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Where to Plant vanilla: The growing Environment

Vanilla needs a warm moist climate; plenty of rain; shade; a rich organic soil; a support tree or post to grow up. a. Climate and rainfall
The best areas in Uganda for Vanilla include the lake cresent (Mukono District close to the lake) and the western rift valley. These areas have high humidity, high rainfall (over 1500 mm/yr) and a long rainfall season. Vanilla cannot grow in dry areas.
Vanilla needs a dry season of 2 – 4 months to help stimulate flowering. In Mukono and other lake areas, there are 2 dry seasons and this can give 2 flowerings. As the total dry period gets longer than 4 months, conditions for vanilla become poorer.
Minimum annual rainfall levels for Vanilla growing are around 1,250 mm/yr, with a range of between 1250mm – 2000mm rainfall. Humidity is important, the optimum relative humidity for Vanilla growing should not exceed 75%, particularly during the pollination period.
b. Soil
The soil must have good drainage and must not become compacted; building up beds will improve drainage and keep the soil light and loose. Mulching and (use of) additional organic matter (compost and farmyard manure) will improve soil structure and quality. Compost manure is best.
Vanilla grows best where the soil is:

  • Well drained and deep soils
  • Fertile and have a high organic matter content, through the repeated application of organic matter.
  • Goodwater holding capacity
  • Not prone to water logging
  • PH 5.5 – 6.5
  • Not prone to compaction
  • Sandy clay loams are best

c. Site Selection A suitable site to grow vanilla must be selected long in advance of the rains. Any area selected must be fertile and well drained. Suitable areas include banana plantations, well-shaded food cropland and coffee plantations. It is advisable to avoid waterlogged soils, as too much water will affect root development.
Temperature The optimum temperature is 27ºC, with a range of 21ºC – 32ºC

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