Seed potatoes
Use healthy, certified seed potatoes from a reputable supplier. Choose a variety that suits your growing space and the harvest time you want.
Chitting potatoes
Growing potatoes · UK guide
Chitting potatoes
A simple guide to preparing seed potatoes before planting, choosing the right position and encouraging strong, healthy shoots.
Chitting is the process of allowing seed potatoes to develop short, sturdy shoots before they are planted. It is not essential, but many gardeners find that it helps potatoes get off to a strong start, particularly when growing early varieties.
What you need
A cool, bright place
You need somewhere frost-free with good natural light, such as a bright windowsill, greenhouse or cool shed.
Egg boxes or trays
Egg boxes are useful for keeping the tubers upright. Place each potato with the eyes facing upwards.
A little patience
Chitting takes time. The aim is to produce short, strong shoots, rather than forcing the potatoes to grow quickly.
How to chit potatoes step by step
1. Start at the right time
Begin chitting several weeks before you plan to plant. The exact timing depends on the variety and your local weather conditions.
2. Place the potatoes correctly
Put the potatoes in an egg box or tray with the end containing the most eyes facing upwards.
3. Give them light
Place them somewhere bright but cool. Light helps produce short, sturdy green or purple shoots.
4. Keep them frost-free
Avoid anywhere exposed to frost. Cold damage can affect the tubers and their developing shoots.
5. Watch the shoots develop
Check the potatoes regularly. You are looking for short, strong shoots rather than long, pale growth.
6. Plant when conditions are right
Do not plant simply because the shoots have appeared. Wait until the soil is workable and the risk of severe frost has reduced.
What if the shoots are long and pale?
Long, pale shoots usually mean the potatoes have been kept somewhere too dark or too warm. Move them to a cooler, brighter position and handle them carefully so the shoots do not break off.
Common chitting mistakes
Keeping them in the dark
Darkness encourages long, weak shoots. A bright position is much better for producing sturdy growth.
Keeping them too warm
Warm conditions can encourage fast, weak growth. Aim for a cool, frost-free place.
Starting too early
If the shoots grow too far before the soil is ready, they can become difficult to handle and may break during planting.
Overhandling the potatoes
The shoots can be fragile, so move the tubers carefully and avoid rubbing or knocking them unnecessarily.
Chitting checklist
- Choose healthy certified seed potatoes.
- Start several weeks before planting.
- Use an egg box or tray to keep them upright.
- Place the eyes facing upwards.
- Keep them cool, bright and frost-free.
- Look for short, sturdy shoots.
- Handle the potatoes carefully.
- Plant when the soil and weather conditions are suitable.
Keep it simple
Chitting does not need to be complicated. Give your seed potatoes light, cool conditions and enough time to produce strong shoots. Then plant them carefully when the soil is ready.