How to Grow Peanuts: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Bountiful Harvest

by BLeaves Farms ·

Did you know peanuts aren’t actually nuts? They’re legumes, related to beans and peas, and they grow underground, making them an incredibly unique crop. If you live in a hot climate like Arizona, peanuts are a super fun, rewarding, and heat-tolerant plant that thrives in well-drained, sandy soil. Even better, they improve your soil’s fertility by fixing nitrogen, meaning they help other plants grow better, too!

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing peanuts, from choosing the right variety to harvesting and using your homegrown peanuts in delicious recipes. Plus, I’ll share affiliate links to make growing and processing peanuts easier and more successful! With each purchase, you support BLeaves Farms at no extra cost to you.

Why You Should Grow Peanuts

Peanuts are one of the best crops for home gardeners in hot climates because they:

Thrive in warm and even hot weather (perfect for long, hot summers where nothing else wants to grow)
Improve soil fertility (great companion crop!)
Require very little maintenance once established
Produce high-protein, long-storing food for homesteaders
Can be made into peanut butter, roasted snacks, or even peanut oil
They are a pretty plant and really fun to watch grow! It’s like a treasure hunt pulling up peanuts, similar to potatoes, and after you grow them once, they’ll often grow themselves in future gardening seasons!

If you’ve never grown peanuts before, this is your step-by-step guide to getting started!

Step 1: Choosing the Right Peanut Variety

Not all peanuts are the same! The best variety depends on how you want to use them and your climate.

Best Peanut Varieties for Hot Climates

Valencia Peanuts: Sweet, easy to grow, and great for roasting or boiling. Ideal for backyard growers in warm regions.
Spanish Peanuts: Small and rich in oil, perfect for making peanut butter.
Virginia Peanuts: Large pods, crunchy texture, best for roasting.
Runner Peanuts: Most commonly used for commercial peanut butter.

Pro Tip: If you live in a region with mild winters and a long growing season (120+ days of heat), peanuts will thrive in your garden! If your summers are shorter, opt for early-maturing peanut varieties.

Step 2: Preparing the Soil

Peanuts need loose, well-draining soil to develop properly. Since they grow underground, they need soft soil to allow pods to expand.

How to Prepare Your Soil for Peanuts:

Loosen the soil at least 12 inches deep to allow for root and pod development.
Mix in organic compost to improve aeration.
If your soil is heavy clay, consider growing in raised beds or containers for better drainage.

Affiliate Pick: Raised Garden Beds for Loose Soil
Affiliate Pick: Organic Compost to Enrich Soil

Step 3: Planting Peanuts

When to Plant: Peanuts love heat, so plant them after the last frost when soil temperatures are above 70°F. In warm climates like Arizona, planting in spring works best. They’re one of the few plants we grow that continue to thrive in the summer without any special care or protection.

How to Plant Peanuts:

Use raw, unroasted peanuts with the shells removed.
Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, in rows 2 feet apart.
Water thoroughly after planting to encourage germination.

Affiliate Pick: Peanut Seeds

Step 4: Watering & Feeding Peanuts

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist during germination and early growth.
Once plants begin to flower, reduce watering slightly.
Peanuts benefit from calcium and phosphorus to improve pod formation.

Affiliate Pick: Calcium & Phosphorus Fertilizer for Peanuts

Step 5: Harvesting Peanuts

When Are Peanuts Ready to Harvest?
Peanuts take about 90-150 days to mature. They’re ready when:

The plant’s leaves turn yellow.
You gently pull up a plant and see full-sized pods underground.
The inside of the peanut shell has a darkened, mature seed coat (if it’s white, they need more time).

How to Harvest Peanuts:

Gently dig up the entire plant and shake off excess soil.
Hang the plant upside down in a warm, dry place for 2-3 weeks to cure or place in a drying rack for nuts.
Once dry, remove the peanuts and store in an airtight container.

Affiliate Pick: Mesh Drying Racks for Nuts & Herbs

What to Do With Peanuts After Harvesting

Once you’ve harvested your peanuts, there are tons of delicious ways to enjoy them!

Roasting Peanuts:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spread peanuts on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
Cool and enjoy!

Boiling Peanuts:

Soak raw peanuts overnight.
Boil in salted water for 3-4 hours until soft.

Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups roasted peanuts
1-2 tbsp peanut oil or coconut oil
1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
½ tsp salt

Instructions:

Roast peanuts at 350°F for 10 minutes for extra flavor.
Blend in a food processor until smooth.
Add oil, sweetener, and salt. Blend again.
Store in an airtight jar.

Affiliate Pick: Check out this amazing Peanut Butter Maker!

Final Thoughts: Peanuts Are the Perfect Homestead Crop

Growing peanuts is easy, rewarding, and perfect for hot climates. Whether you’re looking for a fun garden project, a sustainable food source, or a way to naturally improve soil health, peanuts are an excellent choice! A review of what makes them a great crop:

Low-maintenance & drought-tolerant
High-protein, long-storing food
Improves soil & companion plants

Have you ever grown peanuts before or do you plan to? Drop a comment at our BLeaves Farms Instagram or Facebook page with your experience!