If you’re a gardener in Georgia, figuring out when to plant peanuts is the first step to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right for when to plant peanuts in Georgia makes all the difference for a healthy crop.
Peanuts are a warm-season legume that love Georgia’s long summers. They need plenty of heat and a specific growing window to develop those tasty pods underground. Planting too early risks cold soil, while planting to late means they won’t mature before fall. Let’s break down the optimal schedule so you can get your peanuts off to a perfect start.
When to Plant Peanuts in Georgia
For most of Georgia, the ideal peanut planting window opens in late April and runs through late May. The single most important factor is soil temperature. You need to wait until the soil is consistently warm.
Here’s the golden rule: Plant your peanuts when the soil temperature at a 4-inch depth reaches at least 65°F (18°C) for three consecutive days. 70°F (21°C) is even better for strong germination. A simple soil thermometer is your best friend here.
Weather patterns vary across the state, so use these regional guides:
- South Georgia (Below the Fall Line): You can often start as early as April 15th. The coastal plains heat up quickly.
- Central and North Georgia: Aim for late April to mid-May. Wait until the danger of a late frost has completely passed.
- Mountain Regions: Planting in early to mid-May is safest to avoid any chilly spring nights.
Always check the 10-day forecast before planting. A cold, rainy snap after planting can cause seeds to rot.
Why Timing is So Critical for Peanuts
Peanuts have a unique growth cycle called “pegging.” After the yellow flowers are pollinated, a stem (called a peg) grows down and pushes into the soil. The peanut pod then forms underground. This whole process requires warm soil and a long, frost-free growing period of about 110 to 150 days, depending on the variety.
If you plant to early in cold soil, seeds will germinate poorly or not at all. Seedlings that do emerge will be stunted and vulnerable to disease. If you plant to late, the pods won’t have enough time to fully develop before cooler autumn weather arrives, resulting in small or empty shells.
Choosing the Right Peanut Variety for Georgia
Selecting a variety suited to our climate and your garden size is key. Runner-type peanuts are common for commercial production, but gardeners have great options.
- Virginia Type: Large pods and seeds. Great for boiling or roasting. They need more space and a longer season (130-150 days). Try ‘Georgia Red’ or ‘Virginia Jumbo.’
- Runner Type: Medium-sized, uniform nuts. Excellent for making peanut butter. They mature in about 130-140 days. ‘Georgia Green’ is a reliable runner.
- Spanish Type: Smaller nuts with a higher oil content. They mature faster (110-120 days), making them a good choice for areas with a slightly shorter season or for succession planting. ‘Georgia-045’ is a strong Spanish variety.
- Valencia Type: Typically have three or more small kernels per pod. Very sweet, perfect for fresh boiling. They mature quickly (around 110 days).
Step-by-Step: Preparing and Planting Your Peanuts
1. Site and Soil Preparation
Peanuts need full sun—at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer loose, well-drained, sandy loam soil. Heavy clay soil can hinder pegging and make harvesting difficult.
- Test your soil pH. Peanuts thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.8 to 6.5.
- Work in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure. Avoid fresh nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as peanuts produce their own nitrogen.
- Remove all weeds and debris. Peanuts are not strong competitors against weeds when they’re young.
2. How to Plant Peanut Seeds
You plant raw, uncooked, in-shell peanuts or shelled kernels bought specifically for planting. Do not use grocery store nuts, as they may be treated or not viable.
- Shell the peanuts carefully just before planting to avoid drying out the inner seed coat.
- Plant kernels 1.5 to 2 inches deep.
- Space seeds 6 to 8 inches apart within the row.
- Space rows about 24 to 36 inches apart to give plants room to spread and for easy hilling later.
3. Early Care and Maintenance
Water the seeds in well after planting. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge, which usually takes 7 to 14 days. Once established, peanuts are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from consistent moisture during flowering and pegging.
Start gentle cultivation early to control weeds. Be careful not to disturb the shallow roots. Adding a thin layer of mulch can help with weed control and moisture retention once the plants are a few inches tall.
The Growing Season: Key Tasks
About 30-40 days after planting, your peanuts will begin to flower. This is a exciting sign! After the flowers fade, the pegs will form and head into the soil.
When pegging starts, gently hill loose soil around the base of each plant, similar to how you would with potatoes. This gives the pegs easy access to the soil where they can form pods. You can also add a light layer of straw or mulch around plants at this stage.
Peanuts generally don’t need extra fertilizer, especially nitrogen. Too much can result in lush foliage but few nuts. If your soil is poor, a side dressing of a low-nitrogen, calcium-rich fertilizer at pegging can support pod development.
Knowing When to Harvest
Harvest time in Georgia is typically from late August through September, before the first fall frost. The leaves will start to turn yellow, signaling maturity.
To check, pull up a test plant. The pods should have a well-veined, mature pattern on the inside of the shell, and the kernels should fill the pods. If they’re ready, use a garden fork to gently lift the entire plant, shaking off excess soil. Let the plants with pods attached dry in the sun for 4-7 days, then bring them to a dry, airy place to cure for several weeks.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Poor Germination: Usually caused by planting in cold, wet soil or using old/non-viable seeds. Always check soil temp first.
- Leaf Spot Diseases: Fungal issues can arise in humid weather. Use resistant varieties, ensure good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Wildlife: Squirrels, chipmunks, and birds may dig up seeds or young plants. Use row covers or netting for protection early on.
FAQ: Planting Peanuts in Georgia
Can I plant peanuts from the grocery store?
It’s not recommended. Many are roasted or treated for human consumption and will not sprout. Always buy certified raw peanut seeds from a garden supplier.
What is the latest date to plant peanuts in Georgia?
For most varieties, aim to have your peanuts in the ground by mid-June at the absolute latest. Later planting greatly increases the risk of frost damaging the crop before maturity.
How long do peanuts take to grow?
Most peanut varieties need between 110 and 150 frost-free days from planting to harvest. Check the seed packet for your specific variety’s “days to maturity.”
Do peanuts need a lot of water?
They need consistent moisture, especially during germination, flowering, and pegging. About 1 inch of water per week is sufficient. They can tolerate dry periods better than many garden plants.
Can I grow peanuts in a container?
Yes, choose a large container (at least 12-18 inches deep and wide) with excellent drainage. Use a light potting mix and a bush-type variety. The process is the same, but container plants may need water more frequently.
Following this spring planting schedule gives your peanuts the best foundation. By paying close attention to soil temperature and choosing the right variety, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding homegrown peanut harvest. There’s nothing quite like the taste of peanuts you grew yourself.