Qingchun Liu and Xingbo Wu
Vanilla (Vanilla spp.) is a promising new cash crop for south Florida because of rising demand for powdered vanilla extract and increasing preference for natural and authentic flavors, given its high market value estimated at up to $150,000 per acre (Chambers, UF/IFAS). As a relatively new region for growing vanilla, south Florida, particularly Miami-Dade County, information is needed for potential growers to establish growing practices. This article is a part of highlights from a recent workshop on vanilla cultivation, focusing on plant materials and environmental conditions to grow this specialty crop.
What to grow and potential plant sources. Currently, only V. planifolia and V. x tahitiensis are recognized as the sources for ‘vanilla extract’ according to the Federal code. In Florida, tissue culture plants can be found at providers like Agri-Starts or AG3, and 1-foot plant in the pot can be found at Pine Island nursery in Homestead, FL. In other regions, V. pomopona and V. odorata have also been used as spices.
Temperature, light, and moisture requirements. Vanilla is a tropical/subtropical crop and grows under temperatures between 64°F and 95°F. Temperatures below 64°F can damage the terminal shoots or kill the whole plant. If temperature requirements can be met, vanilla can grow in a greenhouse in the northern region. Temperatures 64°F to 86°F induce flower development.
Vanilla needs to be grown under at least 50% shade, preferably under 70-80% shade. Recent studies indicated that red light may favor the growth of vanilla plants and shorten the vegetative growth stage.
In general, vanilla plants prefer high levels of moisture during most of a growing season, which can be achieved by mist irrigation. This is particularly critical to bean development during the first 3 months after flower pollination, as low relative humidity can lead to early fruit drop, which accounts for up to 90% yield loss. However, low relative humidity combined with temperatures (64°F to 86°F) and low light intensity induce flower development, which is critical to the overall yield, as vanilla flowers only once a year. In addition, pruning before the flowering season can promote uniform flower formation for vanilla.
Where and how to grow vanilla. Vanilla prefers highly fertile, well drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The optimum pH is 5.5-6.5. In addition, vanilla can be grown in substrates including pine bark, mulch, peat moss, coconut coir, and compost (animal manure, vegetation, etc.).
Vanilla can root in the ground or in growing media in containers. Support is needed during vanilla growth, such as a trellis or a tree. It takes 4 years to first flower if starting with tissue culture materials, and 3 years with 3-foot cuttings (at least 2 nodes). Longer cuttings may shorten the time to first flower. When planting vanilla, place cuttings (after cut sites heal/dry for a few days) into soil or growing media directly with one of the nodes buried. If you produce cutting yourself, remember to sterilize knife between cuts to avoid spreading the virus).
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