How To Grow Peanuts

Growing Peanuts: From Seed to Harvest

I’ll tell you this straight: growing peanuts is more satisfying than you’d expect. They’re quirky, they’re delicious, and they *grow underground like buried treasure*. If you’ve never tried it, you might be surprised at how much joy it brings to pull up a plant and find a cluster of peanuts clinging to the roots like nature’s prize.

Choosing the Right Peanut Variety

First things first, pick the right peanuts to grow. There are four main types: runner, Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia. Each has its personality.

• Runner peanuts: Known for peanut butter. They thrive in the South and need a long growing season.
• Virginia peanuts: These are the big boys—great for roasting. They love sandy soil.
• Spanish peanuts: Smaller but mighty, with a rich flavor. They’re drought-tolerant and quick to mature.
• Valencia peanuts: Sweet and often eaten boiled. They’re forgiving and perfect for beginners.

I’ve grown all four, and I’ll say this: if you’re impatient, go with Valencia. But if you want that classic roasted peanut experience, Virginia is the way to go. They’re like the Cadillac of peanuts—smooth, dependable, and satisfying.

Soil Preparation: The Foundation of Success

Peanuts are picky about soil, but once you’ve got it right, they’ll reward you. They thrive in loose, sandy soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.8–6.5). If you’ve got clay, don’t panic—just mix in some sand and compost to loosen things up.

Here’s a tip: peanuts fix their own nitrogen, so *don’t overdo it with fertilizer*. Too much nitrogen means lush greenery but fewer peanuts.

Before planting, work some organic matter into the soil. I use aged compost or well-rotted manure. It’s like giving your peanuts a head start in life.

Planting: Timing and Spacing Matter

Peanuts need heat. Don’t plant until the soil is at least 65°F, usually a few weeks after your last frost. Where I live, that’s late May—any earlier, and they sulk.

Start with raw, unroasted peanuts in their shells. Crack the shells gently and plant the seeds (the kernels) an inch deep, with the pointed end down. Space them about 6–8 inches apart, in rows 2–3 feet apart. Give them room to sprawl—they need it.

Watering and Care: Steady but Not Soaked

Peanuts like consistency. Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for about an inch of water per week. Too much water, though, and you’ll risk rot.

One summer, I made the tragic mistake of overwatering during a rainy spell. The plants grew gorgeous leaves but barely produced any peanuts. Lesson learned: when in doubt, less is more.

Spudding: That’s Right, They Peg

Here’s where peanuts get wild. After they flower, the fertilized flowers dive into the soil, forming what’s called a “peg.” This is where the peanuts grow. Yes, the peanuts develop underground—a design that still blows my mind.

To help the pegging process, keep the soil loose and weed-free. Mulching with straw can help retain moisture and keep your peanuts happy.

Harvesting: The Big Reveal

Peanuts take about 120–150 days to mature, depending on your variety. When the leaves start to yellow in the fall, it’s time. Test a plant by pulling it gently—if the pods are full and the shells are hardened, you’re good to go.

Pull the plants up by the roots, shake off the soil, and let them dry in a warm, airy spot for a few days. After that, pluck the peanuts off the plants and cure them in a well-ventilated area for 2–4 weeks.

Curing is key: properly dried peanuts can last months if stored in a cool, dry place.

Common Problems and Fixes

If you’re dealing with yellowing leaves early in the season, it’s usually a nutrient imbalance. Add some gypsum for calcium—it’s a peanut favorite.

Got pests like aphids or spider mites? Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap. Trust me, peanuts are tough once they get going, but a little attention goes a long way.

Why Grow Peanuts?

Sure, you can buy a bag of peanuts at the store. But there’s something almost magical about growing your own. They’re a true conversation starter in the garden, and they’re surprisingly easy once you know the ropes.

Plus, nothing beats the taste of freshly roasted peanuts straight from the earth. It’s like you’ve cracked some kind of culinary code. Give it a shot—you’ll thank me later.

Peanuts are a great choice for growing as they are a nutritious, resilient, and low maintenance crop. They are packed full of protein, healthy oils and minerals, plus they are resistant to various pests and diseases and are relatively easy to maintain. Peanuts are also an excellent source of income for farmers due to the high demand for them.