If you’re gardening in zone 7 and want to try something fun, knowing when to plant peanuts is your first step to success. This unique crop needs warmth and a long growing season, but with the right timing, you can harvest your own homegrown peanuts.
Peanuts are a rewarding garden project. They fix their own nitrogen in the soil and have a fascinating growth cycle where the pegs dive into the ground to form the nuts. Getting the date right is the most important factor for a good yield.
When to Plant Peanuts in Zone 7 – Optimal Timing for Planting
The optimal time to plant peanuts in zone 7 is from late April to mid-May. You must wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up consistently. Planting too early into cold, wet soil is a common mistake that leads to poor germination and rotted seeds.
Here’s a simple way to remember: plant peanuts around the same time you would plant okra or southern peas. A good rule of thumb is to wait until soil temperatures at a 4-inch depth reach at least 65°F (18°C) for several consecutive days. You can use a simple soil thermometer to check this. If you don’t have one, a local sign is when oak leaves are about the size of a squirrel’s ear.
Understanding Your Zone 7 Growing Season
Zone 7 has a relatively long growing season, with average last frost dates in early to mid-April and first frost dates in mid to late October. This gives you about 180-210 frost-free days. Peanuts need 100 to 130 days of warm weather to mature, depending on the variety you choose.
This means your planting window is fairly generous, but aiming for that late spring period is best. It gives the plants maximum time to grow during the hottest months. Planting too late, like in early June, risks the crop not maturing fully before the first fall frost arrives.
Choosing the Right Peanut Variety for Zone 7
Not all peanuts are the same. Selecting a variety that fits zone 7’s season length is crucial. There are four main types, but two are best for home gardeners in this climate.
- Virginia Types: These have large seeds and require a longer season (130+ days). They can be grown in zone 7 if planted early, but are a bit more of a challenge.
- Runner Types: These are very reliable and mature in about 130 days. They have uniform, medium-sized nuts and are excellent for roasting.
- Spanish Types: This is often the best choice for zone 7. They have smaller kernels but mature faster, in 100-120 days. They’re great for peanut butter and candy.
- Valencia Types: These are the fastest maturing, often ready in 90-110 days. They are sweet, usually have three or more kernels per shell, and are perfect for boiling.
For most gardeners, starting with a Spanish or Valencia type is a smart move. They offer a bigger margin for error with timing and weather.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once your calendar and soil temperature say “go,” follow these steps for planting.
- Prepare the Soil: Peanuts need loose, well-drained soil. Sandy loam is ideal. Work the soil deeply and remove any rocks or clumps. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-6.5). Add compost or well-rotted manure, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
- Select Your Seeds: Always use raw, uncooked peanuts meant for planting. You can find these at garden centers or online. Peanuts from the grocery store are often treated or roasted and will not sprout.
- Planting Depth and Spacing: Shell the peanuts carefully, leaving the brown skin on the kernel. Plant them 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Space the seeds 6 to 8 inches apart in the row. If you are planting multiple rows, space the rows about 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for “pegging” – when the stems bend down to enter the soil.
- Watering In: Water the bed gently but thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until you see seedlings emerge, which usually takes 7 to 14 days.
Caring for Your Peanut Plants
After germination, your peanuts need consistent care. They are drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture is key during flowering and pegging.
- Watering: Provide about 1 inch of water per week. The critical period is from flowering through pegging. Avoid overhead watering later in the season to prevent fungal diseases on the leaves.
- Weeding: Keep the area around young plants weed-free. Once they start to spread, their dense foliage will shade out many weeds. Be very careful when weeding not to disturb the shallow roots or the pegs.
- Hilling: Similar to potatoes, you can gently hill loose soil around the base of the plants when they start to flower. This makes it easier for the pegs to penetrate the soil and form peanuts.
- No Extra Nitrogen: Remember, peanuts create their own. Adding nitrogen fertilizer will result in lots of leafy growth but very few nuts.
Knowing When to Harvest
Harvesting at the right time is as important as planting on time. Your peanuts are ready when the leaves start to turn yellow and the plant looks like it’s slowing down, usually in late September or early October in zone 7.
Don’t wait for a frost. To check, carefully dig up a test plant. The shells should have a veined, mature pattern and feel firm. The kernels inside should nearly fill the shell. If they’re still small and watery, give them another week or two.
- Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the entire plant.
- Lift the plant carefully, shaking off excess soil. The peanuts will be clinging to the roots.
- Shake the whole plant gently and let it dry, with the nuts facing downward, in a warm, airy place for about two weeks. This is the curing process.
- After curing, you can pull the peanuts off the vines. They are now ready for roasting, boiling, or storage.
Common Problems and Solutions in Zone 7
Even with perfect timing, you might face a few issues. Here’s how to handle common ones.
- Cold, Wet Spring: If you’ve planted and a cold snap hits, use a floating row cover to protect young seedlings. If the soil stays soggy, improve drainage with more compost next year.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes dark spots on leaves. It’s common in humid summers. Use a fungicide labeled for peanuts if it appears early, but often it’s fine to just let it be late in the season as plants near harvest.
- Wildlife: Squirrels, chipmunks, and birds may try to dig up your seeds or young nuts. Using row covers or lightweight netting can deter them until the plants are established.
FAQ: Planting Peanuts in Zone 7
Can I start peanuts indoors in zone 7?
Yes, you can start them indoors 2-3 weeks before your last frost date. Use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots at transplanting. Harden them off carefully before moving outside.
What if I miss the spring planting window?
If it’s early June, you can still try a fast-maturing Valencia type. Any later than that, and it’s risky. The plants won’t have enough warm days to produce a meaningfull harvest.
Do peanuts need full sun?
Absolutely. Plant them in the sunniest spot in your garden. They need at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for good pod development.
How do I store my harvested peanuts?
After curing, store raw, in-shell peanuts in a mesh bag in a cool, dry place. For shelled peanuts, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from becoming rancid.
Can I save seeds from this year’s crop for next year?
You can, as long as they are properly cured and stored. Choose the largest, healthiest nuts from your best plants. Remember to keep them raw and unsalted.
Getting the timing right for planting peanuts in zone 7 sets the stage for a unique and satisfying harvest. By waiting for warm soil in late spring, choosing an appropriate variety, and providing simple care, you’ll be rewarded with the fun of digging up your very own peanut crop come fall. There’s nothing quite like the taste of peanuts you grew yourself.