This is Little August, a rare heritage variety from Carold Wicker, seedsman in Prosperity, South Carolina. The name “Little August” denote 2 aspects of the peanut. Firstly, they are little, half to 1/3rd the size of most peanuts, but they pack an rich “peanutty” flavor, way more flavor than modern commercial varieties. Secondly, they are traditionally planted in SC at the first of August and harvested at the end of October. Obviously, that is a “Southern” thing and not possible in Indiana. This variety came from Nat Bradford, who shared these with me. He suggests a planting date for Indiana as May 15th (very possible), and a harvest around August 15th. That would make Little August, at 90 days, the earliest maturing peanut I have yet come across. Subsequent grow-outs have shown that this variety can be harvested a little earlier (80 days) under favorable growing conditions. While this peanut is not a heavy yielder, it makes up for it by having a great rich flavor! Little August is excellent roasted, made into peanut butter and even pressed for oil (44% extraction rate).
In Northern Indiana, I would plant no later than the last week of May. Peanuts can be started as plants indoors or direct seeded after all danger of frost has passed. Remove the seeds from the shells before planting. Sow 1″-2″ deep and 6″-12″ apart in rows or beds. Peanuts are slow to germinate, so be patient. Once the plant emerges keep well- weeded as peanuts grow slowly at first. By mid-summer, the plants will begin to flower and tendrils (fruiting penduncles) will emerge from the bottom of the branches and bury themselves into the soil. Each of these penduncles will grow into a peanut. At this time be careful when cultivating so as not to disturb or uproot the penduncles. When the plant nears full maturity the leaves will begin to yellow. Some years I have had to pull my plants before this happens because of an early frost. Your yield will be less than at full maturity, but still well worth the effort. The harvested plants are laid out on benches and the peanuts sprayed with water to remove dirt. Allow to dry in the sun for a few hours, then bring the plants into a shed to dry for a week or so. When the plants are fully dry it is easy to remove the peanuts. Bring your peanuts indoors for another 4-6 weeks to continue the drying process before storage. Peanuts for eating or seed should be stored in their shells.
Sold in shell; Minimum 1/2 ounce
