Vanilla Pollination:
From Flower to pod
The vanilla flower opens for only a few hours.
At Hacienda Las Vainillas, each flower is pollinated by hand, a delicate process on which the development of the future pod depends.
From bud to flower
Long before the flower appears, a small inflorescence forms on the vanilla vine.
Little by little, it develops and several flower buds begin to appear.
These buds gradually grow, but the flowers do not all open at the same time: they bloom one after another. The plantation must therefore be checked every day to make sure we do not miss the right moment for pollination.
The inflorescence appears
The first buds begin to form.
The buds develop
The future flower cluster takes shape.
Ready to bloom
The buds are almost mature.
The flower opens
Pollination time begins.
La pollinationEach flower is pollinated by hand.
Vanilla Pollination: Just a Few Hours to Act
The ovary elongates
After successful pollination, the pod begins to appear.
The pod grows
The young pod continues to develop on the vine.
When the flower opens, the clock starts ticking. Pollination is carried out by hand, flower by flower, with a precise and delicate technique.
If pollination is successful, the flower wilts but its base remains attached to the plant. The ovary begins to elongate: this will become the vanilla pod.
It will gradually grow and mature on the vine for around 9 months.
After pollination, the vanilla pod develops slowly on the vine. It gradually reaches its full size, then continues to mature for several months.
Harvesting is not done at random: we inspect each pod and wait for the first signs of maturity before picking it.
At this stage, it is still green and has no fragrance.
It will then take several weeks of curing, drying and ageing to reveal its aromas.
Several Months Before Harvest
And After the Harvest?
A freshly harvested pod does not yet resemble the vanilla we use in the kitchen.
Its transformation then begins: curing, drying and ageing gradually develop its colour, suppleness and aromas.
Discover Vanilla With Us
During our “Secrets of Vanilla” tour, we take you into the heart of the plantation to discover this fascinating plant and understand every stage of its cultivation. Depending on the season, you may see the flowers, watch the pollination process, or discover pods as they ripen.
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