Growing Eucomis

For gardeners and flower farmers looking to mix things up, the Pineapple Lily, or Eucomis, might just be the plant you didn’t know you needed.

Meet the Pineapple Lily

These plants are not actually lilies. The are from the family Asparagaceae. Hailing from southern Africa, they bring a bit of exotic flair with their pineapple-like flower spikes. But don’t let their looks fool you—they're quite straightforward to grow.

Growing Conditions and Tips

Eucomis grows as a perennial in zones 7 to 11, but even if you’re outside these zones, you’ve got options. Growing them in containers means you can move them around easily and protect them from frost.

We’ve been growing them in 9-inch (tall) bulb crates without much fuss. We used a soilless mix that holds water well. Eucomis enjoy the heat. They seem resistant to drying out and to being over watered on occasion.

To harvest, grasp the sturdy stems at the base and pull straight up. The vase life can be 2-6 weeks, depending on the time of harvest. The harvest window begins when the first few florets open. It’s pretty phenomenal!