What is Chitting? The Essential Guide to Pre-Sprouting Potatoes for a Faster, Stronger Harvest
Introduction
If you’re a gardener looking to boost your potato yields and ensure faster growth, then chitting is a technique you need to know about. But what exactly is chitting, and why is it important?
Chitting is the process of pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting. By allowing potatoes to develop short, sturdy shoots, they establish faster in the soil, leading to quicker growth, healthier plants, and higher yields.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What chitting is and why it matters
✅ The best time to start chitting
✅ A step-by-step guide on how to chit potatoes
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
✅ Expert tips for a successful potato crop
Whether you’re an allotment gardener, container grower, or backyard enthusiast, learning how to chit potatoes properly will help you get the most out of your harvest.
What is Chitting?
Chitting is the pre-sprouting process where seed potatoes are exposed to light and warmth before planting. This encourages the development of strong, green or purple shoots, which help potatoes grow faster once they are in the soil.
By chitting your seed potatoes, you reduce the time it takes for them to break dormancy, giving your crop an early advantage in the growing season.
Why is Chitting Important? (Key Benefits)
1. Faster Growth and Establishment
Chitted potatoes germinate and root quicker, meaning they grow faster once planted.
2. Higher Yields and Bigger Crops
By giving your seed potatoes a head start, you encourage stronger plants that produce more tubers.
3. Reduced Risk of Rotting in Cold Soil
Since chitted potatoes sprout quickly in the soil, they are less likely to rot before growing.
4. Early Harvests
If you want to enjoy homegrown potatoes sooner, chitting helps first and second early varieties mature faster.
5. Stronger Plants with Better Disease Resistance
A well-established potato plant is more resilient against pests and diseases, such as slugs, wireworms, and blight.
When Should You Start Chitting 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 Potatoes (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Choose Certified Seed Potatoes
- Always buy certified, disease-free seed potatoes to prevent problems like blight and viral infections.
- Avoid supermarket potatoes, as they may be treated with sprout inhibitors.
2. Identify the “Rose End” of the Potato
- The rose end is the part with the most eye buds (where sprouts will emerge).
- Place this facing upwards when chitting.
3. Arrange in an Egg Carton or Seed Tray
- Use egg cartons, seed trays, or shallow boxes to keep potatoes stable.
- Ensure they have good air circulation.
4. Choose the Right Chitting Location
For successful chitting, 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 conditions to prevent mold or rot.
5. Monitor Growth Progress
- After 2-4 weeks, short green or purple sprouts should appear.
- Ideal sprout length is 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 Potatoes at the Right Time
- Once soil temperatures reach 7°C (45°F), it’s time to plant your chitted potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Chitting Potatoes
1. Chitting in the Dark
If chitted in darkness, potatoes produce long, weak, white shoots that are fragile and break easily.
2. Keeping Potatoes Too Warm
Warm temperatures cause sprouts to grow too quickly, making them weak and prone to breaking.
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 when planting.
5. Storing in a Damp Area
Excess moisture increases the risk of rot and mold, ruining your seed potatoes.
Conclusion
Chitting is a simple but highly effective technique to ensure faster growth, stronger plants, and a better harvest. By starting at the right time, providing ideal conditions, and avoiding common mistakes, you can grow healthy, productive potato plants.
Whether you’re growing first earlies, second earlies, or maincrop potatoes, chitting helps maximize your yield and ensures a successful growing season.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Chitting
1. What is chitting potatoes?
Chitting is the process of pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting to speed up growth.
2. Do all potatoes need to be chitted?
Chitting is most beneficial for first and second earlies, but maincrop potatoes can also benefit.
3. How long should I chit my potatoes?
Typically 4-6 weeks before planting, depending on variety.
4. Can I plant potatoes without chitting?
Yes, but they will take longer to sprout, delaying growth and harvest time.
5. Can I chit potatoes in a dark cupboard?
No! Darkness causes weak, white shoots that won’t perform well.
6. 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.
7. Can I chit potatoes in a greenhouse?
Yes, but ensure it’s frost-free and doesn’t get too warm on sunny days.
8. Should I water my chitted potatoes?
No! Moisture increases the risk of rot. Keep them dry.
9. Can I chit cut seed potatoes?
No, always chit whole potatoes. If cutting, do so just before planting.
10. Can I plant supermarket potatoes?
It’s not recommended—store-bought potatoes may carry diseases and are often treated with sprout inhibitors.