Growing peanuts at home requires starting with the correct planting material, which differs significantly from the peanuts sold for snacking. The peanut is a legume that develops its fruit underground, a process known as geocarpy. Selecting the right seed is the first step toward a successful harvest, as the viability of the kernel directly impacts germination and eventual yield. It is important to know where to reliably source these specialized planting seeds and which variety is best suited for a specific local climate.
Identifying Viable Planting Stock
A plantable peanut seed must be a raw, whole, untreated kernel, specifically prepared for agricultural use. Peanuts purchased for consumption, even those labeled “raw,” are often not suitable because they may have been treated with fungicides or subjected to handling and storage conditions that compromise the embryo’s integrity. Commercial peanuts, especially roasted or salted varieties, have been heat-treated or processed, rendering the embryo non-viable and incapable of sprouting.
Viable planting stock is typically sold with a documented germination rate, which should ideally be 85% or higher to ensure a uniform stand in the garden. The high oil and protein content of a peanut kernel means it has a naturally shorter shelf life compared to many other seeds, making fresh, properly stored stock essential. Seed producers take careful measures to maintain low moisture content, generally below 10%, which is necessary to preserve the seed’s vigor before planting.
Dedicated Retail Sources
The most reliable places to acquire high-quality peanut seeds are specialized suppliers focused on rare or heirloom varieties. These online seed companies often carry a wider selection of the four main peanut types, including regional heirloom strains, which might not be available locally. They often provide specific information on the variety’s days to maturity and growth habit, which is crucial for successful cultivation.
Local agricultural supply stores are another excellent resource, particularly in regions where peanuts are commercially grown. These retailers stock seeds that are proven to perform well in the local climate and soil conditions. The seeds sold at these locations often come from professional seed producers and are geared toward maximum yield and disease resistance.
For the most secure sourcing, gardeners should seek out certified seed producers, which offer planting material with guarantees of genetic purity and health. Certified seeds have been grown under strict protocols to minimize the presence of seedborne pathogens and ensure varietal integrity. While garden centers and nurseries may also carry peanut seeds, verifying that the stock is labeled specifically for planting and not just for consumption is an important check before purchase.
Choosing the Best Regional Variety
The selection of a peanut variety depends heavily on the length of the local growing season and the available soil type. Peanuts are categorized into four primary market types: Runner, Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia.
Runner
The Runner type is the most widely grown in the United States, dominating commercial production in the Southeast. It is favored for its uniform kernel size and high yield, requiring about 130 to 150 days to reach full maturity.
Virginia
Virginia peanuts produce the largest kernels and are primarily used for in-shell roasting. They require a long growing season of 130 to 150 frost-free days. This type demands loose, well-drained soil and often requires more calcium than other varieties to develop properly. Virginia types are traditionally grown in the Virginia-Carolina region.
Spanish
The Spanish type features smaller kernels with a reddish-brown skin and a higher oil content than the others, making them suitable for candy and oil production. Spanish peanuts are a good choice for slightly shorter seasons, maturing in approximately 120 days. They are predominantly grown in Oklahoma and Texas.
Valencia
Valencia peanuts are the best option for gardeners with shorter growing seasons, as they can mature in as few as 90 to 110 days. These sweet peanuts usually produce three or more kernels per pod and are often favored for boiling or making natural peanut butter. While commercially grown in New Mexico, their quick maturation allows them to be successfully cultivated in more northern climates that experience earlier frosts.