When To Plant Peanuts In Florida

If you’re a Florida gardener looking to grow something unique, knowing when to plant peanuts in Florida is your first step to success. This guide covers the optimal planting seasons and tips for a great harvest.

Peanuts are a fun and rewarding crop for home gardens. They enrich the soil with nitrogen and produce a tasty yield. Florida’s long, warm growing season is perfect for them. But timing is everything to avoid frost and ensure a good crop.

The best time to plant peanuts in Florida depends heavily on your region. The state is divided into three main climate zones: North, Central, and South Florida. Each has its own ideal planting window.

North Florida Planting Dates

North Florida experiences cooler winters and a shorter frost-free period. You must wait until the soil is thoroughly warm.

Optimal Window: Late April through mid-May.
Key Factor: Soil temperature must be consistently above 65°F (18°C). Planting too early in cold, wet soil will cause seeds to rot.
Goal: This timing allows peanuts to mature fully before the first fall frost, which can occur as early as November.

Central Florida Planting Dates

Central Florida has a longer, milder season. This gives you a bit more flexibility.

Optimal Window: Early April to late May.
Key Factor: The danger of frost is minimal by early April. Warm soil temperatures are achieved sooner here.
Goal: Planting by late May ensures the crop matures in the warm summer and early fall months it loves.

South Florida Planting Dates

South Florida’s tropical climate offers the longest growing season. You can even plant two successive crops in one year.

Primary Window: March through April.
Secondary Window: For a second crop, plant again in late summer, around early August.
Key Factor: Avoid the peak summer rainy season (June-July) for planting, as excessive moisture can harm germination.

Critical Soil Temperature

No matter your zone, a soil thermometer is your best friend. Peanut seeds will not germinate reliably in cool soil. Wait until the soil at planting depth (1.5-2 inches) holds at 65-70°F for several days. A good rule of thumb is to plant about 2-3 weeks after your last average spring frost date.

Choosing the Right Peanut Variety

Selecting a variety suited to Florida’s climate and your garden size is crucial. Runner-type peanuts are common for commercial production, but for home gardens, consider these:

Virginia Types: Produce large seeds and are excellent for roasting. They need a longer season (130+ days). Best for North and Central Florida with early planting.
Spanish Types: Have smaller kernels and mature faster (about 120 days). They’re a reliable choice for all regions, especially if you’re planting a bit late.
Valencia Types: Typically have three or more kernels per pod and are very sweet. They mature quickly (90-110 days). Perfect for shorter seasons or South Florida’s double cropping.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to plant your peanuts correctly.

1. Site Selection and Soil Prep

Peanuts need full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily. They prefer loose, well-draining sandy loam soil, which is common in Florida. Heavy clay soil needs amending.

Test your soil pH. Peanuts prefer a pH of 5.8 to 6.2.
Work in several inches of compost or aged manure to improve texture and fertility. Avoid fresh nitrogen fertilizers, as peanuts fix their own.

2. Planting the Seeds

Use raw, uncooked peanuts meant for planting, which you can find at garden centers or online. Do not use grocery store nuts, as they may be treated or not viable.

Shell the peanuts carefully, leaving the brown skin on the kernel intact.
Plant kernels 1.5 to 2 inches deep.
Space them 6 to 8 inches apart in the row.
Space rows about 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for “pegging” (when the stems bend to bury the pods).

3. Watering and Care

Consistent moisture is key, especially during germination and pod development.

Water deeply right after planting.
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge.
Once established, water about 1 inch per week. Reduce watering as pods near maturity to prevent mold.
A light layer of straw mulch helps retain moisture and keeps the soil surface soft for pegging.

4. The Unique “Pegging” Stage

This is the fascinating part of peanut growth. After the yellow flowers are pollinated, the flower stalk (called a peg) elongates and grows downward, pushing the young pod into the soil. The peanut pod then matures underground. Ensure the soil is loose and mounded around the plants to facilitate this process.

Common Pests and Problems

Florida gardens come with some specific challenges.

Leaf Spots: Fungal diseases that cause dark spots on leaves. Use resistant varieties, rotate crops, and ensure good air circulation.
Root-Knot Nematodes: Microscopic worms that attack roots. They are a common issue in sandy Florida soils. Solarizing your soil before planting can help reduce their numbers.
Animals: Squirrels, raccoons, and birds may dig up seeds or young pods. Use floating row covers or netting as a deterrent.
Calcium Deficiency: Crucial for pod development. If your soil test shows low calcium, add gypsum at planting time according to package directions.

Harvesting and Curing Your Peanuts

Knowing when to harvest is as important as knowing when to plant. Most varieties take 120-140 days from planting.

Check for Maturity: Dig up a few test pods. The shells should have a veined, netted pattern inside, and the kernels should nearly fill the pod.
Harvest: When most pods are mature, use a garden fork to gently lift the entire plant. Shake off excess soil.
Curing: Hang the plants with pods attached in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place (like a shed or garage) for 2-4 weeks. This reduces moisture and improves flavor.
Storage: After curing, remove pods from vines. Store raw, in-shell peanuts in a breathable bag in a cool, dry place. They can last for several months.

FAQ: Planting Peanuts in Florida

Can I plant peanuts from the grocery store?

It’s not recommended. Many commercial peanuts are roasted, treated for storage, or may be hybrid varieties unsuited for growing. Always buy certified planting seed from a reputable source for best results.

How long do peanuts take to grow?

Depending on the variety, peanuts need 90 to 140 frost-free days to reach maturity. Always check the “days to maturity” on your seed packet and count back from your first expected fall frost.

What is the latest I can plant peanuts in Florida?

For a single crop, aim to plant by late June in North Florida, mid-July in Central Florida, and early August in South Florida. Later planting risks the crop being caught by cool fall weather or frost, which can affect pod filling.

Do peanuts need fertilizer?

They need minimal nitrogen. A soil test is best. Generally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer at planting, or one formulated for legumes, is sufficient. Too much nitrogen will produce leafy plants with few pods.

Can I grow peanuts in a container?

Yes, choose a compact Spanish or Valencia variety. Use a deep pot (at least 12-18 inches deep and wide) with excellent drainage. The process is the same, but container plants may need more frequent watering.

Growing peanuts in Florida is a satisfying project that connects you to the state’s agricultural heritage. By following the regional planting guidelines, preparing your soil well, and understanding the plant’s unique growth habit, you’ll be on your way to a succesful harvest of homegrown peanuts. Remember, patience is key from planting through the curing process.