VANILLA

Climate and Soil

Vanilla thrives in a warm moist tropical climate from sea level to an elevation of about 1,500 m above msl with rainfall ranging between 2000-3000 mm and temperature ranging from 10-30° C. The rainfall should be well distributed for a period of 9 months in a year with a distinct dry period of at least 3 months for flowering. Vanilla grows well in well-drained, sandy loam soil, rich in humus with pH ranging between 6 and 7 and on a gently sloping land. Clayey soils and water logged areas are not suitable for the plant. In India, it is grown in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, North-Eastern region and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.