I've had my pineapple plant, "Mel", for about 5 years now. I started him by cutting off the top (about 1½" below the green top) of a Hawaiian pineapple I bought at the store and just set it in a clear tupperware type bowl, water filled over the fruit part and kept it in a sunny window sill in Hollywood. I did change the water every couple of days, and roots just started to appear. The green spikes were growing in the middle as well which surprised me. I used some good potting soil and it just kept growing indoors. Now, living by the beach, I've kept Mel outside - and within one year (and a large pot) I've gotten my first pineapple!! It's about the side of a baseball now. Was wondering if anyone knows how long it will take to mature, how I remove it, and how well is Mel going to take these winter months now - even though it rarely gets below 50 degrees?? Thanks in advance for any help... :)