Sold outGreenhouse cropThe climbing orchid behind the spice← Back to all plantsWhy We Grow It
Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla bean orchid
Unusual chemistry · Rare fruit
A tropical orchid vine propagated from stem cuttings—the living source of vanilla pods and a long-horizon greenhouse crop for patient growers.
- Useful part
- Mature, pollinated pods after curing
- Climate
- Tropical; protected warmth and humidity required in North Alabama
- Hardy to
- Protected culture only · keep above about 60°F / 16°C
- Light
- Bright filtered light with climbing support
- Ships as
- Unrooted 3-node cutting
We grow it because the world’s most familiar flavor begins as a demanding climbing orchid with exceptional teaching value.
Grow with contextA cutting is years away from flowering. Fruit usually requires hand pollination, and harvested pods require a careful curing process before they smell or taste like vanilla.
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