Vanilla is a delicious part of many treats , but did you know you may raise it at home ? Not only are theybeautiful climb plant , but they ’re alsoperfect for greenhousesand indoor gardens . It is n’t always easy , but with forbearance and this simple guide , you could grow and harvest your own vanilla bean .
What is a vanilla plant?
Vanilla get along from vanilla orchids . Vanilla orchidaceous plant are actually a genus of orchids , meaning there are more than one mintage . Most of the vanilla extract beans we apply come from the directly - leave vanilla extract orchid , orVanilla planifolia , which isnative to the tropicsof Central and South America .
Aside from needing a warm , humid place to grow , you ’ll also need space if you want to grow vanilla extract . These vining plants can reach out up to 100 feet out of doors and 10 foot in a nursery !
Planting a vanilla orchid
Here ’s how to get lead off :
stone’s throw 1 : pick out a location with bright , collateral light , filter light , or partial sun .
Vanilla wo n’t flower as well in full wraith , but it can burn in lineal Inner Light .
Step 2 : ensure the surround is fond , humid , and has good airflow .
The temperatures should be in the upper 70s to mid-80s during the day and in the mid-60s to low-pitched seventy at night .
stair 3 : institute your orchid in well - drain stain .
An orchidaceous plant - specific potting mix is recommended .
gradation 4 : offer a climbing structure .
This can be asimple wooden celestial pole , a fencing , or a full trellis . Vanilla will grow vertically and horizontally , so if your roof are too downhearted , opt for duration instead .
Caring for your vanilla plant
A vanilla extract plant wo n’t bloom until it ’s 3 to 4 age old . While you wait , here ’s how to deal for it :
Step 1 : Mist your vanilla extract industrial plant regularly .
Step 2 : Fertilize your orchidaceous plant every two weeks during the growing season .
Step 3 : Trim the top of your plant if it grows too turgid .
Step 4 : Hand pollinate the flowersonce they blossom by removing the stamen of one flower and place it on the stigma of a different prime .
Successfully pollinate flowers will fall off in a 24-hour interval or two .
Harvesting vanilla beans
After pollination , it read vanilla extract bean nine months to maturate , so the first step of harvesting is actually to waitress ! Once they ’re mature , here ’s what to do :
Step 1 : wait for pods that are turn yellow .
Step 2 : utilise scissors to clip the pods off the vine .
Step 3 : Wrap the beans in a towel or blanket .
Step 4 : Set the wrapped beans in a quick , dry place for three to four days .
This process is call sweating . afterwards , the beans should be swooning Brown University .
Step 5 : Dry the bean plant in verbatim sunshine for a month until they are dark brown and leathery .
Step 6 : stash away the beans that you do n’t contrive to use immediately in a ironic , airtight container .
It claim a long fourth dimension and a lot of patience , but it ’s worth it to have your own supply of delicious vanilla extract ! Even before your vanilla orchidaceous plant begins growing bean , the plant itself is beautiful . Once they start develop , you ’ll have sight of vanilla beans to use , since each works can acquire several beans each month .
