How to Grow Peanuts from Seed?

How to Grow Peanuts in a Garden?

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) prefer a long, warm growing season and are usually planted from mid to late spring (after the threat of frost has completely passed) through mid-summer. When growing peanuts, plant them in sandy soil that is rich in organic matter such as leaves, compost, or well-rotted manure.

Sow Your Peanut Seeds:

You can find peanut seeds on the Internet as well as on the Amazon site.
Your peanut plants will need to thrive in a sunny location. Needs vary somewhat between peanut varieties. There are the so-called creeping varieties with a long vegetative cycle (120 to 140 days) such as the Virginia variety, the seeds do not germinate prematurely, this variety is more resistant to leaf scab. Then, the varieties with an erect habit and short vegetative cycle (90 to 110 days) such as the Spanish and Valencian varieties, the yield is higher, but rapid germination after maturity can be a problem.

Creeping peanuts have a vine-like growth habit and require a little more space in the garden than their erect counterparts. Typically, three to five seeds are planted 5 cm deep, 20 cm apart with rows at least 60 cm apart. Sowing for creeping varieties should be approximately 4 cm deep and 15 cm apart. Once the seedlings have reached about 15 cm, a layer of mulch, such as straw, can be added to help keep weeds under control.

Calcium is important for pod growth and development. Therefore, it may be necessary to add gypsum to the soil once flowering begins.

Weekly watering to prevent pods from drying out is also essential.

Peanut Flower and PlantHow Do Peanuts Grow?

Most peanuts flower after about six to eight weeks after planting.
Flowers are produced close to the ground on erect and trailing stems. However, while the plants flower above the ground, the pods grow below. As the flowers fade, the stem begins to droop downward, bringing the pods to the ground. Since peanuts flower over a period of several weeks (up to three months), the pods mature at various intervals.



Each pod produces two to three peanuts.

Harvesting and Storing Peanuts

Most peanuts are ready to harvest after about 120 to 150 days after planting. Peanut harvesting usually takes place in late summer/early fall when the foliage turns yellow. As the husks mature, their shell color changes from white or yellow to dark brown or black. You can test the ripeness of peanuts by scraping the center of the pods with a sharp knife. A dark brown to black shell means they are ready to harvest.
Carefully pull up the plants and shake off any excess soil. Then, dry the peanuts by hanging them upside down in a warm, dry area for about two to four weeks. Once dried, place them in mesh bags and store in a well-ventilated area until they are ready to be roasted.
Boiled peanuts are best boiled right after harvest and before drying.
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