Elevate your edible garden with the unique charm of peanut plants! Not only do they produce delicious peanuts, but their bright yellow flowers and unique growth habit add a special touch to any garden space. Plus, as a legume they also add nitrogen into your soil, fertilising it for your next crop of choice!
Planting Calendar
Plant your peanuts once the soil has warmed up, usually in late spring or early summer.
Harvest In
5 - 6 Months
Peanuts are able to be harvested within 6 months of planting, usually in early autumn before the first frosts. The plant will begin to yellow and wilt when the peanuts are ready for harvesting.
Prepare
Position
Peanut plants prefer a sunny spot in your garden. They thrive in locations that receive full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. Avoid planting in areas with heavy shade.
Soil
Peanuts need loose, well-draining soil. Prepare the soil by incorporating a generous amount of Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets to improve fertility. For container planting, use Kings Container Mix, which ensures good drainage and aeration. Be sure to use a large container that has plenty of room for the peanuts to grow beneath the surface.
Pollination
Peanut plants are self-fertile and do not require a pollinator.
Plant
When planting peanuts, ensure the soil is warm and in a sunny location.
Care
Watering
Peanut plants require consistent but moderate watering. Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering as peanuts are susceptible to root rot.
Feeding
Feed your peanut plants with a balanced fertiliser, like Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, every 4-6 weeks.
Pruning
Peanut plants generally do not require pruning. However, remove any weeds regularly and keep the area around the plants clean to prevent disease.
General Care
Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars. Use organic pest control methods when necessary, following label instructions carefully. Avoid using sprays when flowers are in bloom to protect pollinators. As the peanuts mature, gently hill soil around the base to cover any exposed pods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant peanuts?
The best time to plant peanuts is in late spring, after the last frost. This ensures the soil is warm enough for the seeds to germinate and grow.
How deep should I plant peanut seeds?
Plant peanut seeds about 5 cm deep and space them 15-20 cm apart in rows that are 60-90 cm apart. This gives the plants enough room to grow and develop their underground pods.
How often should I water peanut plants?
Peanut plants require consistent but moderate watering. Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering as peanuts are susceptible to root rot.
Peanuts are able to be harvested within 6 months of planting, usually in early autumn before the first frosts. The plant will begin to yellow and wilt when the peanuts are ready for harvesting.
Peanuts are able to be harvested within 6 months of planting, usually in early autumn before the first frosts. The plant will begin to yellow and wilt when the peanuts are ready for harvesting.
Are there any common pests or diseases that affect peanut plants?
Peanuts can be affected by pests like aphids, thrips, and caterpillars, and diseases such as leaf spot and root rot. Regularly inspect your plants and use organic pest control methods or appropriate fungicides if needed. Ensure proper spacing and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease.