Most home gardeners probably don’t have “plant peanuts” on their annual to-do list, but they’re actually missing out! Peanuts are surprisingly hardy and low-maintenance plants. As long as you give them the right spot and a little TLC, you can absolutely grow your own crop right in your backyard.
The Basics: What Peanuts Need to Thrive
The number one rule for peanuts? They love the heat. To get them to grow, you need a soil temperature of at least 65°F (18°C). Anything colder than that and the plant just won’t make it. If you live in a warm climate where the ground stays nice and toasty, you can plant them directly outdoors, but most of us will need to give them a head start.
Start Your Seeds Indoors First
Peanuts have a pretty long growing season, so I always recommend starting them on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse. Here’s the best way to get them going:
- Around mid-February, take a raw, shelled peanut kernel and tuck it into a pot filled with cactus mix or standard potting soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist—you don’t want that seed drying out!
- Just be careful not to overwater; you want damp soil, not a swamp.
- Place your starter pots in a bright, warm, and sunny spot.
When to Move Your Peanuts Outside
Peanuts are very sensitive to frost, so don’t even think about moving them outside until late May at the earliest. Depending on your local weather, they might actually do better staying in large pots in a greenhouse or on a sunny porch. To keep your peanuts happy, aim for these conditions:
- A very sunny location
- Temperatures around 77°F (25°C) or higher
- Loose, well-draining soil
- Consistent moisture
- No standing water
When you’re ready to transplant, space your plants about 6 inches apart, with 10 inches between rows. Make sure the root ball is tucked in well and covered with soil. A pro tip: loosen the soil really well before planting. This makes it easier for the plant’s flower stalks to “peg” (push themselves into the ground to grow the nuts). I also like to sprinkle a little sand around the base of the plant to keep fungus gnats away.
You can usually start harvesting your homegrown peanuts around late August, though the harvest can last right up until the first frost. You’ll know they’re ready when the leaves start turning yellow. Happy gardening!
