How do Peanuts Grow?
Peanuts are actually not nuts at all, but rather legumes. Legumes are plants in the pea family, and peanuts are in the subfamily Faboideae. Peanuts grow best in sandy loam soils that have good drainage and are high in organic matter. They need a lot of water and prefer a warm climate with moderate humidity.
Many people are wondering: how do peanuts grow? The answer is actually quite simple. Peanuts grow in pods that contain two to four nuts. These pods mature underground, which is why peanuts are often called “groundnuts”.
Peanut seedlings emerge from the earth 10 days after planting. They develop into a green, oval-leafed plant that measures approximately 18 inches (ca. 46 centimeters) tall. How do peanuts grow? Peanuts, unlike most plants, bloom above ground and produce fruit below ground. Flowers on the lower part of the plant appear yellow around 40 days after planting.
Which Nuts Grow on Trees?
While peanuts are not technically nuts, they are often grouped with true nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans. True nuts are fruits that have a hard shell and a single seed. The seed is encased in the shell so that it can be transported by animals to a new location, where it will sprout and grow into a new tree. But how do peanuts grow? Almonds, walnuts, and pecans are all true nuts that grow on trees. Peanuts, on the other hand, are legumes that grow underground.
How to Grow Peanuts? A Peanut Plant
If you want to grow peanuts, start by planting the seeds in early spring. Peanut seeds are very small, so it is best to plant them in flats or trays rather than directly in the ground. So, how do peanuts grow? Once the seedlings have sprouted, transplant them into individual pots or into a sunny spot in your garden. Peanuts need a lot of sun and well-drained soil to thrive.
Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods. When the plants are about 6 inches (ca. 15 cm) tall, mound up the surrounding soil to encourage the formation of peanut pods. Harvest the peanuts when the pods turn brown and split open. You can then roast or boil them, or use them in any number of recipes.
Harvesting Peanuts
Now that you know the answer to the question, “how do peanuts grow?”, how are peanuts actually harvested? They are typically planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. The peanut plant produces a bright yellow flower that blooms for only a few days. After pollination, the flower bends down and buries itself underground, where the peanut develops. Harvesting peanuts usually begins when the leaves of the plant start to turn yellow.
The peanut plant is actually a perennial, meaning it can live for more than two years. However, peanuts are typically grown as annuals because they require a long growing season and do not tolerate frost. In most parts of the United States, peanuts are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.
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