Do You Have to Chit Potatoes?

No, you do not have to chit potatoes, but chitting can give you earlier growth, stronger plants, and more reliable results, especially in the UK climate. Whether or not you should chit depends on the type of potato you’re growing and your growing conditions.

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What Does Chitting Do?

Chitting allows seed potatoes to:

• Develop short, sturdy shoots before planting
• Sprout more quickly once planted
• Grow more evenly and reliably

It gives potatoes a head start, particularly in cooler soils.

When Chitting Is Recommended

First Early Potatoes

Chitting is strongly recommended for first earlies.

• Faster emergence
• Earlier harvests
• Better performance in cool spring soil

Examples include Arran Pilot, Rocket, Swift, and Casablanca.

Second Early Potatoes

Chitting is recommended but not essential.

• Helps speed up growth
• Improves reliability

Examples include Charlotte, Wilja, Nadine, and Kestrel.

Maincrop Potatoes

Chitting is optional for maincrop varieties.

• Benefits are smaller
• Maincrop potatoes usually catch up anyway

Examples include Maris Piper, King Edward, Cara, and Valor.

When You Can Skip Chitting

You can safely skip chitting if:

• You are growing maincrop potatoes
• Soil is warm and well-drained
• You are not concerned about early harvests
• Planting later in spring

In these cases, unchitted potatoes usually perform well.

What Happens If You Don’t Chit?

If you don’t chit:

• Potatoes will still grow
• Shoots take longer to appear
• Harvest may be slightly later
• Plants may be less reliable in cold soil

The difference is most noticeable with early potatoes.

Does Chitting Increase Yield?

Chitting:

• Does not significantly increase total yield
• Helps produce earlier and more uniform crops

Yield is more affected by soil quality, spacing, watering, and variety choice.

Are There Any Downsides to Chitting?

Chitting can cause problems if done incorrectly:

• Long, fragile shoots if kept too warm or dark
• Broken shoots during planting
• Extra time and space needed

These issues are easy to avoid with proper conditions.

Can You Chit Potatoes for Too Long?

Yes. If shoots become:

• Long
• Thin
• Pale

Move potatoes to a cooler, brighter place or plant them as soon as possible.

Chitting vs Not Chitting: Quick Comparison

Chitted Potatoes

• Faster emergence
• Earlier harvest
• Better in cool soil

Unchitted Potatoes

• Slower to start
• Later harvest
• Fine in warm soil

Best Practice Advice

• Always chit first early potatoes
• Chit second earlies if you can
• Skip chitting maincrop if short on time or space
• Focus on correct planting depth and spacing

Final Answer

You don’t have to chit potatoes, but in most UK gardens it’s worth doing, especially for early varieties. It’s a simple step that improves reliability and helps you get potatoes on your plate sooner.