UK growing - peanuts

Rgardener1

Hi all so I currently own a small peanut plants growing in a sunny, well drained site and I wondered if any of the pro gardeners here have given them a go? 

Ladybird4

I tried to grow one for fun years ago but hadn't realised then that they have to ripen their pods underground to form the peanuts so my attempt failed miserably.

Rgardener1

Ah well we learn from our mistakes and until I researched it I didn't know that either! I think I'll just treat it like any other plant and water it when dry 

BLT

About 4 years ago now I bought some raw peanuts and planted a few.. I did get a couple of plants.. But they need long hot cobditons and yea the ground nuts form underground..  Sadly the british weather soaked them and they rotted off. It might be an idea to try growing them in a deep tub in a green house to give a longer growing season....    

Last edited: 20 July 2016 19:48:46

pr1mr0se

I've grown them successfully - but not in the garden.  They need more warmth than the British climate can give them.  Best grown indoors or in the GH.

The nuts form In the ground - the branches bend over, touch the ground, and the "nuts" form. 

They are an interesting experiment.

BLT

Did they taste okand did you get many?

Rgardener1

I started them a bit too late I think 😪 It started to flower but shortly after it started getting too cold! I’m determined to try again another year though! Slightly earlier than May!  

B3

Squirrels used to plant them in my old  garden . They were the most common weed.  I don't know if they would've grown to maturity because I used to weed them out.

Obelixx

Peanuts are also commonly known as groundnuts.  try following this advice and growing them in a cold frame for extra heat and a longer season - http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/11117.shtml

Rgardener1

Thanks! I’ll give the link a try, it was a fun experiment none the less.