Plant library
Ground cover
Perennial Peanut
Arachis pintoi
Zones 9–13
A nitrogen-fixing tropical legume that forms a lush, traffic-tolerant, yellow-flowered carpet — a superb living mulch for hot, humid gardens.
Sun
Full sun
Water
moderate
Spacing
12-18 in apart; mats fill in within one season
Soil
Tolerates sandy to clay soils (pH 5.5-7.5); needs drainage
Difficulty
easy
Zones
9–13
When to plant
See care notes for timing in your zone.
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Plant rooted sprigs in late spring or summer, 12-18 in apart, watering until established. Mow high a couple times a year to encourage dense mats. Needs no fertilizer or pesticides.
Good companions
As living mulch under fruit trees, palms, and bananas; pairs well with sweet potato in tropical guilds
Harvest
Not grown for its nuts; harvest biomass as nitrogen-rich mulch or forage for chickens.
Want a plan for growing Perennial Peanut?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
