Chitting Seed Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide for a Stronger, Faster Harvest
Introduction
If you’re growing potatoes this season, chitting seed potatoes is a simple but powerful technique to speed up growth, improve yields, and ensure a healthier crop. By allowing your seed potatoes to pre-sprout before planting, you give them a head start, helping them establish quickly in the soil and produce larger, stronger plants.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about chitting seed potatoes, including:
✅ What chitting is and why it’s important
✅ When to start chitting for the best results
✅ Step-by-step instructions on how to chit potatoes
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
✅ Expert tips for a successful harvest
Whether you’re an allotment gardener, container grower, or backyard enthusiast, this guide will help you get the most from your seed potatoes.
What is Chitting Seed Potatoes?
Chitting is the process of encouraging seed potatoes to sprout before planting. By placing potatoes in a cool, bright environment, they develop strong, short shoots, which help them establish quicker in the soil.
This method is especially beneficial for first earlies and second earlies, which need a quick start to produce early harvests.
Why Should You Chit Seed Potatoes? (Key Benefits)
1. Faster Growth and Quicker Establishment
Chitted potatoes sprout and root faster, reducing the time needed for them to establish in the soil.
2. Higher Yields and Bigger Harvests
Pre-sprouted potatoes produce stronger plants with more tubers per plant, increasing your total harvest.
3. Reduced Risk of Rotting
Chitting ensures that potatoes begin growing quickly, reducing the risk of them rotting in cold, wet soil.
4. Early Harvests for Short Growing Seasons
First early and second early potatoes mature quicker, allowing you to enjoy homegrown potatoes sooner.
5. Healthier Plants with Better Resistance
Strongly sprouted potatoes are more resistant to pests and diseases, such as slug damage, wireworms, and blight.
When to Start Chitting Seed Potatoes?
The best time to start chitting depends on the variety of potatoes you are growing.
| Potato Type | When to Start Chitting | Planting Time |
|---|---|---|
| First Earlies | Late January – Early February | March – April |
| Second Earlies | Mid – Late February | April – May |
| Maincrop Potatoes | Late February – Early March | April – May |
💡 Tip: If you live in a colder region, delay planting by a couple of weeks to avoid frost damage.
How to Chit Seed Potatoes (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Choose High-Quality Seed Potatoes
- Always buy certified, disease-free seed potatoes from reputable suppliers to prevent issues like potato blight and viral infections.
- Avoid supermarket potatoes, as they are often treated with sprout inhibitors.
2. Identify the “Rose End” of the Potato
- The rose end is the side with the most eye buds (where sprouts will form).
- Place this facing upwards when chitting.
3. Arrange in an Egg Carton or Seed Tray
- Use egg cartons, seed trays, or shallow boxes to hold the potatoes securely.
- Keep them separated to allow for good airflow.
4. Choose the Right Chitting Location
For successful chitting, your potatoes need:
- Bright, indirect light – A windowsill, conservatory, or unheated greenhouse is ideal.
- Cool temperatures – Keep them between 10-15°C (50-59°F).
- Good ventilation – Avoid damp areas to prevent mold or rot.
5. Monitor Growth Progress
- After 2-4 weeks, small green or purple shoots will appear.
- Ideal sprout length: 1-2 cm (½-1 inch).
6. Remove Weak Sprouts
- If too many sprouts form, keep the strongest 3-4 shoots and rub off the rest.
7. Plant Chitted Seed Potatoes at the Right Time
- Once soil temperatures reach 7°C (45°F) or higher, you can plant your chitted potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Chitting Seed Potatoes
1. Chitting in the Dark
If chitted in darkness, potatoes produce long, weak, white shoots that break easily.
2. Keeping Potatoes Too Warm
High temperatures cause rapid, weak sprouting, making potatoes fragile.
3. Chitting Too Early
Starting too soon results in overgrown sprouts before planting time.
4. Letting Sprouts Grow Too Long
Sprouts over 2 cm (1 inch) are easily damaged.
5. Storing in a Damp Area
Excess moisture increases the risk of rot and mold.
Conclusion
Chitting seed potatoes is a simple yet essential step for getting the best possible harvest. By starting at the right time, using ideal conditions, and avoiding common mistakes, you can grow strong, healthy, and productive potato plants.
Whether you’re growing first earlies, second earlies, or maincrop potatoes, chitting gives them the boost they need to produce larger, healthier crops.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Chitting Seed Potatoes
1. Do I need to chit all seed potatoes?
Chitting is most beneficial for first and second earlies, but maincrop potatoes can also benefit.
2. Can I plant potatoes without chitting?
Yes, but they will take longer to sprout, delaying growth and harvest time.
3. How long should I chit my potatoes?
Typically 4-6 weeks before planting, depending on variety.
4. Can I chit potatoes in a dark cupboard?
No! Darkness causes weak, white shoots that won’t perform well.
5. What if my potatoes sprout too much before planting?
If sprouts exceed 2 cm (1 inch), gently remove the longest ones, leaving 3-4 strong shoots.
6. Can I chit potatoes in a greenhouse?
Yes, but ensure it’s frost-free and doesn’t get too warm on sunny days.
7. Should I water chitted potatoes?
No! Moisture increases the risk of rot. Keep them dry.
8. Can I chit cut seed potatoes?
No, always chit whole potatoes. If cutting, do so just before planting.
9. What 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.
10. Can I plant supermarket potatoes?
It’s not recommended—store-bought potatoes may carry diseases and are often treated with sprout inhibitors.