Peanut

Peanuts need loose, well-drained sandy soil around pH 5.8-6.2 so flower pegs can enter the ground. They usually need little nitrogen, but calcium in the pegging zone is important; use soil-test guidance before adding lime or gypsum.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

12 in

First harvest

120–150 days

Tips

• Plant raw, unroasted shelled seed peanuts 1-2 inches deep in soil at least 65°F, spacing plants 6-8 inches apart.
• Keep moisture steady during flowering, pegging, and pod filling without waterlogging the soil.
• Weed shallowly before pegging begins, then avoid cultivation that could break pegs or developing pods.
• Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizer and monitor for leaf spots, rotating away from recent peanut plantings.
• Dig a sample when leaves yellow and pods have developed dark inner-shell markings, then lift plants and dry pods thoroughly.

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