Orzacha underground
Orzacha underground, called peanut or peanut (Arachis hypogea) it is not very widespread, but a valuable and original annual plant. It produces fruit in the form of peanuts eaten after drying in the oven, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. In tropical and subtropical regions, these peanuts extract oil.
A distinctive feature of this plant is this, that the flower stalks sink into the ground after fertilization, where they undergo further development, until the seeds ripen, which usually takes place at depth 5-10 cm below the soil surface. The plant does not grow tall, having branched stems, opposite leaves pinnate and yellow, small flowers. After pollination (usually self-pollinating) the peduncle ending with a branch grows and after approx 6 days it begins to grow rapidly into the depths of the earth. The pods sunk into the ground usually contain one or two seeds, in some varieties, however, the number of seeds reaches seven.
Orzacha has bushy varieties, compact and creeping. In the former, the ovary's growth into the ground is more visible. Creeping varieties are more prolific, but their growing season is much longer, which in our conditions threatens to become immature. To Poland, after liberation, our trade imported peanut seeds from China (creeping varieties) and these probably gave rise to amateur peanuts. The growing season is 175-180 days.
Orzacha likes light soils, and on heavy duty it requires careful care. It hates acid soils. Due to the described method of vegetation, the soil must be carefully, prepared, plump and deeply dug in autumn. The peanut zagon should be loosened and weeded frequently. Hulled seeds are sown, coup or point in depth 3-5 cm, depending on the compactness of the soil. Observed, that they sprout better and produce a larger root system of the plant from the seeds sprouted down. The spacing depends on the variety; for creeping varieties, 60x60 cm is used, 40x40 cm may be enough for bushy varieties. The soil should be well fertilized – orzacha requires strong fertilization with potassium and phosphorus, it also reacts positively to nitrogen fertilization, although it is a legume.
This plant comes from countries with warm climates and therefore requires a high temperature to germinate (12-15°C). Hence, in our conditions, it is recommended to sow it in early April in pots or other containers in the apartment or in the inspection. Plant the seedlings, when the fear of frost is over, in the second half of May, after the formation of the proper leaves. When growing bushy varieties, when the ovaries get stuck in the soil, plants should be covered with soil. The care is based on weeding and slight loosening, being careful, in order not to damage the plants. In case of excessive drought, the plants need to be watered. Because these plants are very thermophilic, it is necessary to choose sheltered and sunny places for their cultivation. In case of unfavorable conditions, they should be grown in frames or foil tunnels.
The harvest is commenced, when the aerial parts of the plant become frosty. The dug up pods with the plants are dried in a ventilated place, until they rustle. Peanut harvest from 1 m2 in Italy is achieved of approx 1 kg.