Varieties of Peanuts

• Peanuts come in a variety of types, but there are four main strains. Runners are typically used for peanut butter and are the most common type of peanut. They're grown in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas and Oklahoma. Spanish peanuts -- grown in Texas and Oklahoma -- have small seeds and reddish skin; these are mostly used in candies. Virginia peanuts have the biggest kernels and are usually sold as gourmet snacks. These peanuts are grown in the Carolinas, as well as southeastern Virginia. Valencia peanuts are very sweet and have a rich red skin; Valencia varietals are often grown in New Mexico.
  
  

Finding the Right Peanut Seeds

• When growing peanuts, you must begin with unroasted, dry peanuts. You can find these at a grocery or health-food store; they are different from the salted kind you might snack on. Typically, unprocessed peanut seeds are sold in their shells to preserve the seeds; you will have to remove the shells yourself before planting them in your garden. Do this carefully so that you don't damage the seeds.
  
  

With or Without Shells?

• Plant peanuts without their shells. Peanuts do, however, need the thin, translucent papery skins that surround the seeds. Removing the shells will allow the seeds to sprout much faster than leaving the shells intact around the peanuts. If you have a peanut variety with a very soft, thin shell, you can plant the peanuts without shelling them. Young peanuts tend to have softer shells.
  
  

Planting Your Peanuts

• Peanuts need dry, sandy soil. The soil should be loose and free of lumps. Your peanut plants will mature 120 to 160 days after you sow the seeds. Check the area for weeds periodically, but don't disturb the roots when you remove the weeds. Peanuts can survive in very hot temperatures; the best time to plant them is between April and early June. Peanut crops can grow as far north as Virginia and as far west as New Mexico.