Peanut in Zone 9a & 9b
Arachis hypogaea
Yes, peanut grows in zones 9a and 9b. Plant it outside Feb 22–Mar 1.
When to plant peanut in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 2–Jul 9 (~130 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 9b
These go outside within two weeks of peanut in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- TomatoMar 1–Mar 8
- Bush BeansFeb 22–Mar 1
- Sweet CornFeb 22–Mar 1
- CucumberFeb 22–Mar 1
- ZucchiniFeb 22–Mar 1
- Winter SquashFeb 22–Mar 1
Peanuts are the strangest thing in most vegetable gardens. They flower above ground, self-pollinate, and then the fertilised flower sends a stalk called a peg downward, which pushes into the soil and forms the pod underground. Nothing else in the bed does this, and it explains most of what peanuts need from you.
How peanut fits zone 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Peanut needs about 130 days from sowing to first harvest.
Peanut planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Aug 25–Sep 1 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Aug 9–Aug 16 |
| 9a & 9b (your zone) | Not usually | Feb 22–Mar 1 | Jul 2–Jul 9 |
| 10a & 10bSpring window | Not usually | Mar–Apr | ~130 days after direct-sowing |
| 11a & 11b | Not usually | Jan 8–Jan 15 | May 18–May 25 |
Harvest dates are about 130 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for peanut.
Where to buy peanut seeds
Burpee (each supplier's peanut seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing peanut" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Peanut in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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