Pollinating Vanilla Orchids

[Cindy Adair]

Vanilla is the first orchid I ever grew. It seems to need to grow to the top of whatever it's near and then and only then will it head down and finally bloom. So planted at bench level in my 10 foot tall Virginia greenhouse it attaches to the wall, grows to the ceiling, heads down and blooms.

In Puerto Rico, I planted it on a large Mango and it took longer to bloom because it grew to the top of the tree before heading down. Now it's blooming profusely but many are too high for me to reach. I brought a step stool to reach some in bloom in April.

The window of opportunity is small. By trial and error it seems the best time is when the flower is fully open which makes sense. The flower is open less than one day so timing is critical. Apparently, the plant needs our help to make seed as the natural insect is scarce. In my non-technical way I move the little curtain-like part of the flower that's between the male(pollen) and female parts and apply gentle pressure. Then in a few days, it either works or it doesn't. Sounds easy but standing on a step stool and working above my head made it harder. Not an easy place for photos either!

If pods form they'll be big by August and I'll photograph them. If not, well, better luck next time. I have succeeded in Virginia but this was our first chance on the farm.

Watch for other spice posts as my 5 Allspice and 2 Cloves (all started from seed) are growing well. My 5 Nutmegs from small plants are much slower (partial shade lovers) but finally picking up speed.

I do think the albomarginata form of V. planifolia is the prettiest and planted it on a small Cinnamon tree last month.

[Silas_Sancona]

Cindy,

Best of luck, have heard how much of a challenge it can be to get pods, hense why the price of good vanilla is expensive. Awaiting flowers on both my Allspice trees, and my Cinnamon. Looking to add starter plants of Grains of Paradise ( Aframomum melegueta) to my spice collection if I can find a source for them.

-Nathan-

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

Nathan,

We have Afromomum angustifolium growing at the Deerfield Beach Arboretum. Some places name it as a synonym of melegueta. I don't know about that.

How many tons do you want?

[Cindy Adair]

Cindy,

Best of luck, have heard how much of a challenge it can be to get pods, hense why the price of good vanilla is expensive. Awaiting flowers on both my Allspice trees, and my Cinnamon. Looking to add starter plants of Grains of Paradise ( Aframomum melegueta) to my spice collection if I can find a source for them.

-Nathan-

Sherry Ballester's wonderful Clove tree! Mine are much smaller

Allspice trees on my farm in bloom in April. Enjoy your spice plants as I enjoy mine.