How Long to Chit Potatoes Before Planting

Chitting potatoes for the right length of time helps produce strong, healthy shoots that give your plants a good head start. Chit for too short a time and the benefit is minimal; chit for too long and shoots can become weak or fragile.

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Ideal Chitting Time

The ideal time to chit potatoes is:

• 4–6 weeks before planting

This allows potatoes to develop short, sturdy shoots that cope well with planting and establish quickly once in the soil.

Chitting Time by Potato Type

First Early Potatoes

• Chit for: 4–6 weeks
• Why: First earlies benefit the most from chitting, especially in cool spring soil

Second Early Potatoes

• Chit for: 3–5 weeks
• Why: Helps speed up emergence and gives more reliable early growth

Maincrop Potatoes

• Chit for: Optional, 2–4 weeks if you choose to chit
• Why: Benefits are smaller, but useful in cooler areas

What Chitted Potatoes Should Look Like

After proper chitting:

• Shoots should be short and firm
• Ideal shoot length is 1–2 cm
• Shoots should be green or purple, not pale or white

These shoots are strong enough to handle planting.

Can You Chit Potatoes for Too Long?

Yes. Chitting for too long can cause:

• Long, thin shoots
• Fragile growth that snaps easily
• Slower recovery after planting

If shoots get too long, move potatoes to a cooler, brighter place or plant as soon as conditions allow.

What If You Don’t Have 4–6 Weeks?

If time is short:

• Even 2–3 weeks of chitting is better than none
• Potatoes will still benefit from early shoot development

If planting is imminent, you can plant unchitted potatoes instead.

When to Start Chitting in the UK

Typical UK timing:

• January–February: First earlies
• February–March: Second earlies
• March: Maincrop (if chitting)

Always base planting on soil conditions rather than dates alone.

Chitting Conditions Matter Too

Length of time alone isn’t enough. Correct conditions are essential:

• Cool (5–10°C)
• Bright (natural light, no direct sun)
• Frost-free

Poor conditions cause weak shoots even if timing is correct.

Can You Plant Potatoes With No Shoots?

Yes. Potatoes will still grow without chitting, but:

• Shoots take longer to emerge
• Harvests may be later
• Growth may be less reliable in cold soil

Quick Chitting Timeline

• Week 1–2: Eyes swell and begin to sprout
• Week 3–4: Shoots become visible and firm
• Week 5–6: Shoots reach ideal planting size

Best Practice Tips

• Aim for short, sturdy shoots, not length
• Handle chitted potatoes carefully
• Plant once soil is workable and frost risk is reduced

Final Answer

Chit potatoes for 4–6 weeks before planting for best results. This produces strong, compact shoots that give potatoes the best possible start once planted.