<Li> Labor intensity (pollination and harvest activities) </Li> <P> Vanilla grows best in a hot, humid climate from sea level to an elevation of 1,500 m . The ideal climate has moderate rainfall, 1,500--3,000 mm, evenly distributed through 10 months of the year . Optimum temperatures for cultivation are 15--30 ° C (59--86 ° F) during the day and 15--20 ° C (59--68 ° F) during the night . Ideal humidity is around 80%, and under normal greenhouse conditions, it can be achieved by an evaporative cooler . However, since greenhouse vanilla is grown near the equator and under polymer (HDPE) netting (shading of 50%), this humidity can be achieved by the environment . Most successful vanilla growing and processing is done in the region within 10 to 20 ° of the equator . </P> <P> Soils for vanilla cultivation should be loose, with high organic matter content and loamy texture . They must be well drained, and a slight slope helps in this condition . Soil pH has not been well documented, but some researchers have indicated an optimum soil pH around 5.3 . Mulch is very important for proper growth of the vine, and a considerable portion of mulch should be placed in the base of the vine . Fertilization varies with soil conditions, but general recommendations are: 40 to 60 g of N, 20 to 30 g of P O and 60 to 100 g of K O should be applied to each plant per year besides organic manures, such as vermicompost, oil cakes, poultry manure, and wood ash . Foliar applications are also good for vanilla, and a solution of 1% NPK (17: 17: 17) can be sprayed on the plant once a month . Vanilla requires organic matter, so three or four applications of mulch a year are adequate for the plant . </P> <P> Dissemination of vanilla can be achieved either by stem cutting or by tissue culture . For stem cutting, a progeny garden needs to be established . All plants need to grow under 50% shade, as well as the rest of the crop . Mulching the trenches with coconut husk and micro irrigation provide an ideal microclimate for vegetative growth . Cuttings between 60 and 120 cm (24 and 47 in) should be selected for planting in the field or greenhouse . Cuttings below 60 to 120 cm (24 to 47 in) need to be rooted and raised in a separate nursery before planting . Planting material should always come from unflowered portions of the vine . Wilting of the cuttings before planting provides better conditions for root initiation and establishment . </P>

Where do the best vanilla beans come from