Peanut Care 101: Water, Light & Growing Tips

By A Mystery Man Writer

Arachis hypogaea, or peanut, is a legume that is native to Central Brazil. Peanut plants thrive in warm climates with full sun and well-drained, light, sandy, loam soil. Pods typically ripen 120-150 days after seed is planted. Virginia style peanuts have the largest kernels and are processed in-the-shell and used as gourmet peanuts. Spanish peanuts have smaller kernels covered with a reddish brown skin and are used in peanut confections. Valencia peanuts have 3 or more seeds per pod and are covered in a bright red skin.