Maximum Yield Cannabis Canada 2017 November/December | Page 39

Hydroponic peanut crops can easily be
started from seed. There are a number of
varieties, but the large Virginia types seem
to perform particularly well in hydroponics,
followed by the smaller Spanish peanut
types. To obtain peanut planting stock,
purchase raw—that is, non-heat treated—
seed that is still contained in its outer
husk or pod, as this prevents drying out.
(You’ll shell them just before planting out.)
It’s best to get large, plump peanuts free
of any signs of deformity or rot. Before
planting, germinate the peanuts on a heat
pad or at 22-29°C. The essential step with
growing peanuts is to surface sterilize
any nuts used as seed, as these are prone
to fungal attack during the germination
stage and damping off disease as young
seedlings. Dusting peanut seeds with a
fungicide before planting is also highly
effective with getting the crop started
with minimal problems. Peanut plants
self-pollinate once the yellow flowers
have formed and the peg outgrowth is
visible within a few days.
Whether it’s trying your hand at a
few peanut plants, producing some
beautiful pea flower and tendril
garnishes, or fresh edamame,
legumes have a huge potential as
hydroponic crops. Attention to the
important aspects of these crops such
as cultivar selection, tall or dwarf
growth habit, disease resistance, and
intended purpose is worth investing
some time and research into to obtain
those perfect fresh pods.
Development of a peanut peg.
grow cycle
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