When to Harvest Peanuts and How to Cure Them
How to tell when peanuts are ready (hull scrape and leaf yellowing), digging, curing plants, drying to safe moisture, and roasting homegrown peanuts.
Peanuts are ready about 100–160 days after planting, when leaves start yellowing and about 70% of pods have a dark brown inner hull. Pull a plant and scrape a few pods: dark inner walls and plump kernels with coloured skins mean it is time.
Digging
- Choose dry weather; loosen soil with a fork.
- Lift the whole plant and shake off soil.
- Do not wait too long: pegs weaken and pods break off.
Curing
Hang plants upside-down or leave them inverted in windrows in a dry, airy place for 1–2 weeks, then pick the pods and dry them further until kernel moisture is below about 10%. Store in a cool, dry place.
Roasting
Roast in-shell peanuts at 175 °C (350 °F) for 15–20 minutes.
More Peanut Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when peanuts are ready?
Yellowing leaves and dark inner hulls on most pods.
Can you eat freshly dug peanuts?
Yes, boiled green peanuts are a Southern US favourite.
TarlaTapan guides focus on practical, field-tested growing advice. Corrections and suggestions are welcome at info@tarlatapan.tr.