Propagating Perennial Peanuts

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By

Richard Hoyt

The perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata), a relative of the common peanut, is widely grown as animal
fodder, often a substitute for alfalfa. It spreads by underground stems called rhizomes. Ornamental
species spread by rhizomes or by above-ground stems called stolons and are grown as attractive ground
covers that yield yellow blossoms year round. Perennial peanuts can be grown in U.S. Department of
Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8b through 10.

Species Basics

Perennial peanut ornamental groundcovers will reduce soil erosion and will cover a slope or bank in light
shade to full sun. You can propagate perennial peanuts by seed, but seeds are expensive because each
plant produces just one inedible peanut as its seed. They are more often propagated by dividing their
stolons or rhizomes. Cultivars of pinto perennial peanuts (A. pintoi) spread by stolons and are more
suitable for warmer climates. They include “Golden Glory” (A. pintoi “Golden Glory”) and “Amaillo” (A.
pintoi “Amaillo”). Cultivars of A. glabrata spread by rhizomes and are more cold hardy. They include
“Arblick” (A. glabrata “Arblick”) and “Ecoturf” (A. glabrata “Ecoturf”).

Dividing Stolons and Rhizomes

Both stolons and rhizomes of perennial peanuts grow roots at their nodes; dividing them is the
preferred method of propagation. Each rooted section is a tiny plant. To transplant rooted nodes,
carefully remove the the roots from the ground and plant the rooted nodes 1/2 to 1 inch deep and 10 to
12 inches apart. Do this quickly so the divisions do not dry out, and keep the ground moist. You should
have a uniform groundcover in two to five months.

Planting Seeds

Although perennial peanut seeds are expensive and may be hard to find, they germinate readily. Since
the plants do not like to climb, sow their seeds on top of slopes so their stolons or rhizomes can spread
downward. Plant husked seeds or seeds removed from their hull 1/2 inch deep in pots or prepared soil.
If you plant seeds as groundcover, sow at the rate of 3/4 to 1 pound of seed for each 1,000 square feet.
The seeds should germinate in 10 to 14 days, establishing a uniform, dense cover in two to five months.

Planting Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings of A. puntoi cultivars, which ideally should be 4 to 8 inches long, may be more available
than seeds. To plant, bury them 3 to 5 inches deep in pots or 10 to 15 inches apart in prepared soil. They
will typically root in two to four weeks, covering the ground uniformly in two to five months. Take care
not to let stem cuttings dry out while they establish roots. A. glabrata cultivars do not root well from
stem cuttings.

Care During Establishment

Keep the ground moist and free of weeds while ornamental species are getting established. Pintoi
ornamental cultivars will grow from 8 to 12 inches high, but if you want a dense mat, use a mower or
weed whacker to cut them 4 to 5 inches high every eight to 10 weeks. If you mow glabrata ornamental
cultivars every two to four weeks, you can maintain them at 1 1/2 inches high; regular mowing
stimulates them to grow flowers.

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