peanuts scattered on a dark blue background -- 5 in pale beige closed shells, 2 split open to show three red peanuts in each, with 5 loose peanuts scattered around them all

How To Grow Peanut Seeds

Updated on Feb 29, 2024
By Baillie Blankenship

The peanut, AKA groundnut or goober, is a legume grown mainly for its edible seeds, which are used in many global cuisines. It fixes nitrogen in soil, so it is good for crop rotations. Peanuts are a truly unique and fascinating plant to grow.

HISTORY

(Arachis hypogaea). Peanuts are thought to have originated in Brazil or Peru up to 3,500 years ago. Once grown mainly as a garden crop, the USDA began encouraging production for human use around the start of the 20th century.

USES

  • Can be eaten raw, roasted, boiled, or made into peanut butter.
pale peanut shells, some open to display very dark red-brown peanuts, on a dark blue backgroundpale peanut shells, some open to display very dark red-brown peanuts, on a dark blue background

 

  • Direct sow after the last spring frost in a warm, sunny location with loose, sandy soil.
  • Plant at least two inches deep. 
  • Space plants 6-8" apart.
  • Sprouts in 7-14 days.
dark blue surface covered with whole peanuts in pale shells, some open to show pale nuts, some empty, with loose nuts scattered about -- most shells contain 2 nuts but some appear to have 1 or 3.dark blue surface covered with whole peanuts in pale shells, some open to show pale nuts, some empty, with loose nuts scattered about -- most shells contain 2 nuts but some appear to have 1 or 3.

 

  • Keep well weeded. Flowers need a clear path to send down pegs that hit the soil and make peanuts.
  • When the plants begin to flower, mound soil around the base.
  • Once pegs develop, keep the soil consistently moist.
  • Discontinue watering about 2 weeks before harvesting.
Light blue-grey background with numerous pale peanut shells scattered around, some open to display dark red-brown peanuts -- also some open shells and single nuts scattered aroundLight blue-grey background with numerous pale peanut shells scattered around, some open to display dark red-brown peanuts -- also some open shells and single nuts scattered around

 

  • Gently check the soil for peanuts when the plants foliage begins to yellow.
  • Pull the entire plant and shake off any excess soil.
  • Allow the plant to dry for about a week.
  • Remove pods from the plant and dry them in a cool, dry space for 2-3 weeks to cure.
  • Enjoy peanuts raw, boiled, roasted, or save them to grow again next season.
Dark blue background with numerous pale peanut shells scattered around, some open to display light reddish-brown peanuts.Dark blue background with numerous pale peanut shells scattered around, some open to display light reddish-brown peanuts.