How to Grow Peanuts
Growing Conditions
Peanut plants can tolerate high temperatures but require consistent moisture to thrive. They should be watered with about 25.4–50.8 millimeters of water per week. Peanuts can also be started indoors about a month before the last frost. Plant them in a container, water them regularly, and transplant the seedlings outdoors after the frost period has passed when temperatures range between 15.56–21.11°C (60–70°F).
Planting Peanuts
Peanut seeds can be planted either shelled or unshelled, but the shells surrounding the seeds must remain intact. Follow these steps to plant peanuts:
- Plant 3 to 5 seeds in a hole at a depth of 5.08–7.62 cm (2–3 inches), with a spacing of 17.78–20.32 cm (7–8 inches) between seeds.
- Space rows at least 60.96 cm (24 inches) apart.
- Add a layer of mulch, such as straw, when the peanut seedlings reach about 15.24 cm (6 inches) tall to help reduce weed growth.
- Use support stakes or poles next to the plants as they grow to prevent the plants from spreading on the ground and to ensure good airflow around them.
Harvesting Peanuts
The harvest time for peanuts depends on the planting date and the type of peanut. Various tools and harvesters are available for peanut harvesting, but they can also be harvested similarly to potatoes. This involves plowing around the plants on a warm and sunny morning to allow the pods or seeds to dry before storing them.
