What Is Perennial Peanut?
Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) is a warm-season ground cover that has become one of the most popular lawn alternatives in Florida. With its bright yellow flowers and dense, spreading growth habit, it offers a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf grass — and it thrives in Tampa Bay's hot, humid climate.
Why Tampa Bay Homeowners Love It
- Drought-tolerant — Once established, it requires little to no irrigation
- No fertilizer needed — It fixes its own nitrogen from the air
- Low mowing — Mow just 2–3 times per year, or not at all
- Weed suppressor — Dense growth chokes out most weeds naturally
- Pollinator-friendly — The yellow blooms attract bees and butterflies
- Stays green year-round in our Tampa Bay climate
Planting Perennial Peanut in Tampa Bay
Best time to plant: Spring through early summer (March–June) when soil temperatures are warm and establishment is fastest.
Sunlight: Full sun is ideal — at least 6 hours per day. It will thin out in heavy shade.
Soil: Tolerates sandy, well-draining Florida soils well. Avoid areas with standing water or poor drainage.
Spacing: Plant plugs or sprigs 12–18 inches apart. It spreads via rhizomes and will fill in over one to two growing seasons.
Watering at planting: Water daily for the first 2–3 weeks until established, then reduce to once or twice a week. After the first season, rainfall alone is typically sufficient.
Ongoing Care
Mowing: Optional, but mowing 2–3 times per year at 3–4 inches keeps it tidy and encourages denser growth. Never scalp it.
Fertilizing: Generally not needed — this is one of its biggest advantages. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can actually reduce flowering.
Pest & disease: Perennial peanut is remarkably pest-resistant. Occasional issues with mole crickets or nematodes can occur in sandy soils — contact us if you notice thinning patches.
Edging: It will spread into beds and sidewalks, so plan to edge 2–4 times per year to keep borders clean.
Is Perennial Peanut Right for Your Yard?
Perennial peanut works best for:
- Full-sun slopes and open areas
- Replacing water-hungry turf in low-traffic zones
- Filling in around trees and along driveways
- Eco-conscious homeowners looking to reduce lawn maintenance
It's not ideal for high-foot-traffic areas or shaded spots under dense tree canopies.
Get Perennial Peanut Delivered to Your Door
At Plant It Tampa Bay, we carry perennial peanut plugs and flats ready for installation across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Pasco Counties. We offer free delivery on orders over $150 and free delivery + installation on orders over $250.