Peanut Plant Growth Stages

Seed

• Peanut seeds are simply the untreated or "green" mature peanuts that are removed from the shell. Seeds are planted 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart. When the soil is kept moist, the seeds sprout in about two weeks.

Root System

• The root system is a spreading root system with a tap root. A tap root is a central main root that grows downward instead of outwards. The roots begin to form before the leaves are seen above the ground. Because the plants produce a tap root, deep soil moisture is important for a successful peanut crop.

Top Growth and Leaves

• After the roots begin to form, the plant begins to sprout above the soil. The leaves are in sets of four and resemble clover leaves. Each set of leaves is known as a "square."

Lateral Branch Formation

• The plants form lateral or side branches that create a small, bush-like form. Many of the lateral branches will be close to the ground.

Flowering Period

• About 30 days after the plant is actively growing, flowers begin to form along the stems, usually along the lower portions where the leaves are growing and are typically yellow.

Peg Formation

• When the flowers fade, a budding ovary or "peg" begins to emerge from the area where each flower was growing, as the flowers are self fertile. This elongated stem grows toward the ground and will begin to enter the soil to form the peanuts. That is why loose soil is important; it is difficult for the peg to enter the ground if the soil is too hard.

Growth of Peanuts

• After the peg enters the soil, peanuts begin to form horizontally in the ground at the end of the peg. One plant can produce 3 lbs. or more of peanuts under ideal growing conditions. You can dig up some peanuts every few days to get an idea how close they are to harvest.