4. Caring for Your Peanut Plants
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Peanuts need consistent watering, especially during flowering and pod formation.
Sunlight: Ensure they get at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
Mulching: Once plants are a few inches tall, mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Peanuts don’t need heavy feeding. A light application of compost or organic fertilizer during early growth is sufficient.
5. Flowering and Pegging
After about 30–40 days, the plants will flower. The small yellow flowers appear above ground, and once pollinated, the pegs grow downward into the soil.
At this stage, it’s important to keep the soil loose and weed-free. Avoid disturbing the area where the pegs are burying themselves.
6. Harvesting Peanuts
Peanuts are ready to harvest about 100–120 days after planting, depending on the variety. Signs of maturity include:
The foliage starts to yellow.
The pods feel full when gently squeezed underground.
A few pods can be pulled and checked—mature peanuts will have well-formed shells and kernels.
To harvest:
Loosen the soil gently with a hand fork or spade.
Pull up the entire plant and shake off the excess soil.
Hang the plant upside down in a dry, shaded area for about 1–2 weeks to cure.
Bonus: Growing Tips
Rotate crops yearly to avoid soil-borne diseases.
Interplant with marigolds or basil to deter pests.
Don’t over-fertilize—too much nitrogen can reduce pod production.
Final Thoughts
Growing peanuts at home is both fun and fulfilling. It’s a low-maintenance crop that doesn’t require a lot of space, making it perfect for home gardeners, even those in urban environments. With just a bit of care and attention, you’ll be rewarded with your own fresh batch of peanuts—perfect for roasting, boiling, or using in homemade peanut butter.
Try planting a few this season, and experience the joy of harvesting a truly unique underground treasure from your own home.
