Vanilla is a vining orchid, originally from Central America. It climbs high into shade trees and blooms on the vines as they hang downward. Extract from the true vanilla bean is very expensive and has a pure a delicate flavor, used in ice creams, cakes, candy, eggnog, etc., etc.

The rooted portion is planted in rich soil under a tree. It will easily climb as its long roots wrap around and cling to the tree, if given plenty of moisture. Ideal conditions for the vanilla vine are warm temperatures and high humidity. I have seen the orchid climbing a painted house in Honolulu. Fertilization should be light and not too frequently.

The vanilla orchid is usually hand pollinated for best production, though I have seen pollinated beans on mature vines in the wild. While in bloom (Spring through Summer) hand pollinate each morning by pushing the bottom lip gently into the center of the flower. The fruits take about 9 months to ripen. The beans are then fermented for as long as 6 months while 'vanillin' forms, a white crystal, which produces the rich sweet flavor.