🥔 Chitting Potatoes: Early vs Second Earlies

🌱 Introduction: Same Method, Different Priorities

First early and second early potatoes are often grouped together—but when it comes to chitting, they benefit in slightly different ways. Understanding these differences helps you time chitting correctly, avoid weak shoots, and get the best results from each type in UK conditions.

This guide compares early vs second early potatoes, explaining when to chit, how long to chit for, and what to aim for with each.

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🌱 First Early Potatoes: Chitting Matters Most

Why Chitting Is Important

First earlies are planted earliest, often into:

• Colder soil
• Shorter days
• Unsettled spring weather

Chitting gives them a crucial head start, helping them emerge faster and more reliably.

When to Start Chitting

• Late January to early February
• Around 4–6 weeks before planting

January only works if you can provide cool temperatures and good light.

What to Aim For

• 1–2 strong shoots per potato
• Shoots 1–2 cm long
• Thick, firm, green or purple chits

Short, compact chits are ideal for early planting.

What You Gain

• Faster emergence
• Earlier harvest (often 1–3 weeks earlier)
• More reliable growth in cold soil

For first earlies, chitting is strongly recommended.

🌿 Second Early Potatoes: Helpful, But Less Critical

Why Chitting Is Still Useful

Second earlies are planted slightly later, when:

• Soil is warming
• Light levels are improving

Chitting still helps, but it’s less critical than for first earlies.

When to Start Chitting

• Early to mid-February
• Around 3–5 weeks before planting

Starting too early is a common mistake with second earlies.

What to Aim For

• 2–3 strong shoots per potato
• Shoots 1–3 cm long
• Even, sturdy growth

Second earlies tolerate slightly more variation than first earlies.

What You Gain

• More even emergence
• Strong early establishment
• Slightly earlier harvest

Chitting is recommended but optional.

🔍 Side-by-Side Comparison

First Earlies

• Chitting: Very important
• Start: Late Jan–early Feb
• Duration: 4–6 weeks
• Shoots: 1–2
• Ideal length: 1–2 cm
• Benefit: Earliness & reliability

Second Earlies

• Chitting: Helpful
• Start: Early–mid Feb
• Duration: 3–5 weeks
• Shoots: 2–3
• Ideal length: 1–3 cm
• Benefit: Even growth & consistency

🚫 Common Mistakes With Both Types

• ❌ Starting too early and waiting weeks to plant
• ❌ Letting shoots grow long and weak
• ❌ Keeping potatoes too warm
• ❌ Assuming second earlies need the same early start as first earlies

Second earlies especially suffer from over-early chitting.

🌱 Can You Skip Chitting?

• First earlies: You can, but you’ll lose the biggest advantage
• Second earlies: Skipping is usually fine if soil is warm and conditions are good

If you only chit one type, chit first earlies first.

🧠 Key Takeaway

Both first early and second early potatoes benefit from chitting—but first earlies rely on it far more. Start first earlies earlier, keep shoots short, and focus on strength. Start second earlies a little later and avoid rushing them.

Same technique.
Different timing.
Better results.