&#160; &#160; Hay farmers, livestock producers, and anyone interested in learning about growing perennial peanut are invited to participate in the 2026 Perennial Peanut Producers Association (PPPA) Field Day, on Friday, June 5, 2026. UF/IFAS Extension will host the event in Quincy, Florida, at the University of Florida&#8217;s North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) [&#8230;]

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<figure id="attachment_37693" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-37693" style="width: 800px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2026/05/2023-Perennial-Peanut-Field-Day-Mauldin-Weed-Control-Demo-Tour.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-37693 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="2023 Perennial Peanut Field Day - Mauldin Weed Control Demonstration" width="800" height="413" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2026/05/2023-Perennial-Peanut-Field-Day-Mauldin-Weed-Control-Demo-Tour.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-37693" class="wp-caption-text">Mark Mauldin, UF/IFAS Extension Washington County, will discuss NovGraz Sensitivity, at the 2026 Perennial Peanut Field Day.</figcaption></figure>
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<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2026/05/PPPA-Logo.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-37677 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="perennial peanut producers&#039; association logo featuring a yellow peanut flower and four leaves" width="300" height="287" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2026/05/PPPA-Logo-300x287.jpg"></a>Hay farmers, livestock producers, and anyone interested in learning about growing perennial peanut are invited to participate in the 2026 Perennial Peanut Producers Association (PPPA) Field Day, on Friday, June 5, 2026. UF/IFAS Extension will host the event in Quincy, Florida, at the University of Florida&#8217;s North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) &#8211; 155 Research Rd, Quincy, FL.  Registration and networking are set to begin at 8:30 AM Eastern (7:30 AM Central).  The event offers a blend of a successful farm tour and educational presentations.  For those that are not able to attend in person, there is an option to hear the educational presentations <a href="https://ufl.zoom.us/j/94230601170" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Zoom</a> (~11:30 AM).  Passcode is PPFD2026.
The program will begin 9:00 AM EDT with a brief welcome and PPPA business meeting, followed by a tour of Robert Harrsion&#8217;s Perennial Peanut Hay Farm.  Following the tour, educational presentations will begin at approximately 11:30 AM. Topics to be discussed include:  the IR-4 herbicide registration process, use of perennial peanut for ornamental and wildlife plantings, a needs assessment discussion for perennial peanut growers, rhizome quality testing prior to planting, and an update on the forage pellet plant under construction near Madison.  The event concludes with a discussion of perennial peanut sensitivity to Corteva&#8217;s herbicide product called <a href="https://www.corteva.com/us/products-and-solutions/pasture-management/novagraz.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NovaGraz</a>.
Lunch is included with the $15 per person registration and will be provided to all participants.  Please use the RSVP link below to reserve seats and meals for your party.  Payment will be made at the event by cash or checks made out to the PPPA.
<h3 style="padding-left: 40px">RSVP by June 1 @<a style="color: #0000ff" href="https://go.ufl.edu/pppa2026"> https://go.ufl.edu/pppa2026</a></h3>
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Agenda (times are approximate after returning from the farm tour)
8:30 – 9:00     PPPA Board Meeting
 8:30                Registration &amp; Networking
 9:00 – 9:25     Welcome &amp; PPPA Business Meeting &#8211; Tyler Putnal, President PPPA
10:00 – 11:00 On-farm Tour: Robert Harrison, Gadsden County perennial peanut hay producer
11:30 – 12:00 The Ins and Outs of Herbicide Approvals &#8211; Kristen Searer-Jones, IR-4 Southern Region, UF Food &amp; Env. Toxicology Lab, Gainesville 
                             (The Southern Region <a href="https://www.ir4project.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IR-4 Project</a> coordinates research to assist the registration of pest management tools for specialty crops and minor uses.)
12:00 – 1:00    Lunch and Sponsor Acknowledgements
1:00 – 1:30     Perennial Peanut Plantings: Ornamental and Wildlife Value &#8211; Dr. Leynar Leyton, Ornamental Plant Breeder; Dr. Carolina Baruzzi, Wildlife Ecologist, NFREC, Quincy, FL
1:30 – 2:00     Commodity Group Needs Assessment with Audience Participation &#8211; Dr. Marcelo Wallau, State Forage Specialist, UF/IFAS, Gainesville, FL; Mr. Doug Mayo, Jackson County CED, Marianna, FL
2:00 – 2:15     Brief Updates: Doug Mayo &#8211; Rhizome quality testing); Jesse Cone &#8211; Pellet Plant progress
2:15 – 3:00 Discussion of Perennial Peanut Sensitivity to NovaGraz herbicide on perennial peanuts &#8211; Mark Mauldin, UF/IFAS Extension Washington County
Download a printer friendly version of the event flyer and agenda:  <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/jacksonco/files/2026/05/2026-PPPA-Field-Day-Flyer-and-Agenda.pdf">2026 PPPA Field Day Flyer and Agenda</a>
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For more information, contact:
UF/IFAS Extension Educational Program Chair 
Dr. Cheryl Mackowiak 
(850) 875-7126 
<a href="mailto:echo13@ufl.edu">echo13@ufl.edu</a>
Perennial Peanut Producers Association Field Day Chair 
Lindy Cone, PPPA Secretary 
850-973-2339 
<a class="middle-panel-link" href="mailto:pppa@perennialpeanuthay.org">pppa@perennialpeanuthay.org</a>
&#8211;
An Equal Opportunity Institution 
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all events. For disability accommodations, such language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Cheryl Mackowiak: (850) 875-7126 or <a href="mailto:echo13@ufl.edu">echo13@ufl.edu</a> at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Mark Mauldin, UF/IFAS Extension Washington County, will discuss NovGraz Sensitivity, at the 2026 Perennial Peanut Field Day.
 
