How to grow peanuts in a raised bed

Peanuts are a fascinating crop to grow — after flowering, the plant pushes its developing pods down into the soil to ripen. A raised bed's loose, warm mix makes for an easy dig and a fun harvest.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, loves heat
• Spacing: 20–30 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth, loose
• Time to harvest: 4–5 months

When should I plant peanuts?

Peanuts are frost-tender and need a long, warm season — sow raw peanuts (in the shell or as kernels) in spring once the soil is warm. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): October to December
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): October to November
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): Not really suited to this zone
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): October to January
• Arid inland: October to November

How do I grow peanuts in a raised bed?

Sow into loose, sandy, free-draining mix. After the yellow flowers fade, the stalks bend down and bury themselves — that's where the peanuts form, so keep the surface loose and don't disturb them.

How often should I water and feed peanuts?

Water regularly while flowering and pegging down, then ease off as harvest nears.

What pests attack peanuts?

Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect peanuts?

The main ones are leaf spot. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with peanuts?

A nitrogen-fixing legume; give it a loose, sunny bed of its own. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest peanuts?

Harvest when the leaves yellow in autumn — lift the whole plant and you'll find the pods on the roots. Cure them in an airy spot before roasting.

More growing guides: beans, sweet potato and edamame.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Alabama Extension (ACES | Bruce Dupree), CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.