Vanilla is an edible pod of orchids of the vanilla species. It is commonly grown in Mexico, Madagascar, Reunion Island and many other locations in the tropics. Growing vanilla at home can be a long and complex process.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Building a Tropical Environment
Step 1. Build a greenhouse
Vanilla orchids require a tropical climate and, therefore, you will need sunlight, warmth, space and humidity to grow them. If you live in the southern United States, Australia, or some other location with this climate, you may be able to grow vanilla outdoors.
To be able to grow an orchid, the optimal annual temperature is 18 degrees. Even warmer is preferable
Step 2. Before you get into vanilla, try growing other types of orchids as well
This way, you can improve the conditions in your greenhouse until they are ideal (in terms of heat, humidity and partial shade) for planting vanilla.
Step 3. Buy a vanilla cut
If your local florist or nursery doesn't sell them, you can order them online. Make sure each cut is at least 12 inches long.
Part 2 of 4: Plant the Orchid
Step 1. Completely immerse the cuts in a tray of water for 10 minutes
Step 2. Remove the cuts from the water and put the ends back into the tray
The ends should remain submerged for five days. Distinguish the top from the bottom.
- For best results, add a pinch of liquid fertilizer.
- You recognize the upper end as it is the one facing the direction of growth of the plant. The leaves will be facing down, towards the bottom of the cut.
Step 3. Prepare a space in the greenhouse or in your outdoor tropical garden next to a tree or a trellis
The plant will need shade 50% of the time, as well as constant support for climbing. If you are using a trellis, you will need to create a shaded area above the plant.
Step 4. Put the earth for the orchid in a vase
Spread two nodes of the plant horizontally above the ground. The nodes are the intersections of the vine.
The soil for the orchid is usually a combination of pine bark, perlite and mulch
Step 5. Cover these nodes with 2cm of orchid potting soil
Step 6. Tie the rest of the plant to the trellis or post
It must be positioned so that it grows vertically. You can purchase the laces and ties online or at a garden store.
Step 7. During the first month, keep the soil slightly dry, but never let it dry out completely
Step 8. Over time, water the plant regularly
Never let the soil dry out, but do not impregnate it either, otherwise the orchid may rot.
Part 3 of 4: Growing Vanilla
Step 1. Add mulch to the soil every two to three months
Mulch is its nourishment and therefore must always be rich in organic substances.
Step 2. For 9 or 12 months, move the plant when needed
This is to make sure it gets enough sun, at least 50% of the day.
Step 3. Allow the vanilla orchid to grow and mature for many years
The aerial roots will grow upwards and attach themselves to the support provided, while the others will go downwards into the earth. It will take between two and seven years for the plant to start flowering.
Step 4. Moisten the orchid with light water every day
It will promote the development of roots and the growth of the plant which will become larger.
Part 4 of 4: Growing the Vanilla Beans
Step 1. Check if there are any vanilla orchid flowers
The plant blooms only for a period of 6 weeks a year and the flowers last only one day. During these times, you will need to pollinate the flower by hand in order for the vanilla pods to grow.
Step 2. To avoid problems with orchid sap, wear rubber gloves
Ask an experienced orchid grower to help you the first few times you pollinate by hand. It is a very delicate procedure.
Step 3. Push the anther down
Move the mass of pollen outwards, holding it with the thumb and index finger of the right hand. Use your middle finger to push the anther back and put the cam under it. It will act as a protective shield.
- Put the pollen on the ridge. Put the ridge back in place by pushing it with your left hand and pull the cap down.
- Repeat with all the flowers.
- Pollinate in the morning. Some sources suggest that the best time is 11:00 in the morning.
Step 4. See when the stems begin to turn down
If they begin to stretch instead of pointing upwards, it means that they are pollinated.
Step 5. Continue caring for the plant and pollinating the flowers
The pods should start sprouting after two months; however, you should wait about 9 months for complete maturation.
Step 6. Collect the pods when they are green and begin to turn yellow at the bottom
Step 7. Treat the vanilla beans before using them
Spread them on trays and leave them in the sun for about three hours. Wrap them in a rag to let them perspire overnight.
- Repeat every day until they reach a dark brown color.
- Hang them up or put them in special rooms to let them dry for two to four weeks.
