Tips for Growing Spanish Peanuts in the Garden - Plant Care Guide

To grow Spanish peanuts in your garden, ensure you have a long, warm growing season, plant them in loose, sandy, well-draining soil with full sun, and provide consistent moisture during flowering and pegging. Spanish peanuts are a rewarding crop that develops underground, making soil conditions paramount for success.

What makes Spanish peanuts a good choice for home gardeners?

Spanish peanuts (Arachis hypogaea 'Spanish') are an excellent choice for home gardeners, especially those in regions with shorter growing seasons, because they mature relatively quickly compared to other peanut varieties. They are known for their smaller kernels, covered in a reddish-brown skin, and are prized for their high oil content and distinct nutty flavor, making them ideal for roasting, candying, or making peanut butter.

What are the key characteristics of Spanish peanuts?

• Bushy growth habit: Spanish peanuts typically grow into an upright, bushy plant, which can be beneficial in smaller garden spaces.
• Faster maturity: They mature in about 100-120 days, making them suitable for areas with shorter summers (USDA Zones 7-10).
• High oil content: This contributes to their rich flavor when roasted.
• Erect "pegging": Their unique flowering process involves a stalk growing downwards into the soil to form peanuts, and Spanish varieties tend to do this more uprightly.

When is the best time to plant Spanish peanuts?

Timing is crucial for growing Spanish peanuts, as they are a warm-season crop that requires a long frost-free period. Planting at the right time ensures they have enough heat and time to mature fully.

When should you plant Spanish peanut seeds?

Plant Spanish peanut seeds after all danger of frost has completely passed in your area, and the soil temperature has consistently warmed up to at least 65°F (18°C), ideally between 68-75°F (20-24°C). This usually falls between late April and early June, depending on your climate zone. Planting in cool soil can lead to poor germination and stunted growth.

Can you start Spanish peanuts indoors?

While technically possible, starting Spanish peanuts indoors is generally not recommended. Peanuts do not transplant well due to their delicate taproot system. If you must start indoors in a very short growing season, use biodegradable pots (like peat pots or newspaper pots) to minimize root disturbance when transplanting. Plant them 2-3 weeks before your last frost, and move them outside carefully.

What kind of soil do Spanish peanuts need?

The quality of your soil is perhaps the most critical factor for successfully growing Spanish peanuts, as the peanuts themselves develop underground. They need loose, well-draining soil that allows the "pegs" (the developing peanut ovaries) to easily penetrate and expand.

What is the ideal soil type for Spanish peanuts?

Spanish peanuts thrive in loose, sandy loam soil with good drainage. Heavy clay soils are problematic because they compact easily, making it difficult for the pegs to penetrate and for the peanuts to develop properly, leading to deformed or fewer nuts.

What is the ideal pH for Spanish peanut soil?

Spanish peanuts prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically between 5.9 and 6.3. A soil test kit can help you determine your soil's current pH and nutrient levels, allowing you to make necessary amendments.

How do you prepare soil for planting Spanish peanuts?

1. Loosen the soil: Dig or till the planting area to a depth of at least 10-12 inches. Peanuts need plenty of loose soil for their pegs to penetrate.
2. Improve drainage: If your soil is heavy clay, amend it generously with coarse sand, compost, and other organic matter to improve its texture and drainage.
3. Adjust pH (if needed): Based on your soil test, incorporate sulfur to lower pH or lime to raise it, as necessary, several weeks before planting.
4. Add calcium: Peanuts require significant amounts of calcium in the soil where the peanuts form, not just in the leaves. If your soil test indicates low calcium, apply gypsum (calcium sulfate) at planting time, working it into the top few inches of the soil. This is crucial for fully developed, non-empty shells.

How much sun and water do Spanish peanuts need?

Spanish peanuts are sun-loving plants that originate from warm climates. Providing them with ample sunlight and consistent moisture is essential for a good harvest.

How much sun is ideal for Spanish peanuts?

Spanish peanuts require full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate sunlight is critical for robust growth, flowering, and the subsequent development of peanuts. Shady conditions will result in poor yields.

What are the watering needs of Spanish peanuts?

Spanish peanuts need consistent moisture, especially during their flowering and "pegging" stages (when the flower stems grow into the ground to form peanuts).

• Initial planting: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) after planting until seedlings are established.
• Flowering and pegging (critical phase): This typically occurs 4-6 weeks after planting and continues for several weeks. During this time, ensure the plants receive about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or irrigation. Inconsistent watering or drought during this phase can severely reduce yield.
• Later stage: As peanuts mature (about 2-3 weeks before harvest), you can slightly reduce watering to help prevent diseases and encourage drying.
• Avoid overhead watering: Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal, as they deliver water directly to the soil and keep foliage dry, reducing disease risk. A soil moisture meter can help you monitor soil dampness.

