Help Center

How do I know that setting up a vanilla dome is right for me?

Australian Vanilla Domes have been designed for a wide range of geographical locations, however there are certainly areas and conditions that challenge the feasibility or viability of setting up a vanilla dome.
We recommend you speak with one of our consultants to determine whether or not a vanilla dome will be suitable for you.

How much does a vanilla dome cost?

A vanilla dome is sold as modules, these are 1) Dome frame, covering (skin) and fixtures such as doors, entrance tunnels, vents. 2) vanilla vine growing structure 3) Flooring system, this is a modular prefabricated system designed to be easy to place down and suitable for a wide range of grounds and terrain 4) Automation, water and electrical systems.

Vines and consumables are such as fertilizer and soil is sold separately.

Prices are provided after speaking with a consultant.

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What is my return on investment with a vanilla dome?

Australian Vanilla Plantations offer a fixed price per kg for pre-cured vanilla beans that are grown in a vanilla dome. 
This offer is made from the beginning of the purchase. The offer last is valid for a period of 5 years and reviewed after that time. 
There is no obligation to sell the green vanilla beans back to Australian Vanilla Plantations.

What are the financial benefits of buying a vanilla dome?

Vanilla Domes can be a great investment. The domes produce vanilla pods and these can be sold. The cost of construction and operations may be tax deductible (Please see professional advice from a qualified accountant or tax professional). We are currently seeking a tax ruling for purchasing vanilla domes by self managed super funds. 
The vanilla vines can last more then 20 years, if they are producing vanilla pods they are an asset and can be sold. 
The vanilla vines can also be propagated this means you can sell the cuttings. 
The domes are designed to last a long time with little maintenance and can add value to a property.

Is finance available?

Currently we have not engaged with any specific finance companies although we are looking into this and making enquires.
There are a number of agriculture finance companies who may be able to assist.

How much time would I need to operate the vanilla dome?

The vanilla domes are designed to be of very low service and maintenance. The domes are generally self regulating so they will maintain ideal growing conditions irrespective of the outside weather conditions. 

You will be required to do some weeding from time to time as well as train the vines. You might also put worms into the trellises from time to time as well as top up the mulch in the trellises.

During flowering you will also need to hand pollinate the flowers and harvest vanilla pods when they are ready. 

 There is generally no heavy lifting or back breaking work and a few ho

What size land do I need?

The current vanilla dome is 11 meters in diameter, we recommend a pad of 12m x 12 m with extension for the entrance and auxiliary tunnels of 6 meters x 4 meters.

Do I need council approval to build a dome?

Whether or not you need Council approval to build and operate your vanilla dome is dependent on the zoning of your property.
Generally most rural zone properties do not require approval. The internal floor size of the vanilla dome is approximately 92sqm and the height of the greenhouse is 5.5m. These dimensions are generally within the considerations of a shed or hobby greenhouse. In most cases, whilst it may not be a requirement for council approval we would advise checking with the council in any case just to make sure. 
If there are other vanilla domes in your location you may find, due to precedence, there will not be any issues with getting approval.

When can I expect my first harvest?

The first harvest primarily depends on the initial length of vines. Under our current program we hope to give our customers 1 meter length starter vines. With vines of this length we anticipate the first harvest to occur within 30 months i.e. 2.5 years.

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How often do the vanilla vines flower?

Current experience overseas indicates harvest is seasonal and once a year, however in places such as Hawaii and in greenhouses we have seen 2 harvest a year. 
We are currently working with research companies to confirm that it is possible to achieve 2 harvest a year.

What help can I get if I don't have the confidence or time to pollinate or harvest?

Australian Vanilla Plantations will arrange specialist who have the knowledge and skills to assist with pollination and harvesting.
These people can be hired during these periods. We are also working on a program where the cost of such services can be deducted from the purchase of the harvest.

I'd like to invest in a vanilla dome but don't have the money, land or time.

Australian Vanilla Plantations is setting up a shared vanilla plantation where people will be able to purchase shares in a plantation. This scheme will provide a div