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Peanuts, which are not technically nuts but a type of legume, are grown in Australia. They are grown from the seeds of a plant called Arachis hypogaea, which is native to South America. In Australia, peanuts are grown in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern New South Wales. The three main types of peanuts grown in Australia are Virginia, Runner, and Spanish types, each with its unique characteristics and suitable uses. Virginia peanuts, for example, have large seeds and an upright bush structure, making them popular in the snack food market. Growing peanuts requires selecting the suitable cultivar for the region and preparing the soil, ensuring it is well-drained, free of clay, and protected from frost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where peanuts are grown in Australia | Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern New South Wales. Trial crops have also been planted in South Australia and Western Australia. |
| Main growing areas | Atherton Tableland near Cairns, Emerald in Central Queensland, Bundaberg and Childers, and in the South and Central Burnett regions west of Brisbane |
| Types of peanuts grown in Australia | Virginia, Runner, Spanish, and Valencia |
| Virginia characteristics | Large seeds, upright bush structure, grown in dryland and irrigated areas |
| Runner characteristics | Grow along the ground, confined to irrigated or high rainfall areas, uniform medium-size kernel |
| Spanish characteristics | Uniform small-size kernel |
| Valencia characteristics | More erect, smaller seeds |
| Soil type | Loose, well-drained, sandy soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2 |
| Soil pH | 6.5 or 7 |
| Soil preparation | Add compost or fertiliser |
| Temperature | 21-29°C |
| Watering | Some varieties need more water than others, requiring irrigation systems |
| Pests | Aflatoxin (a fungus), insects, and weeds |
| Nutrients | Calcium and gypsum |
| Growth cycle | 120-150 days to reach maturity |
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What You'll Learn
Where peanuts grow in Australia
Peanuts, or groundnuts, are not technically nuts but are instead a type of legume, part of the pea family. They are grown from the seeds of a plant called Arachis hypogaea, which is native to South America.
In Australia, peanuts are grown in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern New South Wales. The major growing areas are on the Atherton Tableland near Cairns, Emerald in Central Queensland, Bundaberg and Childers, and in the South and Central Burnett regions west of Brisbane. Most peanuts in Australia are grown in Queensland.
Peanuts grow best in loose, well-drained, sandy soils with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2. They flourish in warm climates with temperatures between 21-29°C. Some species do better under irrigation, while others manage well in dry climates. However, all types of peanuts are susceptible to frost. As a result, peanuts are typically grown over the Spring and Summer months in northern Australia.
The main types grown in the South Burnett regions are Red Spanish and Virginia peanuts. Virginia types have large seeds and an upright bush structure, while Spanish types produce a uniform, small-size kernel.
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The growth cycle of peanuts
Peanuts, or 'ground nuts', are not technically nuts but a type of legume—part of the pea family. They have a unique growth cycle, which is as follows:
Preparation
Peanuts grow best in loose, well-drained, calcium-rich soils with a pH level of 6.5 or 7. They are susceptible to frost and do poorly in clay soils. In Australia, they are grown over the Spring and Summer months in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern New South Wales.
Planting
Farmers plant specially grown peanut kernels from the previous year's crop about 1-2 inches deep, approximately 1-2 inches apart in rows. The seeds should be spaced 10-15cm apart, and if sowing more than one row, allow 60-75cm between rows. Cover the seeds with soil and gently firm down with the back of a rake.
Growth
The peanut plant grows above the ground but fruits below it. About 40 days after planting, yellow flowers emerge around the lower portion of the plant. After a few days, these blooms die, revealing budding ovaries known as 'pegs'. As the petals shrivel, the pegs' stems curve downward, pushing into the soil. Underground, the pegs develop into pods, each containing a pair of seeds, or peanuts. The plant continues to grow and flower, producing 40 or more pods. The growing cycle, from planting to harvest, takes about four to five months.
Harvesting
When the foliage turns yellow and the plant starts to die down, it's time to harvest. Use a hand fork or trowel to dig around the plant and remove it from the soil. Shake off excess soil and hang upside down to dry in the sun for 3-4 days or until most of the moisture has evaporated. The peanuts can then be stripped off and stored in airtight containers.
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Preparing the soil for planting
Choose the Right Location:
Select a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of full sun each day. Ensure the chosen location is protected from strong winds and has well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay-based soils as peanuts tend to do poorly in such conditions. If you plan to grow peanuts in containers, choose large pots with a depth of at least 30 cm to allow adequate space for the plants to spread out.
