Peanut

Peanut (*Arachis hypogaea*) is a warm-season legume grown as an annual for its edible seeds. Yellow, pea-like flowers form above ground, then fertilized flower stalks (pegs) bend into loose soil and develop pods underground; full sun, warm soil, and a long frost-free season support this unusual crop ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/arachis-hypogaea/), [Kew Science](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:318562-2/general-information)). ## Growth and Use Peanut plants stay relatively low and may have erect or runner forms, depending on the cultivated type. The crop is grown worldwide for food, including peanut butter, but botanically its seeds are legumes rather than true nuts. Its yellow flowers and compact foliage make it suitable for educational or edible garden beds where summers are long and warm. ## Growing Conditions Choose full sun and loose, fertile, well-drained sandy or sandy-loam soil. Sow after the soil warms. Plants are frost-sensitive and commonly need four to five months to mature; NC State reports pod maturity about 120–150 days after planting. Keep moisture reasonably even while pegs enter the soil and pods develop, but avoid prolonged saturation. The University of Florida IFAS guide notes that water stress during pegging or pod fill can affect pod set and harvest quality. ## Maintenance Keep the soil surface loose and weeded so developing pegs can penetrate. Water to prevent stress during flowering and pod development, then reduce irrigation as pods mature. Dig plants after pods mature and before frost, and cure the lifted plants in a dry, ventilated place before removing pods. Production beyond a small garden bed may require soil testing and region-specific fertility or pest management.