Peanut
Arachis hypogaea
Also known as
Monkey Nut, Ground Nut, Ground-Nut, Mani, Goober, Earthnut, Monkeynut, Underground Bean, Earth Almond
Peanut 9417 by Pollinator (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H5
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
30cm | Max | 50cm |
20cm | Min | 40cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
Peanut Overview
The species Arachis hypogaea is more well known by the names Peanut or Monkey Nut, after the food produced from this annual plant. It is a herbaceous plant from the Fabaceae family, that originates from Central Brazil. It is a perennial plant which is often grown as an annual, it is grown commercially in tropical and subtropical regions. The Peanut is not actually a nut, but a seed! Considered a nutritious snack around the world, this plant is considered both a grain legume and an oil crop due to its high oil content. This plant is very unusual among crops as the peanut pods develop under the ground. As part of the Fabaceae family, it is termed a legume. This refers to its capacity to fix nitrogen. Meaning peanuts require less nitrogen-containing fertilizer and can help improve soil fertility, making them valuable in crop rotations.
Common problems with Peanut
Peanuts can be afflicted by bacterial and fungal diseases, as well as parasites and viruses. Nematodes and Rootworms may also be problematic.
Peanut Companion Plants
The nitrogen fixing properties will benefit most plants that are growing next to peanuts.
How to harvest Peanut
Harvest is usually 90 to 130 days after planting for subspecies A. h. fastigiata types, and 120 to 150 days after planting for subspecies A. h. hypogaea types. For harvesting, the entire plant, including most of the roots, is removed from the soil.
How to propagate Peanut
Seed
Pre-soak raw, unbroken red-skinned peanuts in warm water. Sow mid-Spring. Germination within 2 weeks.
Special features of Peanut
Crop rotation
Peanuts, like other legumes, contain bacteria in their roots that improve soil fertility; a nitrogen-fixing plant.
Other uses of Peanut
Medicinal
Peanuts are good antioxidants. The oil is used as basis for medicines, creams, and insect control. Omgega 6 in peanuts acts against cholesterol, blood clots and inflammation.
Edible
Peanuts raw or roasted, flour, oil. The concentrated protein content of the fruit and oil is a excellent source of nutrients. High in unsaturated fat. A staple in many countries.