When to Start Chitting Potatoes UK: The Best Time for a Stronger, Faster Harvest
Introduction
If you’re growing potatoes in the UK, chitting is a simple yet effective way to give your seed potatoes a head start before planting. With the UK’s unpredictable weather, getting your potatoes sprouted early ensures they establish faster, leading to a quicker harvest and higher yields.
Knowing when to start chitting potatoes in the UK is crucial for timing your planting correctly. This guide will cover:
✅ The best time to start chitting in the UK
✅ How to chit potatoes step-by-step
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
✅ Tips for growing a successful crop
Whether you’re an allotment gardener, backyard grower, or container enthusiast, this guide will help you get your seed potatoes off to the best possible start.
What is Chitting Potatoes?
Chitting is the process of pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting. By placing potatoes in a cool, bright location, they develop strong, short sprouts, which help them grow faster when planted in the ground.
This technique is especially important in the UK climate, where cold and wet weather can delay germination.
When to Start Chitting Potatoes in the UK?
The best time to start chitting potatoes in the UK depends on the variety 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 (e.g., Scotland or Northern England), you may want to delay planting by a couple of weeks to avoid frost damage.
How to Chit Potatoes in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Buy Certified Seed Potatoes
- Always choose certified, disease-free seed potatoes to prevent the spread of potato blight and other diseases.
- Avoid supermarket potatoes, as they may be treated with sprout inhibitors.
2. Identify the “Rose End”
- The rose end has the most eye buds (where the sprouts will form).
- Place this facing upwards when chitting.
3. Place Potatoes in an Egg Carton or Seed Tray
- Use egg cartons, seed trays, or shallow boxes to keep them stable and well-ventilated.
- Ensure each potato has enough space to allow proper 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 or mold.
5. Monitor Sprouting Progress
- After 2-4 weeks, short green or purple shoots 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 in the UK
1. Chitting in the Dark
If chitted in darkness, potatoes produce long, weak, white shoots that break easily when planted.
2. Keeping Potatoes Too Warm
Too much warmth can cause sprouts to grow too quickly, making them fragile and prone to breaking.
3. Planting Too Early
Even if chitted, planting too early in cold UK soil can cause frost damage.
4. Letting Sprouts Grow Too Long
If sprouts exceed 2 cm (1 inch), they become delicate and easily damaged when planting.
5. Storing in a Damp Area
Excess moisture can cause mold, rot, and disease, reducing the quality of your seed potatoes.
Conclusion
Chitting potatoes in the UK is an easy yet highly effective way to ensure faster growth, better yields, and a healthier crop. With the UK’s unpredictable weather, giving your potatoes a head start indoors can make all the difference in producing strong, disease-resistant plants.
By following the best chitting practices, avoiding common mistakes, and timing your planting correctly, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and abundant potato harvest.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Chitting Potatoes in the UK
1. Do I need to chit potatoes in the UK?
Yes! UK weather can be unpredictable, and chitting ensures faster, healthier growth.
2. How long should I chit my potatoes?
Chit for 4-6 weeks before planting, depending on variety.
3. Can I plant potatoes without chitting?
Yes, but they may take longer to sprout, leading to delayed growth and a later harvest.
4. What happens if I chit potatoes for too long?
Long, leggy sprouts can break easily, reducing plant strength.
5. Can I chit potatoes in a dark cupboard?
No! This results in weak, white sprouts that won’t perform well.
6. Can I plant sprouted supermarket potatoes?
It’s not recommended, as they may carry disease and have sprout inhibitors.
7. What happens if my chitted potatoes don’t sprout?
They may be stored in too cold or dark conditions. Move them to a brighter, slightly warmer location.
8. Can I chit potatoes in a greenhouse?
Yes, but ensure it’s frost-free and doesn’t get too hot on sunny days.
9. Should I water my chitted potatoes?
No! Moisture increases the risk of rot. Keep them dry while chitting.
10. Can I plant chitted potatoes in February?
Only if the soil temperature is at least 7°C (45°F)—otherwise, wait until conditions improve.