Growth Requirements for Peanuts

Planting

• According to Dennis Hinkamp of the Utah State University Extension, peanuts can usually grow anywhere that has at least 120 days of frost-free weather. Most peanuts need about 90 to 140 days to reach full maturity; the exact time frame depends on the variety. Therefore, in most regions the best time to plant peanuts is April or May, although you can plant them as late as June in areas with warm winter climates.

Soil Preferences

• Peanuts need fertile, well-drained soil. They do not tolerate wet clay soils, which tend to be heavy and retain too much water. According to Clemson Cooperative Extension, peanuts thrive in soil that has been used to grow corn within the previous two years. However, you should avoid soil that has been used for peas, beans and other legumes. Ideal soil pH levels are between 5.8 and 6.2. For best results, incorporate organic matter into your soil before planting peanuts, and till the soil thoroughly to remove any clods and make the soil as loose as possible.

Watering and Fertilization

• Residual fertilizer is more effective than direct application, so apply fertilizers a few months before planting peanuts. If you do apply fertilizer after your peanuts are planted, be sure to use the broadcast method and incorporate the product into the soil; simply putting the fertilizer in the soil with the seed is likely to cause fertilizer burn. According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, the most critical watering periods are during germination, from 50 to 100 days after planting and during the pod-filing stage, which lasts from about 100 days after planting until the harvest.

Harvesting and Storage

• You usually harvest peanuts in the late fall, often after the first frost of the season. The foliage on the plants turns yellow when they are ready to harvest. Before harvesting, check the seed pods to be sure that they are full. If the seed coats are still white or pale pink, the peanuts are still immature. Pods should be about 65 percent full, and the seed coats should be pink or red. Remove mature plants by lightly loosening the soil with a shovel and pulling the entire plant from the soil. Hang the peanuts upside down in a sunny area or in a well-ventilated area for about two to three weeks.