What are Bunch Peanuts?
Peanuts can be split into two main growth pattern types: bunch and runner. Runner peanuts have long branches with nuts growing or ‘running’ all along their length. Bunch peanut plants, on the other hand, produce all their nuts at the end of these branches, in a bunch. It’s an easy distinction to remember. Bunch type peanuts do not yield as highly as runners, and because of this they are not grown as frequently, especially agriculturally. They’re still worth growing, however, especially in the garden where you’re not looking for maximum yield for peanut butter production.
How to Grow Bunch Peanut Plants
Bunch peanuts are grown the same way as other peanut varieties. They need warm weather and sun, and they prefer sandy, loose soil. The soil needs to be at least 65 F. (18 C.) for germination to take place, and the plants take at least 120 days to reach maturity. After the flowers are pollinated, the plants’ branches will lengthen and droop, sinking into the soil and forming the peanuts underground in bunches. Once the branches have submerged, it takes 9 to 10 weeks for the fruits to be ready for harvest. Peanuts, like other legumes, are nitrogen fixing and need very little in the way of fertilizer. Extra calcium is a good idea for maximum fruit production, however. Now that you know a little more about bunch peanut varieties, why not give them a try in your garden this year?
