Growing Peanuts in Zone 8A

Peanuts are a quirky and rewarding warm-season crop. After the flowers bloom, ‘pegs’ bend down and push into the soil to form peanuts underground.

Zone 8A enjoys a long growing season. You can often get two plantings of cool-season crops (spring and fall).

Top Growing Tips

• Needs 120-150 frost-free days — short-season growers should start early
• Plant in loose, sandy, well-draining soil for best development
• After flowering, mound soil around plants to cover the developing pegs
• Do not add extra nitrogen — like all legumes, they fix their own
• Pull entire plant and cure 2-3 weeks before shelling

Companion Planting

Good companions: sunflowers, corn

Avoid planting near: onions, garlic, brassicas

Harvest Timeline

120-150 days; harvest when leaves yellow and pods have papery skin

About Zone 8A

USDA Hardiness Zone 8A has an average last spring frost around Mar 20 and first fall frost around Nov 10. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.