Arachis hypogaea PEANUTS (10 seeds)

Peanuts is an annual herb of Mexican origin belonging to the Fabaceae family. It reaches a height of 40 to 60 cm and is characterized by its rapid growth.

Fresh peanut seeds for planting are brown, measuring 1 centimeter in length and weighing on average less than half a gram. They develop underground at the end of the year.

Its flowers are yellow and bloom at the base of the plant in late summer. They have a shape similar to that of sweet peas.

Its alternate foliage is dense and lush, composed of green oval leaves measuring about 15 to 20 centimeters in length. They are generally grouped in tufts at the ends of the stems, forming a sort of umbrella shape.

- Properties and Uses:

In the field of food, the peanut is a major source of protein and lipids consumed in the form of roasted seeds, butter, or flour. Its oil is particularly prized for high-temperature cooking due to its thermal stability.

In many culinary traditions, it serves as a base for creamy sauces and nourishing stews, constituting a pillar of global food security.

In therapeutic nutrition, the peanut is the main ingredient in ready-to-use foods used to treat severe malnutrition. Its caloric density and richness in essential nutrients allow for a rapid recovery of young children.

Regarding agricultural cultivation, the peanut is a valuable legume for crop rotation thanks to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. This property makes it possible to improve soil fertility without excessive use of chemical fertilizers, thus benefiting subsequent crops such as cereals.

The haulms and harvest residues are also valued as high-quality fodder for livestock, illustrating an optimized agricultural cycle.

Easy to grow, it is an excellent choice for an educational project with children!

- Sowing and Germination:

• The ideal period to sow peanuts begins in April.
• Bury the fresh seeds 0.5 cm deep in a tray of fine potting soil or in 10 cm pots.
• Gently water the planting using a hand sprayer.
• Place the tray in a very warm location in a greenhouse, at a temperature close to 30°C.
• Germination is very quick, taking between 3 to 10 days after sowing.

- Soil Type:

The plant grows in soil that is more or less rich in organic matter, but the substrate must be well-drained. It is very important to ensure good drainage at the bottom of the pots.

- Temperature and Watering:

The plant must be placed in a warm environment with temperatures between 25 and 40°C, preferably in a dry atmosphere.
Regarding watering, once a week during the summer period is more than sufficient.
Never allow water to stagnate in the saucers, as this poses a risk of mold growth within the root system.