vanilla bean

[shot]

Ok first self setting of vanilla beans for me,usually if I want beans I have to hand pollinate to get any.What is pollinating them in sw florida?They are growing up a large inga with black pepper and coffee under the tree had to trim tree recently to allow more light in .I looked up today to see beans yea!

I have seen this bee ? Euglossa dilemma

https://www.whatsthatbug.com/category/bees/orchid-bees/

[kalan]

Congrats! I don't know the answer to your question, but I had a similar one just yesterday. I looked out on my jade vine to see that I have several fruit (seed pods) set after this springs bloom. I thought we didn't have the pollinator here in Florida, but perhaps we do.

Makes me wonder if other non-indiguneous pollinators are afoot in our area.
Anyhow, enjoy your vanilla!
Keith

[Chupa King]

I believe it's a tiny fly that does it in Mexico. I have seen bees try to pollinate the vines as well. But it's not common. I am curious if our hummingbird moths do it here, it may be a possibility. Our vine is just setting out the flower spikes. It's a good time of year.

[LivingParadise]

Good to know! How old/long does the vine need to be before it starts fruiting? Mine is young yet.

It would be great if hummingbirds are pollinators, because I do get hummingbirds to the yard, although I see them more often in Winter/Spring than at any other time of year.

[Chupa King]

It depends really. In commercial growing they snip the new growth to induce flowering. So with this practice and proper feeding they could produce in less than a year. I was told to take large cuttings... about 10 nodes and this will increase vigor.

I'm not sure if Hummingbirds will attempt it. They are nectar feeders from what I understand. We don't have them here so I don't get to watch them. Was able to see some visiting our family farm in Oregon.