Trade in your grass lawn or groundcover plants for low maintenance and colorful perennial peanuts.
They’re related to the more well-knownedible peanut(Arachis hypogea).
you’ve got the option to overseed them with ryegrass to keep a green look through the winter.
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Their mat-forming nature makes them ideal for stabilizing erosion-prone areas like hillsides and damp locations.
Places with nutrient-poor, sandy soils are not a problem because these peanut plants can produce their own nitrogen.
Perennial peanuts can even handle higher-than-average salinity levels, so they work well in warm coastal areas.
Spring is usually ideal because perennial peanuts establish themselves more easily during rainy weather.
If you want a solid ground covering, space plants about 2 to 3 feet apart.
These plants grow vigorously, so they will fill in the bare soil in no time.
Ornamental plantings of perennial peanuts can be spaced more widely apart, depending on your preference.
After sowing, water the planting area andweed it regularlyso weeds don’t overwhelm the new plants.
Perennial Peanut Care Tips
Hardy perennial peanuts can resist drought and pests, andpollinators love the flowers.
To keep your perennial peanuts happy and healthy, follow these easy care tips.
After they are established, perennial peanuts are relatively drought-resistant; however, they grow better with regular watering.
Aim to provide perennial peanuts with about 1 inch of water per week.
They thrive in high humidity.
Pruning
No pruning is necessary, but trimming around the planting area keeps it looking tidy.
Check the trap every few days for slugs that have found their way in.
If you see yellow leaves, consider your watering schedule and adjust it if necessary.
How to Propagate Perennial Peanut
Perennial peanut plants are best propagated from rhizomes when they are dormant.
However, this variety grows best with extra fertilizer applications.
“Golden Glory' grows to 18 inches tall.
Ecoturf Perennial Peanut
With teardrop-shaped leaves,Arachis glabrataEcoturf makes an attractive groundcover.
To keep weeds away, mow this variety about twice a year.
It grows 9 to 12 inches tall.
Plus, these plants will benefit from perennial peanuts nitrogen-fixing abilities.
Turf Grass
Turf grassand perennial peanuts can grow beautifully together as a mixed lawn.
Perennial peanuts can improve the soil around your grass and fill in bare spots too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plants spaced about 2 feet apart should fill in in approximately six months.
Occasionally used as a foraging food for livestock, perennial peanuts make a fine alfalfa substitute.
Rabbits, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, and horses will love feeding on these nutritious plants.
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension.
Thomas, Kelly M. et al.
Ornamental Rhizoma Peanut: Perceptions and Use by Florida Consumers.“HortScience,vol.
10, 2023, pp.
1178-1182,https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17254-23
