Peanut Growing Guide

Arachis hypogaea

Peanut

Crop Rotation Group

Legumes (Pea and Bean family) ●

Soil

Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost to lower pH.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Cannot tolerate frost.

Feeding

Rarely necessary. Peanuts are a nitrogen-fixing legume.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 25cm (9") with 35cm (1' 1") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start indoors and transplant outdoors into a mound after the soil has warmed in early summer. In climates with warm summers direct-sow peanuts in early summer.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Peanuts require at least 120 days of hot weather and ample rainfall to crop well. Regular shallow hoeing is needed to keep the soil around the plants loose and free of weeds, because the stems of peanut flowers bend over and "plant" themselves in the soil.

Harvesting

Harvest when the leaves turn yellow and die back, or immediately after the first frost. Shake off soil, gently rinsing if necessary, and dry the whole plants in a warm, well-ventilated area for one to two weeks. Remove the peanuts, and continue drying them in a single layer until the shells are crisp. Mouldy nuts should be disposed of immediately as they can be toxic.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Peanut