Pineapple

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Pineapple to a garden.

Sun-warmed and unmistakably fragrant, Pineapple Beefsteak Tomato brings a golden, tropical glow to the garden with a richly sweet, low-acid flavor that lingers like summer fruit.

Its meaty, juicy flesh is tender yet substantial, with a bold, irregular slice-worthy texture that shines in thick, colorful presentations. Grow Pineapple for standout fresh slicing and for luscious sauces that capture its sunny sweetness from vine to jar.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

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Pineapple Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Apr 6th	Jul 20th	Oct 13th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Mar 27th	Jul 10th	Oct 3rd – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Mar 27th	Jul 10th	Oct 3rd – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 31st	Jul 14th	Oct 7th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 27th	Jul 10th	Oct 3rd – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 25th	Jul 8th	Oct 1st – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 20th	Jul 3rd	Sep 26th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 16th	Jun 29th	Sep 22nd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 13th	Jun 26th	Sep 19th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 7th	Jun 20th	Sep 13th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 2nd	Jun 15th	Sep 8th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 20th	Jun 5th	Aug 29th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 11th	May 27th	Aug 20th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 2nd	May 18th	Aug 11th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 16th	May 1st	Jul 25th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 22nd	Apr 6th	Jun 30th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	Continuous Production
Zone 10b	Continuous Production
Zone 11a	Continuous Production
Zone 11b	Continuous Production
Zone 12a	Continuous Production
Zone 12b	Continuous Production
Zone 13a	Continuous Production
Zone 13b	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	9

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This Beefsteak is built for eating off the cutting board: tender-meaty slices that stay structured and taste like tropical fruit because it carries sweetness with restraint instead of sharpness. When you cook it, reduce it briefly and stop early—its low-acid profile turns cloying if you overcook, but it becomes glossy and jammy when you catch that window.

Best Uses

thick fresh slices with minimal seasoning (salt, olive oil, maybe a squeeze of citrus)
quick high-heat pan blistering to concentrate sweetness without turning it tangy
chunky, spoon-thick sauce or jam-like reduction for grilled meats
salsa that leans sweet—served cold so it tastes like sun fruit, not cooked tomatoes

Flavor Profile

golden, tropical sweetness low, fruit-forward acidity meaty, juicy flesh with slice-ready texture fragrant, vine-sweet finish

Kitchen Pairings

sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil lime or lemon juice cilantro mozzarella chicken or shrimp balsamic vinegar (use sparingly to avoid overpowering the low-acid sweetness)

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Salvia elegans (pineapple) in home gardens, and how can I control it?

Watch for powdery mildew and botrytis gray mold, which show up as white powdery patches or gray, fuzzy growth on leaves and stems in humid weather. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the base, then remove and discard affected foliage immediately. If it keeps recurring, spray with a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew according to the product directions and repeat as directed.

How often should I water Salvia elegans during its main growing phase to keep soil moisture right?

During active growth, water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry, then let excess drain—aim for consistently moist but not soggy soil. In hot weather this often means about 1 inch of water per week total (from rainfall plus irrigation), but reduce frequency if your soil stays damp. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent mildew and stem diseases.

How can I tell when Salvia elegans (pineapple) is ready to harvest for peak use?

Salvia elegans is typically ready to harvest after about 85 days when plants are in full bloom and have formed upright, aromatic flower spikes. Harvest flowers and tender leaf tips when they are at peak color and fragrance, cutting stems just above a pair of healthy leaves to encourage repeat flowering. If you’re growing for scent/foliage use, harvest early in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.