How to Chit Potatoes Properly

Chitting potatoes is a simple but effective way to get stronger plants, faster growth, and earlier harvests. While not essential, chitting is especially useful in the UK climate and is highly recommended for early potato varieties.

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• Seed Potato Collection (Early, First & Second Earlies)
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• Certified Seed Potatoes (Single Variety Packs)
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• Potato Grow Bags / Containers
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• Potato Fertiliser / Soil Booster
Specially formulated feed to support healthy tuber development and improve yields — apply at planting or as a top-dress during the season.
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• Potato Planting Guides & Markers
Helpful tools and guides that take you through planting depth, spacing, and care — plus reusable markers to keep track of different varieties.
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What Is Chitting?

Chitting is the process of allowing seed potatoes to sprout before planting. These short, sturdy shoots give potatoes a head start once planted, helping them grow more quickly and reliably.

Why Chit Potatoes?

Chitting potatoes helps to:

• Speed up emergence after planting
• Encourage stronger, healthier plants
• Produce earlier harvests
• Improve reliability in cooler soils

Chitting is most beneficial for first early and second early potatoes.

When to Start Chitting Potatoes

Start chitting:

• 4–6 weeks before planting

Typical UK timing:

• January–February: For first earlies
• February–March: For second earlies
• March: For maincrop (optional)

Step-by-Step: How to Chit Potatoes Properly

Step 1: Choose Healthy Seed Potatoes

Use certified seed potatoes rather than shop-bought potatoes. Seed potatoes are disease-free and give better results.

Step 2: Position Potatoes Correctly

• Place potatoes with the end that has the most eyes facing upwards
• This encourages strong, upright shoots

Step 3: Use the Right Container

• Egg boxes, seed trays, or shallow boxes work well
• Keep potatoes in a single layer
• Avoid stacking potatoes on top of each other

Step 4: Provide the Right Conditions

Place potatoes in:

• A cool location (5–10°C)
• A bright place (natural light, not direct sun)
• A frost-free environment

A windowsill, porch, or unheated room is ideal.

Step 5: Let Short, Sturdy Shoots Develop

• Shoots should be short and thick, not long and pale
• Ideal shoot length is 1–2 cm
• This usually takes 4–6 weeks

If shoots grow long and thin, move potatoes to a cooler, brighter spot.

Should You Rub Off Extra Shoots?

Yes, in some cases.

• For early potatoes, leave 2–3 strong shoots
• Rub off weaker shoots gently
• This helps produce fewer but larger potatoes

Maincrop potatoes can be left with more shoots.

Can You Plant Potatoes Without Chitting?

Yes, but:

• Growth will be slower
• Harvests may be later
• Plants may be less reliable in cold soil

Chitted potatoes often catch up and outperform unchitted ones.

How to Handle Chitted Potatoes When Planting

• Handle carefully to avoid snapping shoots
• If a shoot breaks, the potato will still grow, just slightly slower
• Plant with shoots facing upwards

Common Chitting Mistakes to Avoid

• Chitting in the dark (causes long, weak shoots)
• Allowing potatoes to freeze
• Letting shoots grow too long
• Using diseased or damaged potatoes

Do All Potatoes Need Chitting?

• Highly recommended: First earlies
• Recommended: Second earlies
• Optional: Maincrop

Maincrop potatoes benefit less, but chitting can still help in cooler areas.

How Long Can You Leave Potatoes Chitted?

Potatoes can remain chitted for several weeks if:

• They are kept cool
• Shoots stay short and firm

Do not allow shoots to become long and fragile.

Quick Chitting Checklist

• Start 4–6 weeks before planting
• Cool, light, frost-free conditions
• Shoots 1–2 cm long
• Handle carefully when planting

Final Tip

Chitting is one of the easiest ways to improve your potato harvest. A little preparation before planting leads to faster growth, earlier harvests, and stronger plants throughout the season.