Hay farmers, livestock producers, and anyone interested in learning about growing perennial peanut are invited to participate in the 2026 Perennial Peanut Producers Association (PPPA) Field Day, on Friday, June 5, 2026. UF/IFAS Extension will host the event in Quincy, Florida, at the University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) – 155 Research Rd, Quincy, FL.  Registration and networking are set to begin at 8:30 AM Eastern (7:30 AM Central).  The event offers a blend of a successful farm tour and educational presentations.  For those that are not able to attend in person, there is an option to hear the educational presentations via Zoom (~11:30 AM).  Passcode is PPFD2026.
The program will begin 9:00 AM EDT with a brief welcome and PPPA business meeting, followed by a tour of Robert Harrsion’s Perennial Peanut Hay Farm.  Following the tour, educational presentations will begin at approximately 11:30 AM. Topics to be discussed include:  the IR-4 herbicide registration process, use of perennial peanut for ornamental and wildlife plantings, a needs assessment discussion for perennial peanut growers, rhizome quality testing prior to planting, and an update on the forage pellet plant under construction near Madison.  The event concludes with a discussion of perennial peanut sensitivity to Corteva’s herbicide product called NovaGraz.
Lunch is included with the $15 per person registration and will be provided to all participants.  Please use the RSVP link below to reserve seats and meals for your party.  Payment will be made at the event by cash or checks made out to the PPPA.
RSVP by June 1 @ https://go.ufl.edu/pppa2026
–
Agenda (times are approximate after returning from the farm tour)
8:30 – 9:00     PPPA Board Meeting
 8:30                Registration & Networking
 9:00 – 9:25     Welcome & PPPA Business Meeting – Tyler Putnal, President PPPA
10:00 – 11:00 On-farm Tour: Robert Harrison, Gadsden County perennial peanut hay producer
11:30 – 12:00 The Ins and Outs of Herbicide Approvals – Kristen Searer-Jones, IR-4 Southern Region, UF Food & Env. Toxicology Lab, Gainesville
                             (The Southern Region IR-4 Project coordinates research to assist the registration of pest management tools for specialty crops and minor uses.)
12:00 – 1:00    Lunch and Sponsor Acknowledgements
1:00 – 1:30     Perennial Peanut Plantings: Ornamental and Wildlife Value – Dr. Leynar Leyton, Ornamental Plant Breeder; Dr. Carolina Baruzzi, Wildlife Ecologist, NFREC, Quincy, FL
1:30 – 2:00     Commodity Group Needs Assessment with Audience Participation – Dr. Marcelo Wallau, State Forage Specialist, UF/IFAS, Gainesville, FL; Mr. Doug Mayo, Jackson County CED, Marianna, FL
2:00 – 2:15     Brief Updates: Doug Mayo – Rhizome quality testing); Jesse Cone – Pellet Plant progress
2:15 – 3:00 Discussion of Perennial Peanut Sensitivity to NovaGraz herbicide on perennial peanuts – Mark Mauldin, UF/IFAS Extension Washington County
Download a printer friendly version of the event flyer and agenda:  2026 PPPA Field Day Flyer and Agenda
–
For more information, contact:
UF/IFAS Extension Educational Program Chair
echo13@ufl.edu
Perennial Peanut Producers Association Field Day Chair
pppa@perennialpeanuthay.org
–
An Equal Opportunity Institution
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all events. For disability accommodations, such language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Cheryl Mackowiak: (850) 875-7126 or echo13@ufl.edu at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Hay farmers, livestock producers, and anyone interested in learning about growing perennial peanut are invited to participate in the 2026 Perennial Peanut Producers Association (PPPA) Field Day, on Friday, June 5, 2026. UF/IFAS Extension will host the event in Quincy, Florida, at the University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) […]

