How to grow peanut
Overview
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is a warm-season legume grown for its protein-rich seeds, which develop underground in a unique geocarpic fruiting habit. It is a satisfying crop for home gardeners because regular picking encourages further flowering and pod set.
Varieties
- Virginia — Large pods with 2–3 seeds per pod; popular for boiling or roasting.
- Red Spanish — Smaller, red-skinned nuts with excellent flavour; matures earlier than Virginia.
- Jumbo — A large-seeded variety bred for high yields in warm Australian conditions.
Soil Preparation
Peanuts need loose, sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8–6.5. Heavy clay causes poor pod development and rot. Work in plenty of well-rotted compost or aged manure before planting, but avoid fresh manure which can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of pods.
Growing Guide
Sow peanuts directly into loose, well-drained sandy soil after all frost has passed and soil is at least 18°C. Plant seeds 3–5 cm deep, 15–20 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. Peanuts are self-pollinating and the flowers peg into the soil to form pods, so the root zone must remain loose and friable. Do not transplant — direct sowing is essential. Hilling soil around the base at flowering helps pegs penetrate.
Sowing
Sow seeds 3–5 cm deep, 15–20 cm apart, directly into warm soil after all frost risk has passed. Germination takes 7–14 days at 20–30°C. Do not transplant — peanuts peg into the soil and do not tolerate root disturbance.
Care
Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser (e.g. 2:3:4) at planting and again when flowers appear. Do not overwater — allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. No pruning is needed, but keep beds weed-free to avoid competition for light and nutrients.
Companion Planting
Peanuts fix nitrogen and benefit from being grown near corn, sweet potatoes, or cucurbits. Avoid planting near onions, garlic, or other alliums, which can suppress the beneficial soil bacteria that peanuts rely on.
Common Pests & Risks
Aphids and two-spotted mites can attack foliage; spray with a strong jet of water or use horticultural oil. Fungal diseases like leaf spot and rust occur in humid conditions; improve airflow and avoid overhead watering. Crop rotation with non-legumes helps reduce soil-borne pathogens.
Harvesting
Harvest when the foliage yellows and the inner pod shells show a distinct veined pattern, usually 4–5 months after sowing. Lift the entire plant with a fork, shake off soil, and dry pods in a warm, airy place for 2–3 weeks before shelling. Do not leave mature pods in wet soil or they will rot.
In the Kitchen
Harvested peanuts can be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted. Boiling green (fresh) peanuts in salted water for 30–40 minutes is a classic southern US style. Dried peanuts store well for months in a cool, dark place and are excellent for making peanut butter or adding to stir-fries.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: overwatering or nitrogen deficiency — let soil dry and feed with a balanced fertiliser. Poor pod set: lack of calcium or compacted soil — ensure soil is loose and add gypsum. Black spots on leaves: fungal leaf spot — remove affected leaves and improve airflow. No pegs forming: soil too hard for penetration — hill loose soil around the base. Pods rotting in ground: harvest too late or soil too wet — dig promptly when foliage yellows.