Chitting Potatoes UK: The Best Guide for a Stronger, Faster Harvest

Introduction

If you’re growing potatoes in the UK, chitting is an essential step to give your seed potatoes a head start before planting. This technique helps them sprout early, ensuring faster growth, stronger plants, and bigger harvests—perfect for the unpredictable British weather!

Whether you’re an allotment gardener, backyard grower, or planting potatoes in containers, this guide will cover everything you need to know about chitting potatoes in the UK.

What is Chitting Potatoes?

Chitting is the process of pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting. This encourages them to grow strong shoots, giving them a head start once they hit the soil.

This is particularly important in the UK climate, where early spring frosts can slow down germination. By chitting your potatoes in a cool, bright place, you can ensure they are ready to grow as soon as conditions improve.

Why Chit Potatoes in the UK? (Key Benefits)

1. Faster Growth After Planting

Chitting helps potatoes establish roots quickly, meaning they start growing as soon as they are planted in UK soil.

2. Bigger and Better Harvests

Pre-sprouted potatoes tend to produce stronger plants, leading to higher yields and larger tubers.

3. Less Risk of Rotting in Wet UK Soils

The UK often experiences wet and cold springs, which can cause unchitted potatoes to rot in the ground before sprouting.

4. Early Harvests in a Short Growing Season

For UK gardeners, the growing season is shorter than in warmer climates. Chitting ensures an earlier harvest before autumn frosts set in.

5. Better Resistance to Pests and Diseases

Strongly sprouted potatoes are more resilient against slugs, wireworms, and blight, common problems in the UK.

When to Start Chitting Potatoes in the UK

The ideal time to start chitting depends on the variety:

• First Earlies – Chit from late January to early February, plant in March-April.
• Second Earlies – Chit from mid to late February, plant in April-May.
• Maincrop Varieties – Chitting isn’t essential, but can be started in late February to early March, plant in April-May.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re in a colder UK region (e.g., Scotland or Northern England), consider delaying planting by a couple of weeks to avoid frost damage.

How to Chit Potatoes in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Buy Certified Seed Potatoes

• Always choose certified, disease-free seed potatoes from UK suppliers to prevent the spread of potato blight.
• Avoid supermarket potatoes as they are treated with sprout inhibitors.

2. Identify the “Rose End”

• The rose end has the most eye buds (where the shoots will form).
• Place this facing upwards when chitting.

3. Place Potatoes in an Egg Carton or Seed Tray

• Use egg cartons, seed trays, or shallow boxes to keep them stable.
• Keep each potato separate to allow good airflow.

4. Choose the Right Chitting Location

For successful chitting in the UK, you need:

• Bright, indirect light – A windowsill, conservatory, or unheated greenhouse works well.
• Cool but frost-free conditions – Ideal temperature: 10-15°C (50-59°F).
• Good ventilation – Avoid damp, enclosed spaces to prevent rot or mold.

5. Monitor Sprouting Progress

• After 2-4 weeks, short, green or purple shoots will emerge.
• Ideal sprout length: 1-2 cm (½-1 inch).

6. Remove Weak Sprouts

• Keep 3-4 of the strongest sprouts and rub off the rest to focus energy on fewer, healthier shoots.

7. Plant Chitted Potatoes at the Right Time

• Once the UK soil temperature reaches 7°C (45°F), you can safely plant your chitted potatoes.

Common Mistakes When Chitting Potatoes in the UK

1. Chitting in the Dark

This leads to long, weak white shoots, which break easily when planted.

2. Keeping in a Warm Room

Too much warmth leads to rapid sprouting, making potatoes more fragile.

3. Planting Too Early

Even if chitted, planting too early in cold UK soil can cause frost damage.

4. Letting Sprouts Grow Too Long

Sprouts over 2 cm (1 inch) become weak and prone to breaking.

5. Storing in a Damp Area

Excess moisture can cause rot, mold, or disease.

Conclusion

Chitting potatoes in the UK is an easy yet highly effective way to ensure faster growth, better yields, and a healthier crop. With the UK’s unpredictable weather, giving your potatoes a head start indoors can make all the difference in producing strong, disease-resistant plants.

By following the best chitting practices, avoiding common mistakes, and timing your planting correctly, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and abundant potato harvest.

Top 10 Questions and Answers About Chitting Potatoes in the UK

1. Do I need to chit potatoes in the UK?

Yes! UK weather can be unpredictable, and chitting ensures faster, healthier growth.

2. How long should I chit my potatoes?

Chit for 4-6 weeks before planting, depending on variety.

3. Can I plant potatoes without chitting?

Yes, but they may take longer to sprout, leading to delayed growth and a later harvest.

4. What if my potatoes sprout too much?

If sprouts exceed 2 cm (1 inch), gently break off the longest ones, leaving 3-4 strong sprouts.

5. Can I chit potatoes in a dark cupboard?

No! This results in weak, white sprouts that won’t perform well.

6. Can I plant sprouted supermarket potatoes?

It’s not recommended—store-bought potatoes may carry diseases or be treated to prevent sprouting.

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

They may be stored in too cold or dark conditions. Move them to a brighter, slightly warmer location.

8. Can I chit potatoes in a greenhouse?

Yes, but ensure it’s frost-free and doesn’t get too hot on sunny days.

9. Should I water chitted potatoes?

No! Moisture increases the risk of rot. Keep them dry.

10. Can I cut seed potatoes before chitting?

No, always chit whole potatoes. If cutting, do so just before planting.