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 to plant: 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 planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing it 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.
Watering and feeding: Water regularly while flowering and pegging down, then ease off as harvest nears.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.
Common diseases: the main ones are leaf spot. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.
Companion plants: A nitrogen-fixing legume; give it a loose, sunny bed of its own. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: 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 planting 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: Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 us, via Wikimedia Commons.
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