Do Spanish peanuts need fertilizer?

Peanuts are unique because they are legumes and can fix their own nitrogen from the air with the help of beneficial bacteria in their root nodules. This means they generally require little to no nitrogen fertilization. However, other nutrients are crucial.

What NPK ratio is best for Spanish peanuts?

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. If your soil test indicates deficiencies, apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium fertilizer at planting time, such as a 5-10-10 or 0-10-10. The most important nutrient for peanuts, as mentioned, is calcium, applied as gypsum.

When and how should you apply calcium for Spanish peanuts?

Apply gypsum (calcium sulfate) at or just before the flowering stage. This is because the developing peanuts absorb calcium directly from the surrounding soil, not necessarily from the plant's vascular system. Spread the gypsum over the soil surface around the plants and lightly work it into the top inch or two of soil. The amount will depend on your soil test results, but generally, about 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet is a good starting point.

What is "pegging" and why is it important for peanuts?

"Pegging" is a unique and fascinating reproductive process specific to peanuts, essential for the formation of the actual peanut pods. Without successful pegging, you won't get any peanuts.

How does peanut pegging work?

1. Above-ground flowers: Spanish peanut plants first produce small, yellow, pea-like flowers above ground. These flowers are self-pollinating.
2. Ovary develops into a "peg": After successful pollination, the fertilized ovary at the base of the flower develops into a slender, pointed stalk called a "peg."
3. Peg grows downwards: This peg elongates and grows downwards, pushing into the soil.
4. Peanut development: Once the peg penetrates the soil to a depth of 2-3 inches, the tip swells, and the actual peanut pod begins to develop and mature underground. This process highlights why loose, well-draining soil is so crucial.

Should you hill soil around Spanish peanuts?

Yes, hilling soil around the base of Spanish peanut plants is a beneficial practice. Once the plants start to flower and the pegs begin to form (usually 6-8 weeks after planting), gently mound loose, sandy soil around the base of the plant, leaving the leaves exposed. This provides a softer, deeper bed for the pegs to easily penetrate and develop the peanut pods, leading to a better yield.

How do you know when Spanish peanuts are ready to harvest?

Harvesting Spanish peanuts at the right time is crucial for both flavor and yield. Harvesting too early will result in underdeveloped, "empty" nuts, while harvesting too late can lead to rotting or germination in the ground.

What are the signs Spanish peanuts are ready for harvest?

Spanish peanuts typically mature in 100-120 days after planting. Look for these signs:

• Foliage yellowing: The leaves on the peanut plant will begin to turn yellow and may even start to wither.
• Slight frost (optional): A very light, early fall frost can sometimes signal maturity and aid in harvest by killing the foliage, making digging easier.
• Pod inspection: The most reliable method is to dig up a few test plants. The peanut pods should be firm, the inside of the shell should be dark and veiny, and the kernels should fill the shell. If the inside of the shell is still white, they need more time.

How do you harvest Spanish peanuts?

1. Loosen the soil: Before digging, loosen the soil around the plants to make removal easier.
2. Dig gently: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the entire plant, trying to keep as many pods attached to the roots as possible. Shake off excess soil.
3. Curing process: Peanuts need to be "cured" before storage to dry them out and improve flavor.
   • Initial drying: Hang the entire plants (with peanuts attached) upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area (like a garage or shed) for 1-2 weeks. Avoid direct sunlight.
   • Separate pods: Once the foliage and shells are dry, pull the individual peanut pods from the plants.
   • Final drying: Spread the pods in a single layer on screens or trays in a dry, dark, well-ventilated area for another 2-3 weeks until completely dry. They should rattle when shaken.

How do you store and prepare Spanish peanuts?

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homegrown Spanish peanuts for an extended period. They can be stored in their shells or shelled.

How do you store cured Spanish peanuts?

• In-shell storage: Store fully cured, in-shell peanuts in mesh bags, onion sacks, or breathable containers in a cool, dry, dark place for up to several months.
• Shelled storage: Once shelled, store peanuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few weeks or freeze them for up to a year.

How do you prepare homegrown Spanish peanuts?

You can enjoy your Spanish peanuts in many ways:

• Roasting: This is the most popular method. Spread shelled or in-shell peanuts on a baking sheet. Roast at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes for shelled, or 20-30 minutes for in-shell, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Add salt if desired.
• Boiling: For boiled peanuts, soak raw, in-shell peanuts overnight. Boil them in heavily salted water for 2-4 hours, or until desired tenderness.
• Peanut butter: Roasted peanuts can be processed in a food processor until smooth for fresh, homemade peanut butter.

Growing Spanish peanuts in your garden is a truly unique and satisfying experience, yielding a delicious and versatile crop. By providing the right conditions—loose, sandy soil, full sun, consistent moisture, and essential calcium—you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of your own nutty, homegrown Spanish peanuts.