How to Grow Peanuts in South Africa
Native to South Africa, peanuts are adapted to our climate, particularly in the country’s warmer regions. Although they are considered nuts in the culinary sense, peanuts are botanically very different from nuts and are categorised as legumes. After all, trees don’t grow peanuts.
Peanuts don’t need good soil and can usually grow in any location, but make sure the soil is loose and well-drained; clay soils that become wet are not the best choice for growing peanuts.
Peanut plants have tiny, self-pollinating, yellow blooms. These blooms emerge from stalks that are barely above the ground; upon pollination, they bend and push 3 to 7 cm deep into the ground. The peanuts then grow underground seedpods on the tops. Pegs or peduncles are other names for these seedpods.
When planting your peanut seeds, make sure the soil is fairly loose. Making sure there is a sufficient amount of compost will help with nutritional needs as well as maintain the soil loose so that blossom stems can readily penetrate the earth and grow the necessary pods.
When the blooms have begun to form or are actively wilting, you can gently mound up the area around the plants with extra loose soil, but be careful not to cover the blossoms. This will also help seedpods grow by giving pegs new, loose soil to settle in.
Should you apply fertilizer when growing peanuts?
Do not give the plants any nitrogen, which is a component of most fertilisers, as you would with other legumes. Legumes enrich the soil by generating their own nitrogen, which remains in the ground even after you remove the plants.
Peanuts are a long-season crop that only needs full light, water, and a little bit of care. You’ll be rewarded for being patient.
- How to Open A Creche in South Africa?
- How to Make Roti In South Africa?
- How to Make Money on Youtube in South Africa
- How to Buy Coca-Cola Shares in South Africa
- How to Get a Credit Score in South Africa
- How to Get a Learners License in South Africa
- How to Get Letter of Authority in South Africa
Which weather is best to grow peanuts?
When average springtime temperatures start to get good and warm, plant peanuts directly in the centre to end of the season. At least 18 degrees Celsius should be the standard temperature. Peanuts can be planted sooner indoors in a warm location if you truly can’t wait, and then you can transplant them outside when the weather is suitable.
How long does it take peanuts to germinate?
It may take between 7 and 21 days for germination to occur. Keep the ground wet throughout this time.
What are the Harvest Days?
Harvesting normally takes between 120 and 150 days under ideal conditions, though it may take a little longer in some regions of the nation.
