Our Potato seed is chitting.
Chitting is the controlled production of sprouts on seed potatoes before planting.
But the controlled production of sprouts is the key. The length & strength of the sprout must be controlled to give a short (1.5-2.5cm or 0.5-1 inch) long), stubby, green chit.
maris bard potato chits
The 3 factors involved in chitting are:
- temperature – 4 degrees Celsius is ideal, but the temperature should not go above 10 degrees, neither should it reach freezing.
- ventilation – plenty of fresh air
- light – plenty of light – but not bright sunlight – a north facing window is best
Early and late-main crop potatoes could especially benefit from the chitting , but it must be done properly.