When to Plant Peanut in Perth, Mediterranean Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Not a nut at all. A legume related to beans. Annual crop sown in spring, harvested in autumn. After pollination, the flower stem (peg) grows downward into the soil where the pod develops underground. Needs a long, warm growing season (4-5 months frost-free). Easy to grow in warm zones with sandy soil. As a legume, fixes nitrogen and improves soil. Two main types: runner (spreading, commercial) and bunch/Spanish (compact, better for small gardens).
Best Planting Window for Mediterranean
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | P | P | - |
P = Planting window
Plant October-November. Sandy soils of Perth coastal plain are suitable.
Want a nudge when it is Peanut sowing time in Perth?
One email a week with what is worth planting in the Mediterranean zone right now, Peanut included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.
How to Grow Peanut in Mediterranean Australia
When to Plant
Plant October-November. Sandy soils of Perth coastal plain are suitable.
- Soil
- Sandy to sandy loam ESSENTIAL. Peanuts form underground. Heavy clay prevents peg penetration and makes harvest difficult. Loose, well-drained soil is non-negotiable.
- pH Range
- 5.8-6.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun. Maximum heat.
- Spacing
- 15-20 between plants, 50-60cm between rowscm apart
Companion plants: Corn, Squash (traditional Three Sisters-like combo), Sweet potato
Avoid planting near: Nothing specific
Mediterranean Growing Tips for Peanut
Recommended Varieties
- Spanish types
Key Challenges
- Dry autumn, need irrigation for pod fill
Pro Tips
- Perth's sandy soils are actually ideal for peanut growing.
- Adelaide may be marginal on season length.
Harvesting Peanut
When ready: Plant yellows and begins to die back naturally. Pull a test plant. Pods should have dark-veined inner shell and mature kernels. Shell interior colour indicates maturity (dark = mature, white = immature).
How to harvest: Pull entire plant from soil (loosen with fork first). Shake off soil. Check pods are mature. Hang plants upside down in dry, ventilated area for 1-2 weeks to cure.
Expected yield: 20-40 pods per plant depending on type
Get the Full Interactive Guide
Track your garden, get real-time pest alerts, and plan around your zone's weather.
Open the planting dashboard Join Garden Buddy