Arachis hypogea (Black Spanish peanut)

Arachis hypogaea ‘Black Spanish’ A bush-type peanut that produces very black-skinned seeds. This clone has been grown by us for 10 years and has proven to be reliable and disease-free. Fair warning- Peanuts need 5 months of warm weather so are not suitable for many areas. They also do not do well in heavy soil and are difficult to harvest and clean. As a novelty, they can be grown in a tub or large pot. Peanuts are annuals and die back once the weather cools. For best results, seeds should be germinated in pots kept at a warm temperature and planted out after 4-5 weeks, preferably in mid-November giving them time to mature in late April. PLEASE NOTE! GERMINATION: Plant directly in the vegetable garden no earlier than November in warm areas and December in cooler locations once the soil temperature has reached 18°C. They can also be planted singly in pots and transplanted out once they germinate and have two true leaves.

• Germination If growing by seed, soak the seeds overnight in water to promote more rapid germination. Then sow them to a depth of 2 inches (5 cm.), 4 to 6 inches apart (10-15 cm.). Plant directly in the vegetable garden no earlier than November in warm areas and December in cooler locations once the soil temperature has reached 18°C. They can also be planted singly in pots and transplanted out once they germinate and have two true leaves.

Select a site that is in full sun with loose, well-draining soil.

When the plants have sprouted, transplant them outside. Once plants reach about 6 inches tall (15 cm.), cultivate carefully around them to loosen the soil. This allows the pegs to penetrate easily. Then finish by mulching with a couple of inches (5 cm.) of straw or grass clippings. Peanuts should be watered regularly by deeply soaking the plants one to two times per week. Watering is most crucial at 50 to 100 days from sowing when the pods are growing near the soil’s surface. As the plants become ready for harvest, allow the soil to dry out; otherwise, you’ll find yourself with dozens of sprouting mature peanuts!