sun
Plant Spacing 2–3 ft
Plant Height 2–3 ft
Planting Time Spring to summer
Hardiness USDA Zones 10–11 (protect below 40°F)
Propagation Sucker or slip
Fruit Season 18–24 months after planting (summer)
Self-fertile Yes

Pineapples are bromeliads – they grow as rosettes of spiny (or in this case, spineless) leaves that capture water in their center. They need full sun, sandy well-drained soil, and minimal frost tolerance. Water by pouring water into the central cup (the rosette) – this is how they naturally collect water. Do not overwater the soil; they are prone to root rot. Fertilize monthly with a dilute balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Pineapples are extremely slow-growing – it will take 18–24 months from planting to fruit. The fruit develops from a flower stalk that emerges from the center. After harvest, the plant will produce suckers (offsets) for the next generation.

  1. Remove Packaging– Unpack the sucker or slip carefully.
  2. Check the Soil– If potted, keep moist but not wet.
  3. Adjustment Period– 3–4 days in bright indirect light, then full sun.
  • Location:Full sun. South-facing window if indoors.
  • Soil & Drainage:Sandy, cactus-style potting mix. Excellent drainage is critical.
  • Feeding:Dilute balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season.
  • Watering:Pour water into the central leaf cup. Soil should be barely moist.
  • Pruning:Remove dead lower leaves. No other pruning needed.
  • Frost protection:Bring indoors or cover below 40°F.

Fruit is ready when the rind turns from green to golden-yellow and the fruit smells sweet and pineapple-like. Twist or cut the fruit from the plant. Eat fresh, juice, grill, or use in desserts.

Pineapple suckers/slips shipped bare-root or in small pots. Free shipping over $50.

📧 info@globalflora.org

Global Flora sources grafted citrus from registered, disease-tested nurseries. All plants are non-GMO.

  • Zones:10–11. Grow indoors in colder zones.
  • Watering:Water in the leaf cup, not the soil.