If you're up for trying something new in your vegetable garden, peanuts could be a great choice. They're simple and enjoyable to cultivate, producing plenty of tasty nuts. Whether you roast them, use them in baking, or make your own peanut butter, they add a delicious touch to many recipes.
The great thing about peanuts is they don't require much fuss. Since they're nitrogen-fixing plants, they actually enrich the soil instead of depleting it. This characteristic allows peanuts to thrive even in not-so-great soil conditions.
Peanut is the edible seed of a leguminous plant called Arachis hypogaea, which belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae). Despite the name, peanuts are not true nuts; instead, they are classified as legumes. They grow underground, forming pods containing two to three seeds each.
The peanut plant produces flowers, which are small, yellow, and pea-like in appearance. These flowers arise above the ground and self-pollinate before forming the pods that develop underground.
In terms of taste, peanuts have a nutty flavor with a slightly sweet undertone. They are commonly eaten roasted, salted, or ground into peanut butter, and they are also used in various cuisines worldwide, from savory dishes to desserts.
How To Grow Peanuts
While it's less common for people to grow peanuts at home, it's certainly feasible. Growing at home can also be a rewarding endeavor for those interested in gardening or seeking fresh, homegrown produce.
Store-bought peanuts are convenient, but homegrown peanuts offer the satisfaction of producing your own food and the potential for superior taste and quality. Moreover, you have the option to choose from a wider variety of cultivars, including heirloom varieties that may not be readily available in stores.
When To Grow
As a general rule, peanuts are planted after the last frost in the spring, when soil temperatures reach 65–70°F (18–21°C). This typically falls between April and May in most areas. However, the growing period differs in different regions.
In warmer southern states like Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, planting can begin as early as late March. And in cooler northern states like Virginia and North Carolina, planting might be delayed until mid-May.
Overall, peanuts require warm soil temperatures (above 65°F or 18°C) to germinate and grow, so planting them after the last frost date in your area is essential. They also need a relatively long growing season of about 4 to 5 months to produce a good crop.
Taking care of peanut plants involves several key steps to ensure a healthy harvest. if they are grown in warm climates with well-drained sandy soil, the chances are that they will produce more fruits. They are typically grown in regions with long, hot summers and mild winters, such as the southern United States.
In the United States, peanuts are commonly cultivated in states like Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Florida, where the climate is conducive to peanut production.
Light
Peanuts require full sunlight to thrive. They should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and peanut production. Planting peanuts in a location with ample sunlight exposure ensures vigorous plant growth, proper flowering, and pod development.
Soil
A well-drained, sandy soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2 is ideal for peanuts. Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
Watering
They require consistent moisture throughout the growing season, particularly during flowering and pod development. Water the plants regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, and water at the base of the plants instead.
Temperature
Peanuts are warm-season crops that prefer temperatures between 70°F and 90°F (21°C and 32°C) for optimal growth. They are sensitive to frost and should be planted after the threat of frost has passed in the spring.
They thrive in hot summer temperatures, but excessive heat, particularly above 95°F (35°C), can stress the plants and affect pod formation. In cooler climates, consider using row covers or planting peanuts in raised beds to help warm the soil and extend the growing season.
Humidity
Peanut plants prefer moderate humidity levels during the growing season. While they can tolerate some humidity, excessively wet conditions can promote fungal diseases such as leaf spot and white mold.
Adequate spacing between plants, proper soil drainage, and good air circulation can help minimize humidity-related issues. In areas with high humidity, it's essential to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal problems and maintain plant health.
Fertilization
Peanuts are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they can capture nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a form that is usable by plants. However, you can still apply a balanced fertilizer before planting to provide additional nutrients. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization as it can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of peanut production.
Weed Control
Keep the area around peanut plants free from weeds, which can compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Use mulch or hand-pull weeds regularly to prevent them from overtaking the planting area. Be cautious when cultivating peanut plants to avoid damaging their shallow roots.
Support Structures
While not always necessary, providing support structures such as stakes or trellises can help keep peanut plants upright and improve air circulation around the foliage, reducing the risk of disease.
How to Grow Peanuts From Seeds
While technically you can use raw peanuts from the grocery store, germination rates tend to be lower. As for the best peanut variety for seed production, there are many options. Heirloom varieties offer unique flavors and are often easier to find at seed companies. Popular heirloom choices include Virginia Runner, Valencia, and Spanish peanuts.
Similarly, organic peanut seeds are better for your health and the environment, and many online seed companies offer them. Shelled or unshelled seeds both work, but unshelled seeds offer some protection during handling.
