Vanilla Planifolia spikes - Page 2 - Orchid Board

vmijct · #11 03-10-2010, 04:58 PM

Have had multiple blooms now. No success at fertilization. Any hints?

2ljd · #12 03-10-2010, 05:30 PM

Next time you try pollinating, take a look at the area just behind the pollinia cap...there's actually a flap of sorts that covers the stigmatic surface where you need to place the pollen for proper fertilization. Many folks have just placed the pollen in the general vicinity, not realizing that there's an added obstacle to overcome to get the job done. If you've already done that, then I'm not sure what the problem is.

vmijct · #13 03-11-2010, 09:17 PM

Thanks, I'l give it a try.

hobbescks · #14 03-13-2010, 09:35 PM

What part of the country do you live in vmijct? If you could refer me to a site that gives instruction in how to grow vanilla, I'd appreciate it. I received mine as a christmas present from my wife. For 3 months now it has just remained at status quo. I live in a Lewiston, ID (zone 6-7)

vmijct · #15 03-13-2010, 10:05 PM

I live in Poquoson, VA. The vine is in a greenhouse. 55F at night and as much as 95F during the day. It likes bright indirect light; Compost type medium(with peanut shells here); dry out between waterings; fertilize once a week with miracle gro 20-20-20. Water with rain water. Hope this helps.

vmijct · #16 03-29-2010, 02:20 PM

I have some vanilla 'beans'. About a 10-20% successful pollination rate. I think I was squeezing the flowers too hard when i was pollinating them. Much better success rate when I was gentler. Pics to follow. Now for the next step.

2ljd · #17 03-29-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vmijct

I have some vanilla 'beans'. About a 10-20% successful pollination rate. I think I was squeezing the flowers too hard when i was pollinating them. Much better success rate when I was gentler. Pics to follow. Now for the next step.

Congrats! It's all a waiting game now...let me know if you need some helpful hints in processing the beans.

vmijct · #18 03-31-2010, 04:26 PM

Had some successful pollination(15-25%). I think I was squeezing the flowers too hard during pollination initially. HAd better success later. will post pics later.

vmijct · #19 03-31-2010, 04:27 PM

2ljd,

I will definitely need some help. will contact you later.

vmijct · #20 04-11-2010, 10:21 PM

Just a couple of pics.