Peanuts, unlike many other nuts, grow underground! This unique growth process begins with a flower.
The Peanut's Journey from Flower to Nut
- Flowering: The peanut plant first produces yellow, pea-like flowers above ground.
- Peg Formation: After pollination, the flower withers, and a peg—a short stem-like structure—develops. As the video explains, "Here those are called the pegs. And they arise. From where there was a flower the flower opens and develops and sends this peg down into the soil."
- Underground Development: This peg grows down into the soil.
- Peanut Development: At the tip of the peg, the peanut (actually a legume) begins to develop, growing into the familiar peanut we know. The peg essentially anchors the developing peanut underground.
- Maturation: The peanuts mature underground, eventually ready for harvest.
Key Stages Summarized:
- Above-ground flowering: Yellow flowers bloom.
- Peg formation and growth: A stem grows from the flower down into the soil.
- Underground development: The peanut develops at the tip of the peg.
- Maturation and harvest: Peanuts mature underground and are then harvested.
This fascinating process ensures the peanut is protected from the elements as it develops.