Test and Amend the Soil:
Before planting peanuts, it's essential to test and amend the soil to create optimal conditions for growth. Use a soil testing kit to check the pH level and nutrient content of your soil. Peanuts prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7. If your soil is too acidic, you can apply lime or dolomite to raise the pH to the desired level. Additionally, enrich the soil with organic matter such as aged animal manure or compost. This will ensure that the soil is nutrient-rich and has a loose, well-drained texture, promoting healthy root growth.
Loosen the Soil:
Use a garden fork or a trowel to loosen the soil to at least a spade's depth. This step is crucial as it helps create a porous structure that allows air and water to reach the plant's roots easily. After loosening the soil, use a steel rake to break up any large clumps and create a fine texture. If you have heavy clay soils, shape the soil into mounded rows to enhance drainage.
Soil Moisture and Temperature:
Maintain the soil's moisture content by keeping it slightly damp but not waterlogged. Water the soil regularly, especially during hot and dry weather, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Ensure the soil temperature is optimal for peanut germination, ideally between 18-22°C. In colder regions, you may need to wait for the soil to warm up before planting.
Planting the Seeds:
When you're ready to plant, dig small holes about 3-5 cm deep and spaced about 10-15 cm apart. Gently place the seeds in the holes, being careful not to damage the brown paper skin on the kernel. Cover the seeds with soil and gently firm it down with the back of a rake. Water the planted area well and consider mulching with organic mulch to help retain soil moisture.
By following these comprehensive steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully preparing the soil for planting peanuts, creating favourable conditions for their growth and development.
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How to harvest peanuts
Peanuts, a type of legume, have a unique growth cycle that makes them particularly fun to grow but complicates the harvesting process. They are usually harvested in late summer to fall, about 120 to 160 days after planting, and the process is as follows:
First, you'll know your peanuts are ready to harvest when the plant's leaves begin to wither and turn yellow. Before pulling up your entire crop, test a single peanut plant to get an idea of whether the rest of the plants are ready. Mature pods will be well-filled with large seeds, while underripe pods have smaller seeds. If the pods start to come loose from the plant's roots, dig up all the plants immediately so you don't lose any peanuts in the soil.
When you've determined that your peanuts are mature, it's time to start harvesting. The best time to do this is when the weather has been dry for a few days. Use a shovel or gardening fork to carefully loosen the soil around the plants before gently pulling them up. Most of the peanut pods should remain attached to the plant. After pulling up the plants, shake off any extra soil from the roots. Inevitably, some peanut pods will break off during this process, so comb through the soil to find any remaining pods.
After harvesting, you can use the peanuts right away or cure them for longer storage and better flavour. If you intend to use them immediately, wash them well to remove any soil and boil them in salted water for 2-3 hours. To cure the peanuts for longer storage, gather the plants in loose bundles with string and hang them up to dry out in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. Keep the peanuts as dry as possible, and make sure air is circulating around the plants as they cure. When the peanuts have cured for about four weeks, take the plants down and separate the pods from them. Dust off the pods to remove any remaining soil, and then store them in mesh bags in a cool, dry location with good airflow.
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The different types of peanuts grown in Australia
Peanuts are legumes with a unique growth cycle and are not technically nuts. There are four principal varieties under commercial cultivation around the world: Virginia, Runner, Spanish, and Valencia. In Australia, the three main types of peanuts grown are Virginia, Runner, and Spanish.
Virginia types have large seeds and an upright bush structure. They are grown in both dryland and irrigated areas and are used in the snack food market.
Runner types usually grow along the ground and are confined to irrigated or high-rainfall areas. They produce a uniform, medium-size kernel used in confectionery and manufacturing.
Spanish types produce a uniform, small-size kernel used in manufacturing (peanut butter) and confectionery. In Australia, they are grown in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern New South Wales. The main types grown in the South Burnett are Red Spanish and Virginia peanuts, which require a minimum of 120 to 150 days to reach maturity.
The breeding program for peanuts in Australia focuses on two maturity groups: full-season types with a maturity of around 140-150 days, and ultra-early types that mature in around 110-120 days.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, peanuts are grown in Australia.
Peanuts are grown in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern New South Wales.
Peanuts grow best in loose, well-drained, sandy soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2. They flourish in warm climates with temperatures between 21-29°C.
