Advanced stuff! Are you familiar with flask culture of other orchid species? Are you aware that Vanilla is a tree-size climbing plant and therefore very difficult to grow indoors.

I'm not sure if the symbiotic fungus is available commercially. All cultures I am aware of use either the plant or soil it has been growing in to grow the fungus for germination.

Shrubs and bulbs is right. Growing orchids from seed requires flask culture, very sterile conditions, etc.

It would probably be easier--and faster--to simply buy a vanilla orchid. I don't know what the exact number is for the vanilla orchid (vanilla planifolia), but orchids can take up to 5-7 years to bloom from seed.

Also, once you get vanilla pods, I've read it can be a real chore to get them to the point where they can be used for culinary purposes.

Good luck, though!

Sorry, I hit the submit button too soon. I meant to add that if you post this message at the Orchids forum you may get some replies from members who have tried this and can give you lots of info and advice.