In general, quality vanilla only comes from good vines and through careful production methods. Commercial vanilla production can be performed under open field and “greenhouse” operations. The two production systems share these similarities:

• Plant height and number of years before producing the first grains
• Shade necessities
• Amount of organic matter needed
• A tree or frame to grow around (bamboo, coconut or Erythrina lanceolata)
• Labor intensity (pollination and harvest activities)