Vanilla (Common Vanilla)

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. Спосіб посадки: Розмноження живцюванням Відстань між рослинами: 36–60 дюймів Висота: 120–360 дюймів

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. Спосіб посадки: Розмноження живцюванням Відстань між рослинами: 36–60 дюймів Висота: 120–360 дюймів --- Час посадки: 4–8 тижнів spring Plant stem cuttings with at least 3 nodes in moist, well-drained, organic, slightly acidic bark or orchid mix in heavy shade; vanilla requires aerial root attachment to a support structure, consistent warmth above 55°F, and high humidity. Zone 10–12 outdoors; excellent in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in zone 9.