- Author: Constance Harrington
- Published: August 17, 2021
- Last Updated: June 17, 2022
Are you interested in growing peanuts but don’t have a large enough space to plant them? You’re not alone, which is why it’s becoming increasingly common for people to grow peanuts in containers.
In this post, I cover everything you need to know about growing peanuts in containers. It’s surprisingly easy and is a great option if you don’t have a lot of space or live in an area that doesn’t get much rain.
10 Steps for Growing Peanuts in Containers
Here is how to get started if you want to grow peanuts in containers.
1. Choose Good Containers for Growing Peanuts
Ceramic pots, plastic containers, and buckets can all be used to grow peanuts. There should be a drainage hole at the bottom of the container. Without this hole, you will probably drown your peanut plants when it rains. Also, you will want to select a container that has enough room for the plant to grow.
To ensure you don’t lose your peanuts when it rains, place a tray underneath the pot with holes punched in the bottom. The water should drain into this tray and not reach your peanut plants. You may also have success using plastic bags filled with soil to cover your plants. This will protect them from the rain but still allow water to drain away.
2. Pick a Proper Location for the Containers
Now that you have chosen a container for growing peanut seeds, it is time to consider the location where you will grow them. They must receive full sun throughout the day and at least 6 hours of sunlight.
If it is winter or early spring when you set out to plant your peanuts, you may want to start the plants inside first. It is a good idea to harden off the plants before setting them outside. Start them in small pots or trays in bright sunlight and then gradually move to less light and more wind over two weeks.
3. Fill Containers With the Best Soil for Peanuts
When filling the pot with soil for growing peanut plants, you must use a mixture of 1/3 sand and 2/3 topsoil. This helps with drainage and will prevent your peanut plant from drowning.
To ensure that you have the proper ratio potting mix, fill a third of the pot with sand and then fill to the top with soil.
4. Sow the Peanut Seeds
Peanut seeds should be planted as soon as you open the shell. Sow them at a depth of around three centimeters (1.2 inches) and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
You should water the seeds well as soon as you’ve planted them.
5. Keep Your Peanuts at the Right Temperature
Peanut seeds require at least 18 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit) to germinate, so it’s important to keep them warm at the start.
Once germinated, peanuts can withstand lower temperatures but will grow better in the warm. At least 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) is optimal.
6. Water Your Peanuts Regularly
The secret to growing peanuts well is to make sure you water them regularly. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy wet. You will need to check daily and water them whenever they are drying out.
You should also choose a mulch that will retain moisture in your peanut plants’ soil during dry spells. This could include cornhusks, straw, grass clippings, or redwood bark.
7. Fertilize Your Peanuts Well
When growing peanuts in containers, it is important to give them a good fertilizer at least once during the growing season.
In addition to fertilizing your plants, you may also want to consider watering with compost tea. Compost tea is beneficial to all plants, but it is especially good for peanuts.
8. Dig Up Your Peanuts
Also, you will want to dig up the pods before a light frost hits to give them enough time to ripen.
Peanuts can be harvested when the pods turn brown and then black. You should leave them on the plant until they are fully ripe, or they may not be fully mature later in storage.
9. Store Your Peanuts Correctly
Peanuts can be stored for months in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid or warm climate, it is important that you store them in an airtight container with plenty of ventilation.
You will also want to allow them to dry a little before placing them in storage.
10. Enjoy Your Peanut Harvest!
Now that you are well-versed in growing peanuts in containers, take some time to enjoy your new crop! They make great gifts and are always welcome at any gathering. Be sure to share them with friends, family, and neighbors and enjoy the harvest all year long!
These nuts are a fantastic part of any meal or snack, incorporated into many recipes or eaten right out of the shell. To better enjoy your peanuts, you must remove the red skins before eating. This can be accomplished by boiling them in water for 5 minutes or roasting the nuts in a hot oven for about 10 minutes.
Recommended Peanut Varieties to Grow In Containers
Delta Queen is one peanut variety that does especially well in containers. Its main advantage is its ability to start producing within the first year. However, it is susceptible to a fungal infection called root rot.
