The field is prepared by ploughing, harrowing, etc., before planting. In the hills, proper terracing is a necessity. According to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, ICAR, Government of India, the population density of 44,444 plants/ha with a spacing of 30cm x 60cm x 90cm is best for getting more yield under rainfed conditions.

Although pineapple is grown mostly under rainfed conditions, supplementary irrigation can help in production of good sized fruits in areas having optimum rainfall. Irrigation can also be helpful in establishment of off-season planting to maintain year-round production of fruits for feeding canning factories. Therefore in scanty rainfall areas and years and during hot weather, irrigation (wherever the facilities are existing) ensures a good crop of pineapple.