Why Chitting Potatoes
Chitting potatoes is also called greensprouting, or pre-sprouting. The process of chitting potatoes allows the seed potato tubers to develop strong green shoots (Chits) sprouts before they're planted, giving them a head start.
Potatoes are one of the most common and important food sources on the planet, and they contain a wealth of health benefits that make them all the more essential as a staple dietary item for much of the world’s population. These health benefits include their ability to improve digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, boost heart health, protect from polyps, prevent cancer, and manage diabetes. They strengthen the immune system, reduce signs of aging, protect the skin, increase circulation, reduce blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, reduce insomnia, and aid in eye care. Potatoes are relatively inexpensive to purchase, but freshly dug potatoes have a flavor all their own and you have hundreds of different varieties to choose from. There are actually over 1,000 different varieties of potatoes available for growing. Store-bought potatoes are often treated to reduce sprouting, or are not the best varieties for all parts of the country. For these reasons, it is very important to start with “certified seed potatoes” which are disease-free. Interesting varieties can be found online, but the best varieties for your area are usually sold at the right season to plant at area garden centers. Potatoes are a great investment in space and time that will give every gardener a tasty reward that can be stored for months.
. Chitting Potatoe Seeds
. When you receive your seed potatoes, set them out in a cool, dry and bright position to allow them to start sprouting (this process is called chitting). Aim to start chitting your potatoes 6 weeks before you plan to plant them.
. From late December/ February, chit your seed potatoes by setting them out in seed trays, shallow boxes or empty egg cartons in a cool, bright, frost free position (10C/ 50F) to allow them to sprout. You will notice that the immature 'chits' are all at one end (called the rose end). Place the rose end upwards. Sturdy 'chits' will form and should attain up to 25mm (1") in length.
. Seed potatoes, benefit from 'chitting' prior to being planted. This will cause the eyes of the seed potato to start sprouting. The sprouts should be small, knobbly, and green/purple in colour. If you end up with long, white coloured sprouts, it means there’s not enough light, or you’re sprouting shop bought potatoes. This process encourages strong shoots to sprout over several weeks to encourage faster growth and heavier crops once they in the ground.
. Once each of your seed potatoes have got 2-3 good sized ‘chits’ or sprouts on them, it’s time to plant them out in soil, whether you grow them in the ground or in containers.
TIP: If any of your potato tubers have more than 3 chits/sprouts on them, rub the excess off. This is to ensure a better harvest, as there will be less underground shoots to share the goodness sent underground by the plant, so you might get less tubers, but the ones you get will be bigger.
Watch My Video "Why Chitting Potatoes and How"
There's nothing like the taste of fresh, home-grown potatoes and they're so easy to grow whatever the size of your garden. You can grow them in the ground, on your patio or even grow them on your balcony! They're also packed with nutrients , a great source of vitamin C, B6, and Potassium to name just a few. Potatoes are easily the most versatile vegetable around, proven by their abilities to be mashed, fried, baked, boiled, and more. So, why not skip the produce section and grow these resourceful vegetables in your own garden? All you need is a sunny space to grow, a steady supply of water, and seed potatoes!