Growing Vanilla

Vanilla is one of the commonest flavors in the world today. It's used in several food products, desserts, pastries and beverages. Vanilla is obtained from a Vanilla bean which is from a climbing orchid plant.

Vanilla is grown in various areas of the world, but most come from Madagascar, Indonesia, Uganda and Mexico. Growing Vanilla is stressful and time-consuming, although it's lucrative. Cultivating Vanilla include Propagation, planting, flowering, pollination, harvesting and processing.

The History of Growing Vanilla

We can trace the history of this popular flavor to the ancient Mesoamerican civilization. Vanilla was used as flavoring for chocolate beverages and other food products. The Aztecs called Vanilla the "black flower" and cherished its unique aroma.

In 1841, a teen enslaved person found a method for hand pollinating Vanilla flowers. This discovery changes the cultivation and makes it easy to grow commercially. Then, vanilla plantations became quite popular in other parts of the world.

Madagascar is currently the largest producer of Vanilla, taking grossly over 80% of the world's supply. The cultivation of Vanilla is labour-intensive and requires adequate skill and expertise. The flower is pollinated by hand, and the beans are harvested and cured properly. 

Hand Pollination Process and Timeline to Grow Vanilla

Vanilla produces flowers that must be open for a few hours in the morning and pollinated around this time. In commercial production, Vanilla is typically pollinated by hand for a reliable harvest.

The hand pollination process involves the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a vanilla flower, gently.

The transfer is done with a plastic tool like bamboo skewers or toothpicks. Farmers must do it carefully to prevent damaging the delicate flower or introducing foreign material that can affect the production of the Vanilla.

The timeline for growing Vanilla varies with climate and growing conditions. However, the process includes the following:

Propagation: Vanilla plants are propagated by tissue culture or cutting. This stage usually takes several months, depending on the method used.

Planting: After the cuttings have germinated, they will be transplanted to a permanent location. 

Training: Vanilla plants need support to grow properly, so farmers must train and trellis the vanilla plants as they grow.

Flowering/Pollination: Vanilla plants begin to flower after 3-5 years of cultivation. The flowering season depends on the climate and can take weeks or months. Hand pollination should be carried out during the time the flowers open.

Beans growth: After pollination, the flowers begin to grow into vanilla beans.

Harvesting: When the beans are mature and turn yellow, it's time to harvest. Farmers usually cure the beans to get the vanilla flavor. 

Requirements to Grow Quality Vanilla Beans

Vanilla plants need adequate care to grow and produce quality vanilla beans. However, some factors will promote the vanilla plants' growth and development.

Sunlight
Vanilla plants need indirect, bright sunlight to thrive. Therefore, they should be planted in a location with partial shade, in a greenhouse or under a tree canopy.

Soil
Vanilla grows well in well-drained and organic soil. However, the soil must be moist to prevent root rot. Also, the pH of the soil should range from 6.0 to 7.5.

Water
Vanilla plants need adequate watering for growth and development. The soil should be moist and shouldn't dry out between watering.

Fertilizer
Cultivators can apply fertilizers like NPK for 2–3 weeks during the plant growing season.

Support
Vanilla plants need a support structure for climbing. Wooden or bamboo poles work effectively, and the vines should be trained to grow around the support - to prevent tangling and ensure adequate air circulation.

Pest and Diseases of Vanilla Plant

Vanilla Plant, just like any other plant, is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Some of them include the following:

Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that can feed on Vania plants' sap and damage the leaves.

Mealybugs
Mealybugs are white and cotton-like insects that cause yellowing and wilting of the vanilla leaves.

Red spider mites
Red spider mites cause webbing to appear on plants and suck the sap of the vanilla plants.

Black rot
Black rot is a bacterial disease that causes sunken lesions on the stems of vanilla plants.

Root rot
As a fungal disease, Root rot causes the vanilla plant to become stunted when the roots rot.

Preventing these pests and disease require good hygiene practices and regular monitoring for signs of diseases/infestation. Likewise, proper irrigation and fertilization can prevent vanilla pests and diseases.

Conclusion

In essence, growing vanilla plants require adequate care to ensure they develop and produce quality vanilla beans. It includes providing bright, indirect sunlight, organic soil, regular watering, monitoring pests and disses etc. This article will enlighten you on how vanilla plants are grown, their history, the pests and diseases and how to ensure they thrive.