2026 Perennial Peanut Field Day – June 5

Some plants have a number of uses across a broad spectrum – Bahia grass as an example where it is used both in pastures and as a landscape turf.  Another crossover plant in the same vein is the turf alternative called perennial peanuts. But why would anyone want to plant peanuts in their landscape? I’m [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_10189" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10189" style="width: 347px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-10189" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2026/03/jpgperpea3-300x225.jpg" alt="low growing plants with yellow flowers" width="347" height="260" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10189" class="wp-caption-text">A Large Swath of Perennial Peanuts</figcaption></figure>
Some plants have a number of uses across a broad spectrum – Bahia grass as an example where it is used both in pastures and as a landscape turf.  Another crossover plant in the same vein is the turf alternative called perennial peanuts. But why would anyone want to plant peanuts in their landscape? I’m not suggesting that you plant regular peanuts as a landscape groundcover alternative to turf, but rather perennial peanuts which feature butter-yellow blossoms and bright green leaves – a unique and colorful.   While perennial peanuts have historically been used as a forage crop and hay, they are now well-adapted for landscape plantings in place of or to supplement turf areas. Perennial peanuts are drought-tolerant, require minimal fertilizer and provide seasonal color. These perennials also work well in urban areas such as may be found with road medians, berms, and canal banks. Did you know that the perennial peanut has been in Florida since1936?  Do they have a place in your yard?
The word “perennial” is key when we talk about perennial peanuts. As such, “perennial” means that they last year-after-year and spread. No nuts are produced as are found in the famous annual peanut. Instead, the perennial peanut produces rhizomes (underground stems) and roots that help it survive during dry periods – perfect for our area.  As it is a legume and has an association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, fertilizer needs are low. It can be established with potted plants, rhizome segments or as sod pieces. While winter is the best time to begin a planting, preparation is best started months before. A weed-free planting bed is a must to start.
Perennial peanuts are well-adapted to our relatively poor, sandy soils and can in fact fix nitrogen from the air in association with specialized bacteria. Best in full sun, a cultivar often encountered is ‘Ecoturf’ &#8211; known for a low-growing and free-flowering nature. Available potted, as cut sod or in rolled mats, perennial peanuts are best established with some initial irrigation. Plant container grown plants about eighteen inches apart. Perennial peanut sod strips of no smaller than ten inches wide spaced twelve to eighteen inches apart can also be used. Plugs cut from sod into squares can be planted up to eighteen inches from center to center in a staggered pattern. As nitrogen (N) is obtained from associated bacteria, this nutrient does not need to be supplemented. Phosphorus (P) is also already present in the soil in sufficient quantities. Fertilizer containing potassium (K) and magnesium-sulfate can be applied as per label instructions. Edging will help keep this rhizome-producing plant within bounds. Mowing is not necessary, but will keep the planting looking neat, and encourage a thick and flower-filled groundcover. Mowing at four inches once a month will also help with weed control.  Perennial peanut does not really like to be walked on too much, so provide steppingstones to guide foot traffic through the planting.
Perennial peanuts will tend to cost more to establish than say St. Augustine turf to start.  One study suggests that &#8211; in consideration of maintenance issues thereafter &#8211; including fertilization, water, mowing and pesticide &#8211; perennial peanuts cost less per year than St. Augustine grass with lower mowing costs being the most significant reduced cost.   Bottom-line, perennial peanuts are a good choice as an alternative groundcover/turf alternative for low maintenance areas of your landscape.  Check local garden centers and sod farms for perennial peanut planting material. Perennial peanuts are Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ approved plants that you will love!  For more information on all types of groundcovers suitable for our area, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension.   You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or <a href="mailto:ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov">ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov</a>. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension">@CharlotteCountyExtension</a> and follow us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ifascharco/">@ifascharco</a>.
Resources: 
Rouse, R. E., Miavitz, E. M. &amp; Roka, F. M. (2013) Guide to Using Rhizomal Perennial Peanut in the Urban Landscape.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2026) Perennial Peanut.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS. 
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection &amp; Landscape Design (2022) The University of Florida Extension Services, IFAS. 
Landre, C. (2026) Perennial Peanut.  South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com.

