Do you love peanuts? How do they grow? It’s a process that is both fun and educational to learn about. In this blog post, we will take a look at how peanuts grow and how the process works. You will be surprised at how much goes into growing this delicious snack!
What Are Peanuts?
Peanuts are actually a type of bean. They are part of the legume family, which also includes beans, lentils, and peas. Peanuts grow underground and their shells are used to make peanut butter and other products.
The History of Peanuts
Peanuts have been around for centuries. They were first grown in South America and then spread to other parts of the world. Peanuts were brought to the United States by African slaves in the 1600s. Today, peanuts are grown in warm climates all over the world.
Are Peanuts Healthy? What Are Some of Their Nutritional Facts?
Peanuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins like niacin and folate. Peanuts also contain antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. One study even found that eating peanuts can help lower your risk of heart disease. They are also low in saturated fat and contain no trans fat.
So how do peanuts grow? Let’s take a look at the process.
Peanuts are planted in the spring. Farmers use special equipment to plant the seeds underground. The peanuts grow best in warm climates with well-drained soil. Once the plants start to grow, they are watered regularly.
Peanuts generally flower six to eight weeks after planting. The flowers on bunch plants grow near the ground, and vining types of plants produce flowers along their runners. The flowers of the plant bloom above ground, whereas the pods mature underground. Peanuts have a blooming period of several weeks to three months, so the pods mature at different times. Two to three peanuts come from each pod.
After the peanuts are sorted, they are ready to be eaten! You can find peanuts in all sorts of products, like peanut butter, candy, and even ice cream. You can also find them roasted, salted, or in their natural form.
Do You Want To Grow Your Own Peanuts? Here Is The Information You Need to Kow
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) enjoy a long, warm growing season and are generally planted from mid-spring, after the danger of frost has passed, through mid-summer. Plant peanuts in well-draining, sandy soil high in organic matter, such as leaves, compost, or well-rotted manure when they are growing. They also require exposure to direct sunlight.
Peanuts must be planted in different ways depending on the variety. There are two types of peanuts: bunch and runner.
Runner peanuts have a vining growth habit and require more space in the garden than bunch-type peanuts. 3 to 5 seeds are typically planted 2-3 inches deep, spaced 7-8 inches apart with rows at least 24 inches apart.
On the other hand, sowing of bunch-type varieties, such as Virginia types, is approximately 1 – 2 inches deep and about 7 inches apart.
After your seedlings have grown to about six inches, spread a layer of mulch (straw works great) around the plants to keep weeds at bay. Calcium is necessary for pod growth and development, thus gypsum may be required after bloom begins. To keep the pods from drying out, weekly soaking is key.
Harvesting Your Peanuts:
Peanuts are ready to harvest between 120 and 150 days after planting, depending on the variety. They are generally harvested in the fall when the foliage begins to yellow. Peanuts’ hull color changes as they mature, from white or yellow to dark brown or black. You may test the maturity of peanuts by prising open the pods and scraping the middle with a sharp knife. The black hull indicates that they’re ready to be picked.
To dry your peanuts, carefully follow these steps: remove the plants from the ground and shake off any extra dirt. Hang the plants upside down in a warm place for two to four weeks until they are fully dried. After harvesting, dry the peanuts in mesh bags and keep them in a well-ventilated area until they’re ready to roast.
Next time you eat a peanut, think about how it got to your plate. It’s a fascinating process that is both fun and educational to learn about. Peanuts are a delicious snack that can be enjoyed by everyone! Thanks for reading. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We would be happy to chat with you about how peanuts grow! 🙂
