As we get into the swing of spud season, we have had some questions coming in regarding the chitting process. Light or dark, warm or cold? It can often be difficult to know if you’re chitting potatoes in the best way possible. So, if you’re looking to learn how to chit potatoes to give them the greatest opportunity to grow, here are some of our FAQs on chitting potatoes answered by our expert horticultural team.
Is chitting potatoes necessary?
The chitting process allows strong green shoots (chits) to develop on the seed potato tuber before planting. Although not essential, it is particularly beneficial for earlier cropping potatoes because it gives the potato a quick start, thus cropping slightly earlier. Later cropping potatoes are less likely to need chitting, as warmer soil temperatures can make a greater difference.
How do you chit potatoes?
Start chitting (where necessary) by setting the seed potatoes out, side by side, blunt end uppermost, in single layers in seed trays or a wooden box. Place in a light, cool, well-ventilated spot to encourage the development of stocky shoots 2-2.5cm (¾-1in) long prior to planting.
What should I do if potatoes aren’t sprouting?
For the first and second earlies, wait. It can take a few weeks for chitting to start. Ensure they are in a warm, light environment, colder weather will slow the process. The main crop can be put straight into the ground without any chits.
How many chits do you let a potato have?
Each variety will act slightly differently, with some seeming to throw up more chits than others. The theory of chitting potatoes is that by restricting the number of shoots, it increases the number of large potatoes that form. So, leaving all the chits on gives a mixed-sized harvest, whereas restricting to two chits gives fewer tubers but larger ones. Too many shoots may mean lots of little potatoes but this may be what you are looking for when planting first earlies.
What happens if you knock a chit off?
Wait for new ones! If you rub off all the chits on a potato, it will very obligingly grow a new set.
Which way up should I place potatoes for chitting?
To properly chit potatoes, you should place them with the eyes facing up.
Should you cut back long potato chits?
To chit potatoes, you want deep green shoots that are about 1cm to 2cm (half to 1in) long. The length is not critical, healthy, deep green-coloured sprouts are. Whether to knock them off and start again will depend on timing—are you early or later on in the season? As they have started to sprout, they are now not dormant and so will continue to grow in whichever method suits you best.
Do more potato chits produce more potatoes?
As a general rule of thumb, the fewer chits, the larger the potato.
Potatoes are so rewarding to grow, and the main thing to remember is to enjoy the process. They are a natural living tuber that, given the right environment, will do what they are designed to do. Here's to a successful spud season!
Contact us
At D.T. Brown, we’ve been providing seeds, plants, and gardening equipment for over a century, ensuring that quality is always a priority with every purchase. If you’d like to know about the selection of seed potatoes and vegetable seeds and plants we have or have any other questions about our range, feel free to get in touch. A member of our team will be more than happy to help.
