How to Grow Peanuts

Updated June 2026

A warm-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

Peanuts are a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

🌱 Plant profile: Peanuts, with sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.

When to plant

Plant Peanuts in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the peanuts page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Valencia, Sweet, 3-4 seeds per pod, good for boiling (local seed peanuts)
• Virginia / Jumbo, Large pods for roasting (local seed peanuts)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 6 in between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1.5 in deep.
• Water: roughly 1.6 gal per plant every 5 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Caterpillars and Thrips. In humid regions, Leaf spot and Root-knot nematode can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Peanuts are usually ready to harvest in about 4 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant peanuts where you garden.

See also: Peanuts in the plant library →

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