Vanilla is one of the most prized ingredients for bakers. Known for its sweet flavour and exotic aroma, just a few drops of vanilla essence can take your baked treat to a whole new level. If you are a baker, the thought of growing your own vanilla beans must have crossed your mind. Well, to answer the question, “Can vanilla beans be grown at home,” yes, you can!
Even though getting healthy produce of vanilla produce in your backyard requires continuous labour and maintenance, the rewards make it worth the process. So, if you are a beginner at gardening, read on to know some tips that will help you reap the benefits of a healthy vanilla bean plant right in your kitchen garden.
Location Of The Plant
Vanilla plants are classic climbers that thrive in warm and humid climates, making the tropical regions of India like the Southern coast the best place to grow vanilla beans. If you live in a colder part of the country, the ideal temperature to plant the vanilla bean plant ranges from 20°C to 30°C. Also, since the vanilla plant requires bright but indirect sunlight, it’s important to choose the right spot before sowing the seeds.
Climbing Support
One of the prerequisites for the healthy growth of vanilla beans is giving artificial support to the climber. You can either plant it next to a tree or pole or install trellises or fences to support the upward growth of the vining plant. Whatever means you choose, make sure that its height is at least 6-8 feet high to encourage the vanilla plant to grow higher.
Soil Conditions
Maintaining the right soil conditions is vital when it comes to growing a vanilla bean. You should note that the climber requires loose and well-drained soil, which is also rich in organic matter. While you should keep adding balanced fertilisers, checking and maintaining the pH of the soil from 6.0 to 7.0 is also essential for its healthy growth.
Humidity Levels
Since vanilla beans thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, the plant loves a highly humid environment. If your climate is dry, consider misting the leaves or using a humidifier to enhance the right weather conditions. Also, even though you should water the vanilla plant regularly, ensure that the soil is not water-logged which can harm the roots.
Hand Pollination
One of the biggest challenges of growing vanilla beans at home is pollination. Since the pollination is taken care of by specific species of bees in the natural habitat of vanilla plants, you’d have to hand pollinate using a toothpick. Furthermore, the vanilla flower only blooms for 24 hours, usually early in the morning, you must hand pollinate in the specific window.