There are a lot of ingredients we use daily in our kitchens, that until recently would have never thought of making homemade versions. I jumped the gun, by first sharing how to make homemade vanilla extract. However, I just assumed at that time it would be easier to get the beans than actually growing your own vanilla beans at home.

Ever since, I have carried out a little more research on the vanilla bean plant (Vanilla Planifolia). I was surprised to find out that this is actually a flowering vine, that you should probably just buy a plant than attempt starting from seed or cuttings, although it is possible. I also found out that the vanilla plant is native to Mexico, which has a climate that provides the perfect growing condition.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• vanilla cuttings or plants
• organic orchid fertilizer
• stake or trellis
• large container
• potting soil

I would not recommend that you try growing one of these in outside your garden. It is better to start with one in a container and then you can either place it in a sunny room or greenhouse. These plants require high humidity, warm temperatures and a lot of indirect sun in order to thrive. The greenhouse will probably be the easiest place to keep your plant, especially if you are in the colder regions.

These plants also require that you water them well, and fertilize them at least once every two weeks in Spring and Summer. Since it is essentially a vine, do not forget to provide some kind of support like a trellis or wooden stake. It will take anywhere between 3 to 5 years before the plants start flowering. They do not self pollinate, you are going to have to manually do it yourself. If successful, the beans will be ready for harvest within 8 to 9 months.

You can get more information on the Grow This blog, here…

How To Grow
Vanilla Beans

You can watch the video below on How To Grow Vanilla…

You can watch the video below on Propagating Vanilla Orchids….

You can watch the video below on How to plant and grow vanilla…

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