| Vanda, you say that you are aware Vanilla p. is a big plant. The planifolia vine in its natural habitat can exceed thirty metres,and I suppose that depending on the height of the supporting tree it could grow even longer. I assume that you would grow the plant on some form of trellis so that you would not have to climb a tree to pollinate the flowers. The flowers live for only one day and must be pollinated on that day. If you get pods they should mature eight to nine months after flowering.
Another factor you should consider is that the vine does not produce flowers until it is mature...a considerable length of time depending on growth conditions and the plant is happy.
Your weather in Portugal should not drop below 60deg.F/15deg.C night temperature and daytime up to 85F/30C. Bright, lightly shaded light, good well draining media watered as necessary, balanced fertilizer weekly. and plenty of luck.
Bill |