Editing Vanilla (section)

===Propagation, preparation and type of stock===
Dissemination of vanilla can be achieved either by stem cutting or by tissue culture. For stem cutting, a progeny garden needs to be established. <!-- Recommendations for establishing this garden vary, but in general, trenches of {{convert|60|cm|in|abbr=on}} in width, {{convert|45|cm|in|abbr=on}} in depth and {{convert|60|cm|in|abbr=on}} spacing for each plant are necessary. --> 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.<ref name="Elizabeth 2002">{{cite journal |last=Elizabeth |first=K. G. |year=2002 |title=Vanilla: an orchid spice |journal=Indian Journal of Arecanut Spices and Medicinal Plants |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=96–8}}</ref> Cuttings between {{convert|60|and|120|cm|in|abbr=on}} should be selected for planting in the field or greenhouse. Cuttings below {{convert|60|to|120|cm|in|abbr=on}} 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.<ref name="Anilkumar 2004"/>

Before planting the cuttings, trees to support the vine must be planted at least three months before sowing the cuttings. Pits of 30 × 30 × 30&nbsp;cm are dug {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} away from the tree and filled with farm yard manure (vermicompost), sand and top soil mixed well. An average of 2000 cuttings can be planted per hectare (2.5 acres). One important consideration is that when planting the cuttings from the base, four leaves should be pruned and the pruned basal point must be pressed into the soil in a way such that the nodes are in close contact with the soil, and are placed at a depth of {{convert|15|to|20|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Davis-1983"/> The top portion of the cutting is tied to the tree using natural fibers such as banana or hemp.