Chitting Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide to a Stronger, Faster Harvest

Introduction

If you’re a gardener looking to maximize your potato yield, improve germination rates, and get an early start on the growing season, chitting potatoes is a must! This simple but effective process encourages seed potatoes to sprout before planting, helping them establish quicker and produce a healthier, more abundant crop.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about chitting potatoes, including when and how to do it, the benefits of chitting, the best conditions for sprouting, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re an allotment gardener, backyard grower, or container gardening enthusiast, this article will ensure you’re well-prepared for a bountiful potato harvest.

What is Chitting Potatoes?

Chitting is the process of pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting them in the ground. By placing seed potatoes in a cool, bright location, they develop strong, short sprouts that lead to quicker growth once planted.

This method is particularly beneficial for early and second-early potato varieties, as it helps speed up the growing process, ensuring you get a harvest sooner.

Why Should You Chit Potatoes? (Key Benefits)

Chitting potatoes offers several advantages for both beginner and experienced gardeners:

1. Faster Growth After Planting

Pre-sprouting gives potatoes a head start, reducing the time needed for them to break dormancy once in the soil.

2. Higher Yield and Bigger Crops

Chitted potatoes tend to produce stronger plants, leading to more tubers per plant.

3. Reduced Risk of Rotting

Since chitted potatoes sprout quickly in the soil, they are less likely to rot before they start growing.

4. Early Harvests

For those looking to harvest potatoes earlier, chitting is essential. This is especially beneficial for early-season crops, allowing you to enjoy fresh homegrown potatoes sooner.

5. Stronger Plants, Less Disease

A well-established potato plant is more resilient to pests and diseases like blight, slugs, and wireworms.

When to Start Chitting Potatoes

The best time to start chitting potatoes depends on your planting schedule and the variety you are growing.

• First Earlies – Start chitting 6-8 weeks before planting (late January to early February for planting in March).
• Second Earlies – Start chitting 4-6 weeks before planting (mid to late February for planting in April).
• Maincrop Varieties – Chitting is not essential, but can be done 3-4 weeks before planting (late February to early March).

How to Chit Potatoes (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Choose Quality Seed Potatoes

• Always buy certified seed potatoes from reputable suppliers to avoid introducing diseases like blight into your soil.
• Avoid using supermarket potatoes, as they may be treated with sprout inhibitors.

2. Find the “Rose End” of the Potato

• The rose end is the part of the potato with the most eye buds.
• This is where the sprouts will emerge, so ensure this end is facing upward when chitting.

3. Place in an Egg Carton or Seed Tray

• Arrange potatoes in an egg carton, seed tray, or a shallow box with the rose end facing up.
• This keeps them stable and prevents damage to developing sprouts.

4. Choose the Right Chitting Location

For successful chitting, potatoes need:

• Light: A bright, natural light source like a windowsill, conservatory, or greenhouse. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Temperature: Keep them in a cool but frost-free place, ideally between 10-15°C (50-59°F).
• Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold or rot.

5. Monitor Sprouting Progress

• After 2-4 weeks, you’ll notice small green or purple sprouts emerging from the eyes.
• The ideal sprout length is 1-2 cm (½-1 inch)—too long, and they may become fragile and break.

6. Remove Excess Sprouts

• If your seed potatoes develop more than four strong shoots, remove the weaker ones to direct energy into the strongest sprouts.

7. Plant Chitted Potatoes at the Right Time

• Once soil temperatures reach 7°C (45°F) or higher, it’s time to plant!
• Carefully place them in trenches or containers, ensuring sprouts remain intact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Chitting Potatoes

1. Chitting in the Dark

If chitted in darkness, potatoes produce long, weak, white shoots instead of short, strong, green or purple ones.

2. Keeping in a Warm Room

Too much warmth can cause sprouts to grow too quickly, making them fragile and prone to breaking.

3. Not Chitting at All (For Early Varieties)

Skipping chitting can result in slower germination and a delayed harvest.

4. Letting Sprouts Grow Too Long

If sprouts exceed 2 cm (1 inch), they become delicate and easily damaged when planting.

5. Storing in a Damp or Sealed Container

Excess moisture can cause mold, rot, and disease, reducing the quality of your seed potatoes.

Conclusion

Chitting potatoes is a simple yet highly effective way to speed up germination, improve yields, and boost early harvests. By following the right method and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a successful growing season with strong, healthy potato plants.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your allotment journey, chitting your seed potatoes can make all the difference in producing bigger, better crops.

Top 10 Questions and Answers About Chitting Potatoes

1. Do all potatoes need to be chitted?

No, but first and second earlies benefit the most from chitting. Maincrop potatoes don’t require it but can still benefit.

2. How long should I chit my potatoes?

Typically 4-6 weeks before planting, but this depends on the variety and planting schedule.

3. Can I plant potatoes without chitting?

Yes, but they may take longer to sprout, delaying your harvest.

4. What happens if I chit potatoes for too long?

Long, leggy sprouts can break easily, reducing plant strength.

5. Can I chit potatoes in a dark cupboard?

No. Chitting in the dark produces weak, white sprouts that are not ideal for planting.

6. Can I cut seed potatoes before chitting?

No. Always chit whole seed potatoes first. If cutting, do so just before planting.

7. What if my chitted potatoes don’t sprout?

If stored in too cold or dark conditions, they may not sprout. Move them to a warmer, well-lit spot.

8. Can I chit potatoes on a windowsill?

Yes, but avoid direct sunlight and keep them in a cool, bright room.

9. Should I water my chitted potatoes?

No. Moisture can cause rot. Keep them dry while chitting.

10. Can I plant sprouted supermarket potatoes?

It’s not recommended, as they may carry disease and have sprout inhibitors.