Hi Carol:
I wonder if you could help me with my question on what to do with the little shoots that started growing along my pineapple plant. Do I cut them off and plant them? Right now, my pineapples are getting very close to the point of (I think) harvesting. But, the side shoots (look like the tops of the pineapple) are getting bigger and bigger?
Thank you so much.
Karin

Hello Karin;
We chatted a bit about pineapples on the Blog recently at "Red Pineapple" at http://web.tcpalm.com/tcp/blogs/gardening/. However a little more specifically about pineapple propagation is found in the University of Florida's publication The Pineapple found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG055 , here is an excerpt:
"Propagation is by planting new vegetative growth from the mother plant. There are four general types: "slips" which arise from the stalk below the fruit, "suckers" which originate at the axils of leaves, "crowns" which grow from the top of the fruits, and "ratoons" which come out from underground portions of the stem. "Slips" and "suckers" are the preferred planting material, especially if they are large and vigorous."

Karin, yes, remove the new plants growing in and around your pineapple and plant. This is the traditional and preferred way to start new plants. The mother plant will soon begin dying and the pups will replace the old plant -- you know the proverbial "Circle of Life."

Happy Gardening,
Carol