Pineapples are perfectly suited to tropical climates. Today the bulk of pineapples sold in the United States are imported from Hawaii, but few people know that the Florida Keys were once home to vast pineapple plantations. Plantation Key near Islamorada was the epi-center of this bustling industry.
The plantations of lore are long gone, replaced by grand seaside gated residences and resorts. But to those in the know, which now includes you – pineapples love and thrive in the keys.
If you’re a recent transplant, you may find gardening here a bit disenchanting. Don’t despair, a little bit of knowledge and the right topsoil will change your life. If you’re dreams include a lush lawn, forget about about it. But, you can grow an exotic arbor with trees overladen with key limes, tangerines, grapefruit, kiwi, avocados, tamarind and luxurious ground-cover that includes ornamental hibiscus bushes and architecturally interesting pineapple plants.
To learn more about growing pineapples in the keys visit this website: http://www.floridamemory.com/blog/2014/08/04/prickly-tale-the-history-of-pineapples-in-florida/. And for more information about keys gardening, you’ll find a wealth of resources at the Florida Keys Gardening website at: http://www.gardenclubupperkeys.org/.
