Vanilla Bean | Vanilla Orchid

Two vines supplied in each order. 
Pot size 50mm - 75mm

Please select classic option or classic & rare variegated option from the drop down box. 

Vanilla is a tropical climbing orchid, best known for the fragrant beans used to make vanilla flavouring. It’s an interesting and attractive plant to grow, with fleshy green stems, glossy leaves and creamy-yellow flowers.

Supplied as a pair of vines, vanilla can be grown in the garden or in a large pot, provided it has suitable growing conditions and something to climb. It enjoys warmth and humidity and is well suited to sheltered gardens in tropical and subtropical areas, including much of South East Queensland.

Growing information:

• Position: Bright filtered light or part shade. Protect from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds.
• Climate: Prefers warm, humid conditions. Protect from cold weather and frost.
• Support: Provide a sturdy trellis, tree or other support for climbing. Vanilla uses its aerial roots to attach itself to supports.
• Growing medium: A loose, rich, organic mix with good drainage.
• Watering: Keep the growing medium evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Appreciates good humidity.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser during the warmer growing months.
• Flowering: Mature vines produce creamy-yellow orchid flowers, generally during the warmer months. Each flower opens for just one day, usually in the morning.
• Pollination: Flowers need to be hand-pollinated on the day they open to produce beans. This involves gently lifting the small flap of tissue separating the male and female parts of the flower with a toothpick or similar implement, bringing them into contact.
• Vanilla beans: Successfully pollinated flowers develop into long, slender green pods. These take several months to mature and require curing before developing their familiar vanilla aroma and flavour.

Vanilla is best suited to tropical and subtropical climates. South East Queensland provides suitable conditions in many sheltered gardens, although protection from winter cold is important. In cooler parts of Australia, a warm greenhouse or protected growing environment is recommended.

Vanilla is a relatively slow-growing plant, so patience is needed, particularly while waiting for flowering and fruiting.

Vines supplied as a pair. 

Please contact us if you have any questions about buying this fruit tree.