When to Start Chitting Potatoes: The Complete Guide for a Stronger, Faster Harvest
Introduction
If you’re wondering when to start chitting potatoes, you’re not alone! Timing is crucial to ensure your seed potatoes develop strong, healthy sprouts before planting, leading to faster growth, higher yields, and an earlier harvest.
Whether you’re growing first earlies, second earlies, or maincrop potatoes, understanding the best time to start chitting will give your crop the best possible start. In this guide, we’ll cover when and how to chit potatoes, common mistakes to avoid, and expert tips to help you get the most out of your potato plants.
What is Chitting Potatoes?
Chitting is the process of pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting them in the ground. This encourages strong, healthy shoots, allowing the potatoes to grow more quickly once planted.
By chitting your potatoes, you can get ahead of the season, reduce the risk of rot, and ensure your potatoes establish faster in the soil.
When to Start Chitting Potatoes? (Best Time by Variety)
The ideal time to start chitting depends on the type of potatoes you’re growing and your local climate.
First Earlies
- Best time to start chitting: Late January to early February
- Planting time: March to April
- Why chit? First early potatoes have a shorter growing season, so chitting helps them establish quickly and produce an early harvest.
Second Earlies
- Best time to start chitting: Mid to late February
- Planting time: April to May
- Why chit? These potatoes benefit from pre-sprouting to speed up growth and ensure a mid-summer harvest.
Maincrop Potatoes
- Best time to start chitting: Late February to early March
- Planting time: April to May
- Why chit? While maincrop potatoes don’t require chitting as much as earlier varieties, it can still help produce stronger plants and increase yield.
💡 Pro Tip: If you live in a colder region (such as Scotland or Northern England), you may want to delay chitting by a couple of weeks to align with the last frost date in your area.
How to Chit Potatoes (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Choose Certified Seed Potatoes
- Always use certified, disease-free seed potatoes to prevent problems like potato blight and rot.
- Avoid supermarket potatoes, as they may be treated with sprout inhibitors.
2. Find 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. Place Potatoes in an Egg Carton or Seed Tray
- Use egg cartons, seed trays, or a shallow box to hold the potatoes securely.
- Keep them separated to allow for good airflow.
4. Choose the Right Chitting Location
For the best results, store your potatoes in:
- A bright location – A windowsill, conservatory, or unheated greenhouse works well.
- A cool but frost-free place – Ideal temperature: 10-15°C (50-59°F).
- A well-ventilated area – Avoid moisture buildup to prevent rot.
5. Monitor Sprouting Progress
- After 2-4 weeks, small green or purple shoots should 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 Potatoes at the Right Time
- Once soil temperatures reach 7°C (45°F) or higher, it’s time to plant!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Chitting Potatoes
1. Chitting in the Dark
If chitted in darkness, potatoes produce long, weak, white sprouts that won’t thrive.
2. Keeping Potatoes Too Warm
Warm conditions cause rapid sprouting, making potatoes fragile and difficult to plant.
3. Chitting Too Early
If chitted too soon, potatoes may sprout excessively, leading to weak, broken shoots.
4. Letting Sprouts Grow Too Long
Sprouts over 2 cm (1 inch) become easily damaged when planting.
5. Storing in a Damp Area
Excess moisture can cause mold, rot, or disease, ruining your seed potatoes.
Conclusion
When to start chitting potatoes depends on your chosen variety and local growing conditions. By starting at the right time, providing ideal conditions, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure healthy sprouts, stronger plants, and a better harvest.
Chitting is a simple yet effective way to maximize your potato crop, making it a must for any allotment gardener or home grower looking for early, productive yields.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About When to Start Chitting Potatoes
1. Do I need to chit potatoes?
Yes, especially for first and second earlies, as it helps speed up germination and improves yields.
2. What happens if I don’t chit my potatoes?
They will still grow, but they may take longer to sprout, delaying growth and harvest time.
3. Can I start chitting potatoes in December?
No, this is too early. Sprouts may become too long and weak before planting.
4. How long should I chit my potatoes?
Typically 4-6 weeks before planting, depending on variety.
5. Can I plant potatoes without chitting?
Yes, but chitting gives them a faster, healthier start.
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 dark cupboard?
No! Darkness causes weak, white shoots that won’t perform well.
8. Can I chit potatoes in a greenhouse?
Yes, but ensure it’s frost-free and doesn’t get too warm on sunny days.
9. Should I water my chitted potatoes?
No! Moisture increases the risk of rot. Keep them dry.
10. Can I chit cut seed potatoes?
No, always chit whole potatoes. If cutting, do so just before planting.