Tennessee Red Peanuts arranged on a white background.
A close-up of freshly peeled Tennessee Red Peanuts on a white background.
A close-up macro view of Tennessee Red Peanuts in the shell on black background.
A close-up of Tennessee Red Peanuts in the shell and loose on a white marble table top.
Tennessee Red Peanuts arranged on a white background.
A close-up of freshly peeled Tennessee Red Peanuts on a white background.
A close-up macro view of Tennessee Red Peanuts in the shell on black background.
A close-up of Tennessee Red Peanuts in the shell and loose on a white marble table top.

Peanut Seeds,
Tennessee Red

4.214 ReviewsSKU: #PE102Min. seed count: 35
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Description

(Arachis hypogaea). A treasured heirloom that has been grown since before 1930. Each pod contains 2-5 red-skinned, mild, sweet kernels. A Valencia type, earlier than the Virginia strains. Superior for roasting or boiling, which is a preferred method of preparing them in the Deep South.

Growing Tips: Tennessee Red peanut is an heirloom that thrives in warm weather and needs a long growing season. It prefers full sun and loose, sandy, well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter but not high in nitrogen, as peanuts fix their own nitrogen. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. When the plants begin to flower, mound soil around the base to support peg development.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Arachis hypogaea
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
120–140
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
6–8 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct sow the seeds after the last spring frost when soil temperatures reach at least 65 F. Tennessee Red Peanuts grow best in USDA zones 7-11, where the growing season is long and warm. In cooler zones (6 and below), they can be started indoors or grown in containers. Since peanuts are frost-sensitive, check your local last frost date before planting. If you’re not sure how to do that, consult our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.

How to Sow and Plant

Plant in a warm, sunny location with loose, sandy soil. Direct sow seeds 1-2 inches deep and space plants 6-8 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Seeds sprout in 7-14 days under warm conditions. Keep the area well-weeded, as the flowers need a clear path to send down pegs that burrow into the soil and form peanuts.

How to Grow

Be careful when weeding to avoid disturbing shallow roots. When plants begin to flower, mound soil around the base to encourage pegging. Once pegs develop, keep the soil consistently moist, without waterlogging it. Reduce watering two weeks before harvest to allow the peanuts to mature properly. Peanuts are ready for harvest approximately 120-140 days after planting, when the leaves turn yellow. After harvesting, dry the plants in a warm, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks before shelling.

How to Save Seeds

  • Gently check the soil for peanuts when the plant's 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, or roasted, or save them to grow again next season.

FAQ

How do I know when Tennessee Red peanuts are ready to harvest?

You can harvest when the leaves turn yellow and the inside of the pod has a darkened skin.

Can I grow Tennessee Red peanuts in cooler climates?

Yes, but you may need to start seeds indoors or use black plastic mulch to warm the soil. Growing in containers that can be moved to a warmer location can also help extend the growing season.

How can I improve my Tennessee Red peanut yield?

Choose loose, sandy, well-draining soil. Mound the soil around the base when flowering begins, and water consistently during early growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as peanuts fix their own nitrogen.

Browse our full range of peanut seeds.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 14 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sprouts fast: Seedlings break ground in under a week with near-full germination.

  • Easy and forgiving: Grows well with little weeding, water or fuss.

  • Works up north: Has matured in Michigan and Minnesota; give it the full season.

  • Boil, roast or butter: Harvests big enough for boiled peanuts and homemade peanut butter.

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