Vanilla

Growing

As a climbing orchid, vanilla thrives when you provide a sturdy structure or a host tree for its vines to scale. If you are growing this in a container, you can encourage a more bushy, branched growth habit by placing the plant in more sunlight; conversely, keeping it in deep shade will result in a single, long, unbranched vine. When the plant is rooted in the ground, its branched roots benefit greatly from the presence of mycorrhizal fungi, so maintaining a healthy, living soil ecosystem is vital.

Because this plant is highly sensitive to cold, ensure it is protected from even light frost, as such temperatures will kill the vine. To ensure successful fruit production, you must plant at least two specimens near each other to facilitate pollination. When the pods reach maturity, harvest them immediately, as they do not continue to ripen once they are removed from the vine. For the best flavor and longevity, keep your harvested pods unwashed and store them in a cool, dark place or a cellar.