Do I need to replant the "baby" pineapples?

Question:I have a "Mother" pineapple plant and there are several "babies" growing on the side (just the crown part). Someone told me I have to remove the "babies" and replant them separately otherwise I won't get pineapples from these "babies" on the "Mother" plant. Is that true? If it is, when should I remove the babies and replant them? Also, how do I know when a pineapple is ready to be picked? By its color, size or the time it's on the plant?

Answers:
The babies you are talking about are called "Keikies" and, yes, you should remove them to get the mother crown to fruit.
You can use a little hormone paste on the cut ends and start new plants if you like.
As for when a pineapple is ripe for picking, it takes a long time, like a year. You really need to go by size AND time. Remember if you pick it too soon it's good for nothing but replanting. Too long and it's the same story. Very hard to give you a definite, it's more of an experience thing.