Peanuts 101: How Long Does It Take To Grow These Nutty Delights?

If you're interested in growing peanuts, you may wonder how long it takes them to grow.

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the peanut type and the conditions in which the plant is growing.

In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the process of growing peanuts. You'll also find plenty of helpful tips for producing a healthy crop!

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Peanut Growth Stages

It generally takes about four to five months for peanuts to reach maturity.

Growing peanuts at home can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience and attention to detail.

Peanut Plant Growth stage illustration

Understanding the different growth stages of peanuts is crucial to ensure a successful harvest. Here are the four main growth stages of peanuts:

Germination

After planting, the seeds start to germinate. During this stage, the roots of the peanut plant begin to grow and anchor the plant in the soil. The germination stage takes about 10 days to finish.

Vegetative Growth

During the vegetative growth stage, the plant grows leaves, stems, and branches.

The leaves are responsible for photosynthesis, providing the plant's energy to grow.

The peanut plant requires plenty of water and nutrients during this stage to ensure healthy growth.

Flowering

In this stage of growth, the peanut plant produces yellow flowers, which are self-pollinating. The flowers develop into pegs, which are small stems that grow toward the ground.

The pegs eventually penetrate the soil and develop into peanuts.

Peg Development

The final stage of peanut growth is peg development. During this stage, the pegs continue to grow and elongate.

The plant requires adequate moisture and nutrients to ensure healthy peg development.

After about 120 days from planting, the peanuts are ready to be harvested.

Factors Affecting Peanut Growth

Climate

Peanuts require a warm, sunny climate to grow properly. They grow best at temperatures between 86 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the temperature is too low, plant growth will slow down. The plant may suffer from heat stress and wilt if the temperature is too high.

Peanuts also require a lot of sunlight, so they should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Type

Peanuts prefer well-drained sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter.

The soil should also have a pH level between 5.8 and 6.2. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can affect the plant's ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.

Also, peanuts have a taproot system that can grow six to seven feet deep, so the soil should be deep enough to accommodate the plant's root system.

Pest and Disease Control

Peanuts are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect their growth. Some common pests include thrips and spider mites.

The mentioned pests can be controlled through insecticides or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.

Diseases that can affect peanut growth include leaf spots, stem rot, and peanut smut. Prevent these by planting disease-resistant varieties of peanuts, rotating crops, and practicing good sanitation practices.

What Is the Best Time to Plant Peanuts?

Planting peanuts in a small plantation

The ideal time to plant peanuts is after the last frost in the spring when soil temperatures reach at least 65°F. Planting peanuts too early or too late can result in stunted growth and reduced yields.

It's important to note that peanuts have a long growing season, ranging from 130 to 160 days.

This means that planting peanuts too late in the season can result in insufficient time for the plants to mature before the first frost of the fall.

Consider your location's climate and soil conditions when deciding the best month to plant peanuts.

If you're unsure about the best time to plant peanuts in your area, consult a local agricultural extension office or experienced farmer.

They can provide valuable insight into the specific growing conditions in your region and help you determine the optimal planting time.

Factors To Consider When Harvesting Peanuts

Timing

Timing is critical for harvesting peanuts. The harvesting time depends on the variety of peanuts and the desired use.

Boiling types are usually ready for harvest 90 to 110 days after planting, while roasting varieties take 130 to 150 days to mature.

You can harvest peanuts about 120 days after planting. At this point, the leaves may become yellow and wither. The inner shells of ripe peanuts will be hard and brittle, and the kernels will rattle inside.

If you're growing peanuts in your garden, keeping an eye on the weather during harvesting is important.

If it's going to rain, you'll need to harvest your peanuts before the rain hits. Moisture can cause the peanuts to rot, ruining your entire crop.

Method

The peanuts can be removed from the plant by hand or by using a mechanical thresher.

After removing the peanuts, they must be cured to get rid of any moisture. To cure them, you can spread them out in a single layer in a warm, dry place for several weeks.

How Many Peanuts Can One Plant Produce?

On average, one peanut plant can produce anywhere from 20 to 50 peanuts, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

However, it's important to note that only some of these peanuts will be large and mature enough to eat. Some may be small or underdeveloped, while others may have been eaten by pests or affected by disease.

To maximize your peanut yield, you should provide your plants with the adequate nutrients and care they need.

Keep them free from weeds and pests, which can compete for nutrients and damage the developing peanuts.

You can also use natural pest control methods like companion planting or row covers to keep pests at bay.

Can You Eat Freshly Harvested Peanuts?

Yes, you can eat freshly harvested peanuts.

Raw peanuts can be eaten as a snack or used in recipes. However, it is important to note that raw peanuts may contain mold that produces potential carcinogens.

Up close photo of fresh harvested peanuts, Peanuts 101: How Long Does It Take To Grow These Nutty Delights?

To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, you should roast or boil raw peanuts before consumption. Roasting or boiling the peanuts will also enhance their flavor and texture.

How Long Do Peanuts Last After Harvest?

The shelf life of peanuts after harvesting depends on how they are stored.

Peanuts can last for months if they are stored under favorable conditions.

They can even last longer if they are still in their natural shell protection.

Peanuts in the shell can last for around four months, while shelled peanuts will last for around one month.

Both in-shell and shelled peanuts will last for around twelve months when kept in the fridge.

Planting Peanuts in a Nutshell

Growing peanuts involves several stages, including germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and peg development. The whole cycle takes four to five months.

Factors such as climate, soil type, and pest and disease control can affect plant growth.

Peanuts are typically ready for harvest when the leaves turn yellow and begin to wither, usually 120 to 150 days after planting.

If you found this post helpful, check out our other articles to learn how long other plants take to grow.

How Long Does It Take A Pineapple To Grow [Inc. After It Flowers]?

How Long Does It Take To Grow A Pumpkin?

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