We may be nuts, but at least we’re grounded #groundnuts
The groundnut variety trial is a large screening trial of 43 strains of groundnuts grown and saved by Dr. Blackmon after the discontinuation of the LSU groundnut breeding program in the 1980s. One of their breeding goals was single season growth and harvest as well as improved yields. Our trial aims to assess the yield potential and flavor of the strains with the hope of identifying top performers to take forward into future trials, as well as generating enough grounds to share widely.
On April 11 2019, The Utopian Seed Project planted all 43 different cultivars of the American groundnut aka potato bean aka Indian bean aka Apios americana.
We planted the tubers at a depth of 4” with 2’ spacing. The vines will be trellised.
I chose the lower row of the trial field because it’s closest to the creek and groundnuts don’t mind being a little on the damp side! Most of the tubers had sprouted either roots or sprouts. The tubers came in a wide range of sizes and shapes!
Zoe was out in the field helping with directions and logistics.
Just curious about the use of groundnuts. Medicinal, food, decoration?? Just saw your video with Jason of Sow the Land. Very interesting what you are doing!!
Hey Johnny, Sorry for the late reply. Groundnuts are used as a protein rich food source. They are a native crop and thought of as a wild edible, but some work has been done to improve their yields and harvest potential!
Hi Chris!
I finally sent you some support in March. What a crazy time it is now. I also contacted the person growing Taro here and gave him your contact info.
Another project on a different groundnut. How great that is. Love my cow peas so these must be good as well. Curious how you easily dig something that small underground! I grew an African bean a few years back, enormous vines like a cow pea but flowers needed longer time to set seed-bummer. No correct id on it. I may start some inside and try them again.
Someone here grows groundnuts and I may get some tubers from him. They do very well in his food forest.
Stay safe and healthy my friend!
Peace, Dayna McDaniel
SeedSavers-KC
Hi Chris!
I finally sent you some support in March. What a crazy time it is now. I also contacted the person growing Taro here and gave him your contact info.
Another project on a different groundnut. How great that is. Love my cow peas so these must be good as well. Curious how you easily dig something that small underground! I grew an African bean a few years back, enormous vines like a cow pea but flowers needed longer time to set seed-bummer. No correct id on it. I may start some inside and try them again.
Someone here grows groundnuts and I may get some tubers from him. They do very well in his food forest.
Stay safe and healthy my friend!
Peace,
SeedSavers-KC
Wowwww. I have not seen or heard much about Apios breeding and trials beyond the LSU program, and it’s almost impossible to find pictures of improved varieties. This is extremely impressive. Please keep up the work.