Peanut Planting Guide
Peanuts are a common economic crop, but the planting time varies across different regions. So, when should peanuts be planted in open fields? Let's explore this topic together.
When to Plant Peanuts in Open Fields?
1. Southern Regions
In southern regions, peanuts can be planted twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn. For spring planting, the best time is around the third month of the lunar calendar, specifically between the Spring Equinox and Qingming Festival. For autumn planting, the timing depends on the altitude:
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High-altitude areas: Plant in July.
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Low-altitude areas: Plant in August.
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For dry slope areas, advance the planting time accordingly.
2. Northern Regions
In northern regions, peanuts are typically planted once a year in spring. The best time is from mid-April to early May, between the Grain Rain and Start of Summer periods.
Requirements for Planting Peanuts in Open Fields
Peanuts are native to tropical regions and thrive in high temperatures. The optimal soil temperature for planting peanuts is 12°C. The minimum temperature for flowering is 19°C, and for pod formation, it is 15°C. The planting should be timed based on these temperature requirements:
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Soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm should consistently reach 15°C for five consecutive days before planting.
Methods for Planting Peanuts in Open Fields
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Select and prepare the field before sowing high-quality seeds.
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Use hole-sowing methods with adjustable plant spacing. Generally, 20cm x 40cm spacing is preferred. Create holes and place 3-4 seeds in each hole, then cover them with a thin layer of soil.
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For twin-seed plants, sow approximately 23,000 seedlings per acre, expecting about 20,000 mature plants. Utilize peanut row cultivators and seed planters for better results.
Important Considerations
Avoid planting peanuts when temperatures are too low, as this can lead to poor survival rates, slow growth, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. However, planting too late in spring can coincide with the rainy season, adversely affecting germination and growth.