Vanilla planifolia is a tropical climbing orchid vine prized for its fragrant vanilla pods, which are the source of culinary vanilla extract. It requires high humidity, warm temperatures, and support to climb, making it suitable for tropical greenhouses or humid indoor environments.
Overview
Form
Climbing
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
10–30′ tall
Dormancy
evergreen
Tolerances & Soil
Zone 11aZone 12b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 11a to Zone 12b
Seasonality
Bloom Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Season of Interest
SpringSummer
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Native Range
Mexico
Function & Care
edible
Edible Parts
pod
Establishment & Care
Establishment
challenging
Maintenance
high
Years to Bearing
3 years
Propagation
cutting, division
Notable Cultivars
Vanilla planifolia (common vanilla) is the primary commercial cultivar. Vanilla tahitensis and Vanilla pompona are related species with different flavor profiles, but V. planifolia remains the standard for quality vanilla production.
