Pineapples in the UK

Katrina and Tom’s London pineapple experience: “In the afternoon we went to Kew gardens. They had pineapples aplenty in amongst a food themed display with a large model pineapple in the middle of the boating pond. They call it ‘giant’ but I think Queensland would have trouble with their definition of big!  The glass houses, lilyponds and giant avenues where a good place to wander for the afternoon.” Thanks Kat!

 

And thanks Colleen, for these wonderful photos of pineapplesque sculptures at the 17th century Hatfield House in Hertfordshire,

 

and more modern pieces at Oxford.

Grow your own and eat it!

 

The continuing tale of "Maurice" and "Paloma":

Grow your own 3

Maria and her family are very excited that “Maurice” is producing a pineapple after about 2 years, and, he’s looking great!

“When the fruit is about six months old, about four months after flowering has occurred, changes will begin to occur. The colour of the shell will change from green to rich gold. The colour change of the shell occurs first at the bottom of the fruit and moves upwards. During this change, the fruit becomes sweeter and the colour of the flesh changes from white to yellow. When the fruit is golden half way up it can be picked and eaten but you can wait longer if you wish.”

Reference:  http://www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/pineapple/pineapple.htm

News Flash!!

Concoctors of pina coladas will be thrilled to know that Queensland agricultural researchers have developed a coconut flavoured pineapple which will be on the market in about two years.

They have called this delight “AusFestival” but I would have liked Ruby to have come up with one of her classic names, something like Mermaid’s Murmurings or Island Illusions.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-05/qld-researchers-develop-coconut-flavoured-pineapple/4408732

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/coconut-flavoured-pineapple-created-in-qld/story-e6frfku9-1226530553583

Thanks Jane and Vicki for drawing this outstanding example of genetic engineering to our attention, Anne.

Grow your own: 2

After about a week drying in a warm shaded place “Paloma” was planted in a mixture of sandy seedling mix in a small terracotta pot (for good drainage). Apparently pineapples don’t like “wet feet”! She’ll be living indoors as our weather is still likely to go cold suddenly. On warm days I’ll take her for an outside visit to a shady spot. It’s important the leaves don’t get sunburnt.

I’ll only need to water her once a week and then, I’ll only pour the water onto the soil not the plant. I’ll fertilise her once every 2 – 3 months taking care not to put any on the inside of the plant. Gosh, as I’m not the member of the family with green thumbs that could all be quite a challenge!

"Paloma"

 

My friend Maria recently showed me a magnificent pineapple she has had growing for about two years in her vegetable garden. She and her son Pascal have decided to call him “Maurice”. So far there has been no fruit, Anne.

"Maurice"

Grow your own.

Our son Ky has a pet ferret called Fantamus. I now have a pet pineapple called Paloma. Growing your own pineapple is a challenge especially when you are not living in the tropics but I thought if they could grow them in the hothouses of 17^thC Europe I could have a go here in 21^stC NSW.

For instructions on how to grow your own pineapple log onto http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1902702.htm

or for more detailed instructions
http://www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/pineapple/pineapple.htm
This website also sells great gadgets for coring and slicing pineapples with the elaborate name of the 'Stainless Steel Pineapple Easy Slicer, Corer'.

 

We started by twisting the green top off the base and peeling some of the lower leaves away to reveal the brown bumps (root primordial). I then left it in a warm dry place to dry out to prevent rot. I’ll keep you posted on Paloma’s growth (or demise as the case may be . . .) Anne.