Time to Grow Peanuts!

It’s that time again to grow peanuts because these legumes love the summer heat and promise that coveted bounty for fall football games. Yes, I’m talking boiled peanuts. But before the boiling begins, you have weeks of beautiful blossoms to behold. Gorgeous and delicate, these sweet yellow beauties are the sign of good things to come.

The key to growing peanuts is well-tilled soil. As these plants grow, they drop pegs, spindly “legs” into the ground, whereby the peanuts take root. Peanuts are like potatoes and grow beneath the plant. If the soil is too compacted, they will not produce as well. We “hill” the soil around our peanuts similar to what we do for our potatoes.

Peanuts are pretty low maintenance and practically pest resistant. So long as you keep them warm, tucked away in well-drained soil, they will treat you right. Mulch around the base if you’re having trouble with weeds.

Boiled Peanuts

If you’ve never grown peanuts for yourself, you should. Kids love peanut butter and it’s a recipe they’ll enjoy making at home. Adults might appreciate the boiled or roasted version, as they mesh quite well with a frosty mug of sudsy beer. When planting your peanuts, be sure to include rich organic compost and/or composted manure. And throw in a hand-full of crushed eggshells. These nuts really like the calcium kick! These are Valencia peanuts which grow well here in Florida and are perfect for boiling.

How-To Grow Peanuts

About two months after bloom, lightly dig down around one of your plants to check their progress–you can use a fork to lift the pegs from the dirt. A ripe peanut will feel firm, its outer shell somewhat dry and “papery.” Once ready, gently pull entire plant from the soil, shake off the excess dirt and lay on a screen in the sun for 2-3 days before shelling. to cure. This is for the purpose of longer storage. If you’re boiling your peanuts, you want them green. Do not attempt to boil roasted peanuts. They’ve already been cooked!

Recipe

If you do plan to store your freshly harvested peanuts, place them in a warm dry location for about 2-3 weeks. If you’re peanuts have already dried out and you get a craving for boiled peanuts, you’re in luck! By soaking dried nuts for 24 hours you can “re-hydrate” them prior to the boiling process. Check my Southern Boiled Peanuts recipe for details.

Visit my How-to Grow Peanuts section for more complete details.