How to Grow Peanut
Arachis hypogaea
Peanuts are a novelty crop in cool climates but very doable in a warm spot or polytunnel. Sow seeds (whole shelled nuts) in warm compost indoors, transplant after last frost into loose sandy soil. The unique flowering habit sends pegs underground to develop pods — keep soil loose and weed-free around the base. Harvest when leaves yellow; dry whole plants for 2–3 weeks before shelling.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 13°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a low-nitrogen balanced fertiliser at planting. Avoid high nitrogen which promotes leaves over pods. A light calcium dressing (gypsum) aids pod shell formation.
- Peanuts flower above ground but then send down specialised stalks called pegs which push into the soil where the pods develop. Loose, sandy, stone-free soil is essential so the pegs can penetrate easily. A warm sheltered site or polytunnel gives best results in cool climates.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 18°C+
- Germination temperature
- 20–30°C
Enter your last frost date to see your dates
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Sow depth | 5 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
Bush habit. Space plants 30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. Soil must be loose and friable for pegs to penetrate and pods to develop underground.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
| Germination temperature | 20–30°C |
| Base growth temperature | 13°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Peanut?
- Plant Peanut 30cm apart with 60cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Peanut?
- Peanut is ready to harvest approximately 102 days after transplanting.
- Is Peanut frost hardy?
- Peanut is classified as Tender.
