Pineapple Smooth Cayenne
Ananas comosus 'Smooth Cayenne'
The classic pineapple variety that delivers that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity we all crave, and surprisingly easy to grow at home from a grocery store top. This commercial variety produces large, juicy fruits with minimal seeds and the iconic pineapple flavor that makes the 18-24 month wait absolutely worth it. Nothing beats the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown pineapple.
Harvest
540-730d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
10–12
USDA hardiness
Height
3-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Pineapple Smooth Cayenne in USDA Zone 10
All Zone 10 tropical →Zone Map
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Pineapple Smooth Cayenne · Zones 10–12
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | December – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Ananas comosus var. comosus (Ivory Pineapple or Variegated Pineapple), Ananas comosus var. microstachys, 'Pernambuco', 'Queen', 'Red Spanish', 'Royal Hawaiian', 'Smooth Cayenne'. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The inflorescence is a syncarp of 100 to 200 berries fused during development to form a single fruit, the pineapple of commerce. When the fruit is ripe, it forms a waxy, tough outer rind made up of hexagonally shaped units (the berries) that change from green to yellow or slightly brown as it ripens. Oval, fleshy fruit when mature can be 12 inches long and weigh up to 6 to 8 pounds. Pineapples are seedless because they produce berries without pollination.
Color: Brown/Copper, Gold/Yellow, Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Sweet, succulent, aromatic mature fruit edible raw, cooked or preserved.
History & Origin
Origin: Costa Rica to South Tropical America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Humidity
- +Wildlife value: Shelter and food source for small animals.
- +Edible: Sweet, succulent, aromatic mature fruit edible raw, cooked or preserved.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Fruits, Leaves, Sap/Juice): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Sweet Potato
Provides ground cover, reduces weeds, and doesn't compete for nutrients at pineapple's shallow root level
Ginger
Similar growing conditions, repels nematodes and other soil pests that can damage pineapple roots
Turmeric
Natural fungicide properties help prevent root rot and crown rot in pineapples
Lemongrass
Repels mosquitoes and other flying insects, creates beneficial microclimate
Marigold
Deters nematodes and whiteflies, attracts beneficial insects for pest control
Comfrey
Deep roots bring nutrients to surface, acts as dynamic accumulator for potassium
Mint
Repels ants and rodents that may damage pineapple fruits, easy ground cover
Black Pepper
Compatible growing conditions, can use pineapple plant as natural support structure
Keep Apart
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit pineapple growth and development
Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that stunts pineapple growth and can cause plant death
Fennel
Strong allelopathic effects inhibit pineapple root development and nutrient uptake
Large Tree Species
Create excessive shade and compete for water, pineapples require full sun exposure
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170932)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases, susceptible to root rot in wet conditions
Common Pests
Mealybugs, scale insects, nematodes, pineapple mites
Diseases
Heart rot, root rot, black rot, pink disease