How to Grow Peanuts: Complete Guide & Tips for Hot Climates
Growing peanuts in the garden is rewarding and fun. The first time I realized peanuts grew underground was while volunteering at the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden. Pam Perry pulled up a peanut plant, revealing clusters of peanuts beneath the soil. I was shocked and excited to discover that peanuts thrive in warm (even hot!) climates. Now, I’m always happy when I can find space in my garden to plant this crowd-pleasing crop.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow peanuts successfully, with planting tips, raised bed advice, and special considerations for hot, dry climates like Arizona.
What We Will Cover
How Do Peanuts Grow?
Peanuts are unique legumes. Unlike beans and peas, peanuts flower above ground but form their seeds underground. After flowering, the peanut plant produces a peg—a slender stem that grows downward into the soil. Peanuts develop at the end of these pegs beneath the soil surface.
How to Grow Peanuts: General Growing Information
When to Plant Peanuts
- General Timing: Plant peanuts after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F (18°C).
- Low Desert (Arizona) Planting Dates: Mid-March through April is ideal.
Find more planting dates for Arizona in my Low Desert Planting Guides and Calendars.
Where to Plant Peanuts
Peanuts need full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily). Choose a spot with loose, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. Raised beds are ideal because they provide excellent drainage and loose soil structure for peanuts to form easily underground.
Soil Preparation
Peanuts prefer well-draining, loose soil. Incorporate compost and worm castings into your soil to enhance nutrients and soil structure. You can use my favorite soil mix. Raised beds are particularly beneficial because they allow peanuts to form and mature without soil compaction.
Planting Peanuts
- Plant peanuts 1½–2 inches (4–5 cm) deep.
- Space seeds 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart in rows about 24–36 inches (61–91 cm) apart.
- Square Foot Gardening Spacing: Plant 1-4 peanut plants per square foot.
Remove peanuts gently from their shells before planting, taking care not to damage the seeds to ensure the best germination.
Extra Tips for Growing Peanuts in Hot, Dry Climates
- Mulching is Essential: Apply a light layer of straw or organic mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and minimize weed growth. Avoid heavy mulching directly beneath the plant to ensure peanut pegs can easily reach the soil.
- Water Wisely: Peanuts require consistent moisture but don’t like waterlogged conditions. Use drip irrigation or ollas to provide steady moisture at the root zone.
- Shade Cloth: Consider using shade cloth during extreme heat waves to prevent plants from getting stressed.
Apply mulch lightly around peanut plants to conserve moisture, but avoid piling it too deeply under the plants so the peanut pegs can easily reach the soil.
Growing Peanuts in Raised Beds
- Ensure your raised beds are at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep to give peanuts adequate room to grow.
- Keep soil loose and avoid stepping on it to prevent compaction.
- Raised beds make harvesting peanuts easier and protect them from pests like gophers and moles.
Consistent moisture is crucial, especially when peanuts are flowering and pegs are developing. Drip irrigation or oyas help deliver water right where the plants need it most.
When to Harvest Peanuts
Peanuts generally take about 120–150 days from planting to harvest. In Arizona, peanuts planted in March or April are typically ready by late summer or early fall. Peanuts are ready to harvest when the leaves begin to yellow, usually around 4–5 months after planting.
To harvest, loosen the soil around the plant carefully and lift it out, shaking off excess dirt. Allow peanuts to dry on the plant for 2–3 weeks in a dry, shaded area.
Wait! Don’t remove the peanuts from the plant after harvesting. Let them stay attached until fully dry (2-3 weeks). This improves flavor and extends storage life.
FAQ: How to Grow Peanuts
Yes, peanuts can be grown in large containers or grow bags that are at least 18 inches (46 cm) deep.
Typically 120 – 150 days
Loose, sandy loam soil enriched with compost is ideal.
Yes, at least 6–8 hours per day.
Yes, as long as they are raw and not roasted or salted.
Each plant can yield between 25–50 peanuts, depending on growing conditions.
After the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 65°F (18°C). Mid-March through April for Arizona gardeners.
Harvest when leaves turn yellow and begin to wither.
Not effectively; they require direct sun and space for the pegs to bury underground.
Peanuts need consistent moisture but not overly wet conditions. Aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly, more in extreme heat.
Yes, remove the shell carefully without damaging the seeds before planting to improve germination rates.
Enjoy growing this fascinating and delicious crop in your garden!
If this post was helpful, please share it.
There are many varieties of peanuts, which would grow best in the Phoenix area? I cant wait to have a go at it. Thanks
In the Phoenix area, look for peanut varieties with a shorter “days to harvest” time so they can mature before our summer heat or fall cool-down. Spanish and Valencia types often do well here because they mature faster than Virginia or Runner types.
Hi, Angela! Where do you find your peanut seeds? (I’m also in the Valley.) Is there are variety that you’ve found that grows best, here? Thanks!
In the Valley look for peanut varieties with a shorter “days to harvest” time so they can mature before our summer heat or fall cool-down. Spanish and Valencia types often do well here because they mature faster than Virginia or Runner types.
I just dug up my plants and found a few peanuts have started to sprout. It’s fall now so I assume they aren’t going to make it. Toss them?
What should I do differently next time?
Sounds like they need more time. If you can leave them in longer then they may do better. If you are freezing soon, it may not work. Plant earlier in the season if possible next time.