THE HOTHOUSE PINEAPPLE 



CHAPTER XXX 



THE HOTHOUSE PINEAPPLE 



Propagation — Culture and Feeding— Watering— Shading— Airing — 

 Pot System — Insects — Varieties 



OF all hothouse fruit the Pineapple is perhaps the most expensive luxury. 

 It requires at all times a fairly brisk heat, and is a bit slow in giving 

 returns. About twelve months from the time the suckers are planted 

 elapse before the fruit is ripe, and even then conditions must be very favorable. 

 It may seem strange to recommend the cultivation of Pineapple under glass, 

 when it flourishes in our Southern States without the assistance of artificial 

 heat. Fine looking specimens come to our Northern markets, a visible indica- 

 tion of the wonderful tropical climate of the South. The question may be 

 asked: Why go to the expense of growing Pineapples under glass, when one 

 section of our country has an ideal climate for that fruit.^ If the fruit, as it 

 comes up North, were allowed to stay upon the plant until perfectly ripe, it would 

 be much finer; but for shipping to distant markets, it must be gathered in a stage 

 of ripening to suit the destination. No one who has never had a taste of a hot- 

 house Pineapple can realize the difference between the Southern product and our 

 home-grown hothouse fruit. There really is no comparison between them. 

 The Pineapple is improved wonderfully by growing under glass. In any estab- 

 lishment where fruit is made a specialty, the assortment would not be com- 

 plete without a Pineapple house. Aside from the pleasure of gathering the 

 luscious fruit — no such specimens could be purchased in the open market — it 

 is highly interesting to watch the fruit grow and develop. 



In former years the pot system was generally in vogue, although this in- 

 volves much more work than planting in beds. It is, moreover, not agreeable 

 to handle the plants and repot them when they get large. I find that they 

 make a more satisfactory growth when planted out, which does away with 

 extra expense of repotting, etc. 



A suitable house is necessary for the successful cultivation of Pineapple 

 under glass. The plants will thrive much better if placed somewhat near the 

 glass; their growth will then be more stocky, and the fruit will develop better. 

 Therefore, a very high structure is out of place; nor is it necessary to have a 

 wide house. The proportions should be such that during the Winter months 

 a night temperature of not less than 65 can be maintained in zero weather. 