Here is how you can grow peanuts from seeds:
Plant after all the danger of frost has passed, typically in April or May in most areas.
Prepare your pot or garden bed and use well-draining, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. Ensure at least 8–10 inches of depth for root growth.
Carefully remove peanuts from their shells without damaging the seeds inside. You can soak them overnight in lukewarm water to speed up germination (optional).
Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep, about 4-6 inches apart. Water well and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Expect sprouts within 1-2 weeks. Thin seedlings if they are too crowded, leaving the strongest ones.
Once plants reach around 8–10 inches tall, they will flower. After pollination, "pegs" will develop from the flowers and push down into the soil.
When pegs start to appear, gently mound soil around the base of the plants to encourage pod development underground.
To check if peanuts are ready for harvest, tap them gently to hear a solid sound. You can also tell it's time to harvest in the fall when the leaves turn yellow.
The pods should be nearly full, and if the inside is dark, they're good for roasting. When most of the leaves are gone or the pods come off easily, it's harvest time. You'll need a spade or fork to loosen the soil and mesh bags for storing.
Here's how to do it:
Loosen the soil around the plants.
Pull up the plants and shake off excess soil, keeping the pods attached.
Check for any missed pods in the soil.
Hang the plants in a warm, dry place away from direct sunlight for 3–4 weeks.
After 2 weeks, remove any remaining soil and separate the pods from the roots.
Lay the pods in a single layer to dry for another 1-2 weeks.
Store the raw peanuts in mesh bags in a well-ventilated area, away from rodents, for several months if properly dried.
Peanut Types
There are four main types of peanuts: runners, Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia. Runner peanuts are the most common in the US, making up over 80% of peanut production.
Runner Peanuts: Runner peanuts are the most widely cultivated type and are known for their high yield and uniform size. They have a relatively high oil content and are often used for making peanut butter and roasted peanuts.
Virginia Peanuts: Virginia peanuts have large kernels and are known as "fancy" peanuts for their excellent flavor and crunchy texture. They are commonly used in gourmet snacks, peanut candies, and mixed nuts.
Spanish Peanuts: Spanish peanuts have smaller kernels with reddish-brown skin and are mainly used in peanut candy but also in salted nuts and peanut butter.
Valencia Peanuts: Valencia peanuts typically have three or more small kernels in each pod and are super sweet. They are commonly used for making peanut butter and are also popular for roasting and snacking.
Common Pests And Diseases
Peanuts can be susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect their growth and yield. Here are some common ones, along with potential solutions:
Common Pests
Peanuts are prone to pests, primarily because they provide a nutrient-rich food source for many insects. Pests are attracted to peanuts due to their high protein and oil content, making them a desirable food source for insects like aphids, leafhoppers, and thrips.
Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cluster on the undersides of peanut leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can also help keep aphid populations in check.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are tiny, wedge-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, causing the yellowing and stippling of leaves. To control leafhoppers, use insecticidal soaps or botanical insecticides. Maintaining good weed control can also help reduce leafhopper populations.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease characterized by circular brown spots on peanut leaves. To prevent leaf spots, avoid overhead watering, as moisture on foliage creates favorable conditions for fungal growth. Apply fungicides preventively if the leaf spot is a recurring problem in your area.
Plant Diseases
Peanuts can also be susceptible to various diseases, primarily because they are grown in warm, humid environments where fungal and bacterial pathogens thrive. Additionally, peanuts are often grown in monoculture, which increases the risk of disease buildup in the soil over time. Some common diseases are:
White Mold (Sclerotinia): White mold is a fungal disease that affects peanut plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and the formation of white, fluffy mold on stems and pods. To control white mold, practice crop rotation, as the fungus can survive in the soil for several years. Proper spacing between plants and good airflow can also help reduce humidity and prevent the spread of the disease.
Root-Knot Nematodes: Root-knot nematodes are microscopic worms that infect peanut roots, causing stunted growth and poor yield. To manage nematode infestations, practice crop rotation with non-host crops, such as corn or small grains. Nematode-resistant peanut varieties are also available and can be planted in heavily infested areas.
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV): TSWV is a viral disease transmitted by thrips that can affect peanuts, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunting of plants. To prevent TSWV, control thrips populations with insecticides and remove and destroy infected plants promptly to prevent the spread of the virus.
Peanut Smut: Peanut smut is a fungal disease that affects peanut pods, causing dark, irregular-shaped lesions and black fungal spores. To control peanut smut, plant disease-resistant peanut varieties and avoid planting peanuts in fields with a history of smut. Apply fungicides preventively if smut is a known problem in your area.
