Planting Peanuts in Missouri

A South America native, the peanut plant grows as a 1-foot-tall, 3-foot-wide bush. After its yellow flowers fade, their ovaries burrow in the ground, where they develop into peanut-filled pods. By the time the peanut is ready for harvest, it is buried 1 to 2 inches underground. Despite its tropical origin, peanuts grow everywhere in Missouri. But the planting dates vary. In the north, sow the seeds May 10 to May 20; in central Missouri, May 5 to May 25 is ideal; and to the south, plant peanuts April 25 to May 15.

Things You'll Need

• Peanut seeds
• Shovel
• Pickax
• Measuring tape

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Select peanut seeds. The University of Missouri Extension recommends Spanish and Jumbo Virginia peanuts. Spanish peanuts are small and sweet, and ripen early in the season. Jumbo Virginia are large with a strong flavor.

   • 2

     Break up the soil to a depth of 1 foot, as peanuts do well in loose soil.

   • 3

     Rake the planting bed to a smooth surface.

   • 4

     Dig 1-inch-deep holes 6 inches apart. Space rows 30 inches apart.

   • 5

     Plant one seed per hole and cover with soil. Tap on the surface to firm the ground.

   • 6

     Irrigate the soil thoroughly and keep the seeds moist until germination.