It may be easier, and cheaper, to buy the nuts if the plants are grown for purposes other than as a novelty. The male flowers are bright yellow but female flowers are inconspicuous. After pollination the female flowers bury themselves in the ground. The best soils are sandy loams or loamy sands. Peanuts need little nitrogen.
Excess nitrogen causes lush growth and late plants.
Plant seed about the time maple leafs out and space the seed 1 foot apart in rows 3 feet apart. The seed can be started early indoors but seedlings transplant poorly. Plant seed 1 inch deep. Keep the weeds out but don't disturb the roots. After the flowers bury themselves, don't disturb the soil.