Carolina Black

Family: Fabaceae Vegetable

Carolina Black delivers a rich, earthy allure from the moment the pods mature—deep, inky kernels with a velvety sheen that feel almost velour-like in the shell.

Expect firm, satisfying texture and a robust, nutty flavor that shines when roasted for a bold, savory bite, and also performs beautifully for classic peanut-style uses like spreads and hearty sauces. A dependable choice for gardeners seeking distinctive color and a satisfying harvest from a warm-season crop that rewards patience with character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Clumping

Botanical illustration of Carolina Black

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Aug 23rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These Carolina Black kernels taste like a darker roast—earthy and almost velvety in the shell-to-pan transformation—so they love heat and browning. Use them roasted and crushed or blended thick; their firm, hearty nut-meat gives peanut sauces and spreads body instead of thinning out.

Best Uses

dry-roasting for a bold, savory snack
black-kernel peanut butter or thick spread (less greasy, more substantial)
crumbling into spicy rubs for chicken, pork, or roast vegetables
blending into peanut sauce—especially for a coating, clingy texture

Flavor Profile

deep, inky-roasted peanut flavor earthy, savory nuttiness firm, meaty bite with a silky roast aroma

Kitchen Pairings

chile lime garlic brown sugar coconut milk chicken thighs

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease is most likely on Arachis hypogaea (Carolina Black), and how do I manage it?

Arachis hypogaea commonly suffers from fungal leaf spots and early blight-like problems when foliage stays wet. Water at the soil line (not over the leaves), space plants for airflow, and remove heavily spotted leaves early to slow spread. If conditions are humid/rainy, use a labeled fungicide in the first sign of spots and repeat according to the label interval to protect new foliage.

How often should I water Carolina Black peanuts during the main growing phase?

During pod development (roughly mid-season through about 90–110 days), keep soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during hot spells, and reduce watering if the soil stays wet more than a day or two after watering. A simple check: the top 1–2 inches should dry slightly between waterings while deeper soil still holds moisture for the developing pods.

How can I tell when Carolina Black peanuts are ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 120 days from sowing, or when lower foliage begins yellowing and leaves are largely declining. Lift a few plants with a garden fork and check pod maturity—pods should be well-filled and the inner kernels should have a mature color; immature pods will look small and underfilled. After lifting, cure in a warm, airy spot for about 2–3 weeks before shelling for best flavor and storage.