Vanilla — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Vanilla planifolia |
|---|---|
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–1825 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 91.4–152.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 304.8–914.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–12 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Cutting |
Growing directions
Plant stem cuttings in coarse, well-drained, slightly acidic organic bark mix in heavy shade with a support structure for aerial roots to climb — vanilla is the only edible-fruiting orchid and the world's second most expensive spice (after saffron), native to the tropical forest understory of Mexico and Central America where it climbs into the forest canopy in deep shade. The pale yellow-green flowers open one at a time for only a few hours and in most cultivated gardens must be hand-pollinated (the natural pollinators, stingless bees of the genus Melipona, are restricted to Mexico). Successfully pollinated flowers develop into the familiar vanilla bean pods (technically seed capsules) over 9–10 months. After harvest, the pods undergo a complex curing process (blanching, sweating, drying) to develop the characteristic vanilla flavor from the compound vanillin. An extraordinary container or greenhouse specimen for warm-climate gardeners who want to grow their own vanilla extract.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0