The peanut plant produces flowers above the ground and fruits below the ground. These fruits are popularly known as peanuts, which have become one of the world’s favorite snacks. Suppose you like peanuts so much that you want to grow them; how long does it take for them to grow?
It takes about 4 to 5 months to grow peanuts. From seed planting to harvesting, peanut plants should receive adequate water, sunlight, and fertilizer to grow. They should also be given ample space for growth, particularly under the soil where the pods will develop.
This article will discuss how long it takes to grow peanuts from seeds. I will guide you through the different planting, growing, and harvesting stages. Also, I’ll provide tips on how to grow peanut plants indoors and outdoors, so keep reading.
How Long Does It Take for a Peanut Plant To Grow?
Peanut plants are annual plants that are surprisingly easy to grow. Annuals are plants that complete one life cycle in one growing season. The seeds then go dormant and wait for the next growing season.
It usually takes 4 to 5 months for a peanut plant to grow before it’s ready for harvest. Note that different peanut varieties may need more time to grow. For example, Virginia and runner peanuts can take up to 150 days to grow. However, Valencia peanuts can take from 90 to 110 days to grow.
What Does A Peanut Plant Look Like?
A peanut plant looks small and shrubby, and it can grow about 18 to 25 inches tall. The plant has green, oval-shaped leaves, short branches, and hairy stems. Its flowers are yellow, and they bloom from the lower part of the plant, close to the ground.
This is what a peanut plant looks like.
How To Plant Peanuts Outdoors
If you like to eat peanuts and want to grow them yourself, you’re in luck! Fortunately, the peanut plant is easy to grow. A little less than half a year after planting your first seed, you’ll already be able to harvest your peanuts!
Here’s a brief guide on how to grow peanuts in your garden:
- Decide where you want to plant your peanut seeds. Choose a spot that enjoys full sun and has well-draining and loose soil. Sandy loam soil is ideal because it lets roots penetrate deep down to get moisture.
- Prepare your peanut seeds. Soak the seeds in water overnight. This will help in faster germination.
- Plant your seeds. Start planting in the spring when the soil is usually warm and moist. Sow the seeds in neat rows about 2 inches deep and 5 inches apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Water deeply and frequently. Fertilize regularly.
- Check for seedling growth. With proper care, seedlings will start sprouting in about a week. When they grow to about 6 inches tall, carefully loosen the soil around the plants using a trowel. Add some straw or grass clippings to keep weeds at bay. Doing so will also let the pods penetrate easily through the soil.
- Add fertilizer when your peanut plants start to bloom. Doing this will encourage peanut kernel growth.
- Get ready to harvest. Your peanuts may be ready for harvest within 120 to 150 days after planting. Pods don’t mature all at the same time. The idea is to harvest peanuts when most of the pods have already matured. Gently pull up the plant from the ground and shake off the soil around the roots to check. You’ll know that the pods are mature if the hull’s veins are prominent and if the hull’s insides are dark.
- Dry the peanuts. When the peanuts are ready for harvesting, gently pull the plants out and let them sit under the full sun for about 5 days. Ensure the peanuts at the bottom of the plants are still attached and fully exposed to sunlight.
- Store the peanuts. After about a week, the peanuts are ready to be separated from the plants. Store the peanuts in a cool and dry spot. You may also store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
How Long Does It Take for a Peanut Plant To Flower?
A peanut plant usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to flower. The yellow flowers bloom at the bottom part of the plant near the ground. When the flowers begin to wither, the stems will bend downward, bringing the pods along.
The pods will penetrate the soil, self-pollinate, and develop underground. This fruiting period lasts for about 2 months.
Can I Grow Peanut Plants Indoors?
You can grow peanut plants indoors, even if they typically enjoy the sun. The key is to provide the peanut plants with the best possible environment and conditions for growing.
The following discusses the steps for growing peanut plants indoors:
Choose the Right Containers for Your Peanut Plants
Remember that peanut pods grow under the soil, about 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm) deep. The roots also need ample room to grow.
Go for pots that are about 12 to 24 inches (30.48 to 60.96 cm) deep. It’ll promote better root growth and a more abundant harvest from your plants. Also, ensure the pots have drainage holes. Peanut plants won’t sit in wet soil well.
Prepare a Potting Mix Packed With Organic Nutrients
Your soil should be loose and well-draining. Consider soil amendments like orchid bark, pumice, perlite, coco husks, and horticultural charcoal. The soil should also be packed with organic nutrients. Consider adding worm castings, seaweed fertilizer, or Osmocote into your potting mix.
Choose the Right Location To Grow Your Peanut Plants
Peanut plants are sun-loving plants. So while you can plant them indoors, you want to make sure that they still receive enough sunlight. That said, pick a sunny spot indoors for your peanut plants—the more sun, the better!
Stay away from drafts. Peanut plants are sensitive to drafts and won’t do well when placed near them.
Start Planting and Earthing
Sow the seeds about 2 inches (5.08 cm) deep. Depending on the pot size, you may plant 2 to 3 seeds in a pot. Cover the seeds thinly with soil. Water the seeds deeply and ensure the soil is always moist, not wet. Doing this will encourage faster germination.
Also, you’ll want to do some earthing when growing your peanut plants. Earthing is a term used when more soil is added around the bottom of a plant. You need to do this as your peanut seeds grow into seedlings to help them produce more peanuts.
Check for Signs of Flowering
Your peanut plants will start blooming with yellow flowers after about 40 days. When the flowers wilt, you will notice the pegs forming and eventually bending down toward the soil. If you want to see what a peanut flower looks like, watch the YouTube video below:
Get Ready for Harvesting
When your peanut plants’ leaves begin turning yellow, don’t panic. It just means that they might be ready for harvest! When this happens, start Digging.
Gently pull out your peanut plants from the soil. Shake off the dirt stuck to your plant, especially those around the roots. Check if the hulls’ veins are prominent and if the hulls’ insides have turned dark.
If so, leave your plants to dry under the sun. Make sure that the peanuts (still attached to the plants) soak in lots of sunshine. After about a week, your peanuts are ready to harvest.
How Many Peanuts Can I Get From One Peanut Plant?
You can get about 25 to 50 peanuts from one peanut plant. Each peanut pod can grow 2 to 3 peanuts. Provided that your peanut plant has been growing under the right conditions and proper care, you can have a thriving peanut plant!
Final Thoughts
Peanut plants are easy to care for. They can grow indoors and outdoors. Growing them can even be a fun learning activity for kids. Just give the plants lots of sunlight, enough water, and adequate fertilization, and you can be sure to enjoy your own stash of peanuts in just a few months!
Happy planting!
