The cultivation of peanuts: Everything you need to know about the crop

Peanuts are one of the world’s most popular and versatile crops. They can be found in snacks, nut butters, oils and many other foods. But how do peanuts actually grow and what conditions are necessary for a successful harvest? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about growing peanuts – from the climatic requirements to the soil and the various growth phases of this fascinating crop.

Origin and distribution of the peanut

The peanut (Arachis hypogaea) has its origins in South America, where it was cultivated over 3,500 years ago. Today, the largest peanut producers are the USA, China, India and African countries such as Nigeria and Sudan. Thanks to its adaptability and high nutritional value, the peanut has become an important crop worldwide.

Although it is often referred to as a nut, the peanut belongs botanically to the legume family, just like beans and lentils. However, it grows in an unusual way that differs from most other plants.

Climatic requirements: Where do peanuts grow best?

Peanuts love warm temperatures and thrive best in tropical and subtropical climates. Ideally, they require temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius during their growth cycle. They do not tolerate frost, which is why cultivation in temperate climates is only possible in the warmer summer months.

Rainfall is another important factor for peanut cultivation. The plants usually need 500 to 1,000 millimeters of rain during the growing season. In dry areas, it is therefore necessary to irrigate to ensure an even supply of water. However, too much moisture, especially during the flowering period, can lead to fungal diseases and affect the harvest.

The right soil for peanuts

Peanuts prefer light, sandy soils that are well-drained. The soil should have a neutral to slightly acidic pH value between 5.5 and 7.0. Heavy, clayey soils are unsuitable as they can hinder the development of the peanut tubers underground. As peanuts are nitrogen-fixing plants, they also have lower requirements for the nitrogen content of the soil.

A good soil structure not only ensures optimum nutrient absorption, but also makes harvesting easier, as the peanuts grow underground. Before sowing, the soil should be thoroughly prepared and loosened to allow the roots to penetrate deeply.

Peanuts are grown from seeds (the actual peanuts), which are planted directly into the ground. Before sowing, the seeds should not be shelled, but cleaned well. It is advisable to treat the seeds with a suitable fungicide to protect them from diseases.

The best time for sowing is spring, when the soil temperature is constantly above 18 degrees Celsius. The seeds are planted about 3 to 5 centimetres deep in the soil. The row spacing should be at least 45 centimetres to provide enough space for the plants to grow.

Growth phases of the peanut plant

The peanut plant has an interesting growth process that takes place in several phases:

1. Germination and early growth: After sowing, the seeds germinate within 5 to 10 days. A green plant with upright stems and feathery leaves emerges. In the first few weeks, the plant grows mainly above the ground.
2. Flowering phase: The plant begins to flower around 30 to 40 days after germination. The yellow flowers appear above the soil, but pollination takes place within the flowers themselves. After flowering, the remarkable thing happens: the flower stalks grow into the soil.
3. Development of peanuts underground: After fertilization, the flower stalks sink into the ground where they form the fruit – the actual peanut. This process is called geocarpy, which means that the fruit grows underground.
4. Ripening: Peanuts take around 120 to 150 days to fully ripen. During this time, the fruit shells develop and the nuts inside fill up with nutrients. As soon as the leaves of the plant begin to wither and turn yellow, it is harvest time.

The harvest: when and how peanuts are harvested

Harvest time usually begins in late fall, around four to six months after sowing. To harvest the peanuts, the entire plant is pulled out of the ground. The special thing about harvesting peanuts is that they are dried with the roots facing upwards. The plants are laid out in the sun so that the nuts dry out and can be separated from the plants more easily after a while.

Modern farmers use special machines that gently pull the peanuts out of the ground and remove the soil at the same time. After harvesting, the nuts are dried and, if necessary, further processed before they are sold.

Challenges and pests in peanut cultivation

As with many crops, there are also some challenges when growing peanuts. Pests and diseases such as the leaf spot fungus or the peanut root knot nematode can significantly reduce yields. Targeted pest management and the use of resistant varieties can help to minimize these risks.

Farmers should also ensure that the plants are not over-watered, as waterlogging can lead to root rot. The right balance between water, nutrients and a well-drained soil structure is crucial for a healthy harvest.

Sustainable cultivation: the future of peanuts

The sustainable cultivation of peanuts is becoming increasingly important, particularly with regard to water consumption and the preservation of soil fertility. Initiatives to introduce efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, as well as crop rotation with other crops, are helping to make peanut cultivation more resource-efficient.

Peanuts are not only a valuable source of food, but also an ecologically valuable product, as they enrich the soil with nitrogen and thus contribute to soil health.

Conclusion: Peanuts – a versatile crop with potential

Growing peanuts is a fascinating process that fulfills many climatic and agricultural requirements. From proper soil preparation to exceptional growing practices and harvesting, peanuts offer a multitude of benefits. With the growing demand for healthy and sustainable food, the cultivation of peanuts will remain an important part of global agriculture in the future.

Whether for home cultivation or large-scale farming, peanuts are an enriching and demanding crop with many positive characteristics for both producers and consumers.