I've read in several places that a pineapple plant can be grown from the top of a store-bought pineapple, provided it has a crown/leaves intact.

The only problem is that I'm finding many contradictions in the exact method to do so.

* This [method](http://www.gardeningtipsnideas.com/2006/11/how_to_grow_a_pineapple_from_its_top.html) instructs to remove all fruit from the plant and
waiting for the crown to root sideways in soil, before planting it upright.
* This [method](http://www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/Pineapple/pineapple.htm) recommends removing all fruit and rooting in a glass
of water.
* This [method](http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-pineapples.html) says to remove all fruit, but **don't** put the
crown in water. Just plant it vertically in the soil.
* This [method](http://www.plantea.com/pineapple-houseplant.htm) recommends keeping the top inch or so of fruit
attached to the crown.

Does anyone have any first-hand experience using any of these methods? I'd prefer one of the last two, since they seem easiest, but I don't want to take any shortcuts if they will end up not working at all.