You can avoid this problem by planting it in moistened soil and planting compost around its base. Here are some other good types of peanut to grow in containers.
- Virginia Jumbo
- Georgia Green
- Spanish Peanuts
- Runner Peanuts
Growing Peanuts In Containers FAQ
Growing peanuts in containers is becoming increasingly popular for many reasons. It has been found to be economical for some people, easier for others, and less invasive than growing them in the garden or field.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about growing peanuts in containers.
What Are the Best Containers for Growing Peanuts?
Peanut containers can be made of plastic, wood, or metal. It is most important that the container has holes in the bottom to allow drainage and that it has sufficient space for the plant to grow without being crowded. Your container should be at least five centimeters (two inches) wider and deeper than the peanut plant.
Plastic containers can be purchased in many stores or easily be made from discarded 2-liter soda bottles. These bottles are clear, which will allow some sunlight into your container, but you must cut out several holes in the sides to allow proper ventilation. Normally, you would cut holes around five centimeters (two inches) in diameter and about 4-5 rows of holes staggered across the length of the bottle.
Wooden containers could be a good choice if they have adequate ventilation and drainage. However, if they do not come with these features, you will need to drill holes on the sides and bottom of the container.
You can also use any plastic, metal, or wooden container as long as the plant can grow in it without being crowded. The most important thing is that your pot has adequate drainage holes, making sure water will drain out of the soil quickly. The rest depends on how much space you have available and what type of container best suits your taste.
How Deep Should a Container Be for Growing Peanuts?
It is recommended that your container be at least 20 centimeters (eight inches) deep.
This will provide adequate root growth and help keep the plant from tipping over in high winds or when you are moving the pot.
How Long Does It Take for Peanuts To Grow in Containers?
You should be able to start harvesting peanuts in about 120 days if you planted in the fall (autumn). If you planted in the spring, it would take about 150 days to harvest your peanuts.
Remember that this is just an estimate because many factors such as soil quality, weather conditions, and plant varieties will affect growth rate.
How Much Sunlight Should Peanuts Receive?
Peanuts like full sun. You will want to place your pot in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
If you live in a colder climate and cannot provide enough sunlight, choosing a warm-season variety with shorter pods would be best. This way, you can still have young peanuts ready to harvest in the fall.
How Often Do Peanuts Need Watering and Fertilizing?
It is recommended that you water your peanuts whenever the soil begins to look dry. You will want to make sure the top of the soil is wet. If you have mulched around your pot, be sure not to allow moisture build-up on top of this material as it can lead to disease problems and mold growth.
Whenever you are fertilizing your container plants, always remember to use a liquid fertilizer specifically designed for container planting. Your local nursery will be able to help you choose the best product for your needs.
Do not over-fertilize your plants, or you will risk drowning them.
Should I Soak Peanuts Seeds Before Planting?
If you have started your peanut seeds indoors, it is important to soak them overnight in water before planting. This will help the seed start growing faster and prevent the seeds from drying out.
Are Peanuts Easy to Grow in Containers?
Growing peanuts can be easy if you start with healthy plants and put them in a decent container. The main difficulties will come when starting your peanut seeds indoors and getting the plants through transplanting.
Just remember to choose a healthy variety and plant them in good-quality potting soil. You should also try to give your plants plenty of water and fertilizer.
How Many Peanuts Do You Get From One Plant?
Depending on the type of peanut plant you choose, it will usually produce about 30 pods per season.
Larger varieties may produce up to 50 pods, and dwarf types can yield 10-12 pods per plant.
How Do You Harvest Peanuts Grown in Containers?
Once the tips of your plant turn brown, it is time for harvesting peanuts. To do this, use garden shears or a sharp knife to cut off the dried leaves surrounding the base of the pod.
Once these have been removed, twist or pull back the remaining coverings until you reach the peanut inside.
Summary
Growing peanuts in containers is a great way to grow them if you don’t have enough space for a garden. You can also use this technique if the ground where you live isn’t well suited for growing plants, such as sandy soil or rocky terrain.
I hope that you found my advice on growing peanuts In containers helpful and I encourage readers to share their thoughts in the comments!