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Chitting Potatoes

• Message 1.Ìý

  Posted by AngelaWatson (U3126654) on Thursday, 5th April 2012

  Hi I have bought some seed potatoes and wondering what the best way to chit them is,
  
  At the moment they are placed in seed trays and I have them sitting on shelfs on a unit in the kitchen underneath the microwave.
  
  Not sure if they sure be in partial darkness, full darkness, full light or what, so any advice on this and how long to leave them there would be most welcome, as they have been there for over a week now and not much has happened to them,
  
  Thanks

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• Message 2

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  Posted by Kleftiwallah (U13700999) on Thursday, 5th April 2012

  I find egg trays are ideal for chitting, look at the spud and there will be a slight mark where the root entered the spud. Most of the eyes (where the shoots emerge from) will be at the other end of the spud, put this end uppermost and keep the tray somewhere frost free and in a light situation but not in full sun.
  
  Check from time to time to ensure your spuds are 'the right way up. The chits (shoots) will show as a small bulbil with a shoot from the top, if the shoots are long, pale and spindly, they need more light. Be patient and best wishes, Cheers, Tony.

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• Message 3

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  Posted by Tee Gee (U10012255) on Thursday, 5th April 2012

  They want a well lit cool frost free area to chit in!
  
  See here;

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• Message 4

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  Posted by AngelaWatson (U3126654) on Thursday, 5th April 2012

  They want a well lit cool frost free area to chit in!
  
  See here; Ìý thanks for the replies, this helps, will check how they are placed and perhaps move them, as maybe not enough light for them. Would they be alright on a north facing windowsill or too draughty?
  

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• Message 5

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  Posted by Tee Gee (U10012255) on Thursday, 5th April 2012

  If that is the best location you have then so be it.
  
  
  Don't put them too close to the glass as this can radiate low temperatures.
  
  Draughts should not be a problem providing they are frost free.
  
  
  Note; It is not imperative to chit potatoes prior to planting out, the process just shortens the growing season a little.
  
  What they don't want is high temperatures and darkness as this will cause them to produce long useless chits,no chits at all is a better situation than this!
  
  I hope that helps.....Tg
  
  

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• Message 6

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  Posted by lovespumpkins (U14259050) on Friday, 6th April 2012

  If I may be so bold ;-
  
  I wouldn't worry too much about chitting as first and second earlies should be planted out about now. Main to late roughly 2 weeks later.
  
  As mentioned previously, its not a major issue. Both techniques are correct.
  
  FYI - On average, chitting takes 4-6weeks.

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• Message 7

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  Posted by David K (U14115317) on Friday, 6th April 2012

  I would just add to the above, that given that it takes about six weeks to chit potatoes and research has shown that little is gained from chitting anything other than early varieties, it is a tad late to be doing it now.....just after Christmas is the appropriate time.
  
  However, it's a perennial question that keeps popping up, so perhaps you may be interested in this info I keep on file:
  
  CHITTING POTATOES
  
  Once home, seed tubers are best 'chitted' or sprouted.
  Unpack and lay the tubers out in a single layer in a tray with the 'rose' end uppermost.
  This end has the most eyes or buds and sprouts will arise from these. Some suppliers offer 'pre-chitted' seed.
  
  Keep the trays of tubers in a cool but frost-free place with at least moderate light, such as in an unheated room.
  Direct sunlight is best avoided. Sprouts will form within a few weeks. The tuber is therefore ready to grow away as soon as planted.
  
  Tubers can be laid out to chit from January onwards, but planting should be delayed until March in sheltered and southern areas or April in less favoured districts.
  Earlier plantings can rot in the ground or the shoots can be frosted off on sharp nights. By this time the sprouts should be about 5cm (2in) long and dark coloured. Longer thinner sprouts are caused by excess heat or too little light or both, and tiny sprouts suggest conditions are too cold.
  
  Chitting takes about six weeks.
  
  

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• Message 8

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  Posted by AngelaWatson (U3126654) on Thursday, 12th April 2012

  to be honest I watched a gardening programme the other day in Scotland and he was putting his tatties in the ground, they did not look too far off what mine look like now, so I think we are going to try and get them in either this weekend or next depending on weather.
  
  Thanks for the info.

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