How to Grow Peanuts from Seed in India (Groundnut at Home)
Peanuts need warm weather, loose sandy soil and about 100-130 days from sowing to harvest. Sow raw, unshelled-from-pod kernels 3-5 cm deep in June-July (kharif) or JanuaryFebruary in suitable regions, and hill up soil once flowering starts.
How peanuts grow
After the yellow flowers are pollinated, the stems bend down and push into the soil. These stems are called pegs, and the peanut pods form underground.
Timeline
| Stage | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Germination | 7-14 days |
| Flowering | 4-6 weeks |
| Pegging underground | 6-10 weeks |
| Harvest | About 100-130 days |
Step-by-step
- Choose a sunny spot with loose, sandy, well-drained soil.
- Use raw, untreated peanut kernels or seed intended for planting.
- Sow 3-5 cm deep, 15-20 cm apart in rows 45 cm apart.
- Water lightly until sprouting, then moderately.
- When flowers appear, lightly hill soil around the base.
- Harvest when leaves yellow; pull plants and dry them in the sun.
Soil and water tips
- Avoid heavy, clay soil, as pods struggle to form
- Do not waterlog; peanuts rot easily
- Add compost but avoid excess nitrogen
Pro tip: Dry harvested plants upside down in the sun for 1-2 weeks, then shell and store in a cool, dry place.
Watch out: Roasted or salted peanuts will not sprout. Use raw seed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow peanuts in a pot?
Yes, in a deep pot of loose soil of at least 30 cm.
How long do peanuts take to grow?
Usually 100-130 days from sowing to harvest.
Why are my plants flowering but not producing pods?
Pegs may not be reaching loose soil. Hill up soil and keep it loose.
Start growing: organic vegetable seeds at True Organic Seeds.