A Large Swath of Perennial Peanuts
Some plants have a number of uses across a broad spectrum – Bahia grass as an example where it is used both in pastures and as a landscape turf.  Another crossover plant in the same vein is the turf alternative called perennial peanuts. But why would anyone want to plant peanuts in their landscape? I’m not suggesting that you plant regular peanuts as a landscape groundcover alternative to turf, but rather perennial peanuts which feature butter-yellow blossoms and bright green leaves – a unique and colorful.   While perennial peanuts have historically been used as a forage crop and hay, they are now well-adapted for landscape plantings in place of or to supplement turf areas. Perennial peanuts are drought-tolerant, require minimal fertilizer and provide seasonal color. These perennials also work well in urban areas such as may be found with road medians, berms, and canal banks. Did you know that the perennial peanut has been in Florida since1936?  Do they have a place in your yard?
The word “perennial” is key when we talk about perennial peanuts. As such, “perennial” means that they last year-after-year and spread. No nuts are produced as are found in the famous annual peanut. Instead, the perennial peanut produces rhizomes (underground stems) and roots that help it survive during dry periods – perfect for our area.  As it is a legume and has an association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, fertilizer needs are low. It can be established with potted plants, rhizome segments or as sod pieces. While winter is the best time to begin a planting, preparation is best started months before. A weed-free planting bed is a must to start.
Perennial peanuts are well-adapted to our relatively poor, sandy soils and can in fact fix nitrogen from the air in association with specialized bacteria. Best in full sun, a cultivar often encountered is ‘Ecoturf’ – known for a low-growing and free-flowering nature. Available potted, as cut sod or in rolled mats, perennial peanuts are best established with some initial irrigation. Plant container grown plants about eighteen inches apart. Perennial peanut sod strips of no smaller than ten inches wide spaced twelve to eighteen inches apart can also be used. Plugs cut from sod into squares can be planted up to eighteen inches from center to center in a staggered pattern. As nitrogen (N) is obtained from associated bacteria, this nutrient does not need to be supplemented. Phosphorus (P) is also already present in the soil in sufficient quantities. Fertilizer containing potassium (K) and magnesium-sulfate can be applied as per label instructions. Edging will help keep this rhizome-producing plant within bounds. Mowing is not necessary, but will keep the planting looking neat, and encourage a thick and flower-filled groundcover. Mowing at four inches once a month will also help with weed control.  Perennial peanut does not really like to be walked on too much, so provide steppingstones to guide foot traffic through the planting.
Perennial peanuts will tend to cost more to establish than say St. Augustine turf to start.  One study suggests that – in consideration of maintenance issues thereafter – including fertilization, water, mowing and pesticide – perennial peanuts cost less per year than St. Augustine grass with lower mowing costs being the most significant reduced cost.   Bottom-line, perennial peanuts are a good choice as an alternative groundcover/turf alternative for low maintenance areas of your landscape.  Check local garden centers and sod farms for perennial peanut planting material. Perennial peanuts are Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ approved plants that you will love!  For more information on all types of groundcovers suitable for our area, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension.   You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Rouse, R. E., Miavitz, E. M. & Roka, F. M. (2013) Guide to Using Rhizomal Perennial Peanut in the Urban Landscape.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2026) Perennial Peanut.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design (2022) The University of Florida Extension Services, IFAS.
Landre, C. (2026) Perennial Peanut.  South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com.

Some plants have a number of uses across a broad spectrum – Bahia grass as an example where it is used both in pastures and as a landscape turf.  Another crossover plant in the same vein is the turf alternative called perennial peanuts. But why would anyone want to plant peanuts in their landscape? I’m […]

Another turf alternative – perennial peanut

Profitable commodity crop or livestock production has become more challenging since the COVID19 Pandemic.  Production costs have increased more significantly than market prices for most of the commodity options produced in the Panhandle. The following chart from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS) shows a comparison of indexes for market prices received by crop farmers [&#8230;]

Profitable commodity crop or livestock production has become more challenging since the COVID19 Pandemic.  Production costs have increased more significantly than market prices for most of the commodity options produced in the Panhandle. The following chart from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS) shows a comparison of indexes for market prices received by crop farmers […]