How to Plant Peanuts
Peanuts need a long, hot growing season to fully mature. They will not fully mature in areas that do not have at least 4-5 months of frost-free weather.
Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost.
Plant in full sun in loose, well-drained soil. Peanuts prefer a slightly alkaline soil.
Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.
Shell the seeds before sowing. Be careful to not damage the skin on the seeds.
Create a furrow 2 inches deep and sow seeds 4-6 inches apart, being careful not to damage the tender seeds.
Space rows 3 feet apart.
Seeds germinate in 10-15 days.
When plants are 2 inches tall, thin stand to 8-12 inches apart. Vines spread to 3 ½ feet. See Preparing the Soil
How to Grow
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.
Keep plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
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Harvest and Preserving Tips for Peanuts
Harvest up to 50-60 pods per plant, with 1-2 nuts per pod.
Peanuts are ready to harvest in around 110-125 days in late summer or early fall when the foliage wilts to yellow.
Dig up the entire plant and hang, with peanuts attached, in a dry airy location, or on poles outside to cure.
Allow to cure for 2-4 weeks.
When well-dried, shake off the soil from the pods and shell before eating.
Peanuts may be frozen after blanching. Raw peanuts in the shell or out of the shell may be packaged in freezer containers and frozen.
Roast peanuts before eating as fresh nuts are not as flavorful.