Seeding potatos

The potatos I chitting at the moment, how long will they last before they start rotting or dying. Is there a certain length of time before they HAVE to be planted?

 

Best planted when chits are about 2-4" long. Any longer and they are deprived of nutrients and won't do so well. You can tell it's past time when the chits become leggy and thin.

 

Hi Michaelmasdaisy. If Herb has started these already, are there any ways of keeping them on until they can be planted out, eg in pots inside, or in pots outside in sheltered space, or isn't it worth it?

 

Not as far as I know, Liz. Once they've started, they've started! But if you want them for Christmas, best to get them put in a hope for the best -unless anyone else knows any different.

 

I watched gardeners world once and they tested if chitting(leaving on a window sill) helps potatoes to grow better,
The result: well lets just say that chitting lost.
I don't chit but when sowing I add lots of organic matter to the bottom of the trench.
Happy Growing.

 

Thanks for the reply.
They have started so I plant the little suckers and see what happens. Ive only lost a couple of pence if they dont grow.

 

you plant the whole spud... i assume that s what you mean!

 

Well someone pointed me to a web page that explained the whole process from beginning to end so I'll just follow those.

 

I set 60 Duke of York seed potatoes in the greenhouse on Sunday. I shall cover them with a wood & plastic frame when they come through.

E.W.

 

Is now the time to start planting them or is it still alittle early?

 

too early .. very susceptible to frost, "epicure" will recover which is why they are popular in Scotland, as well as flavour, i suppose you could protect with fleece

 

Think I might put mine in this week. Its not as cold as it has been and there certainly no frost around any more. Not in London anyway

 

Herb, wish we could say the same - black ice in this area last night although the sun is shining now. Don't think we'll plant any potatoes until end March.

 

I've got Rocket first early and Desiree maincrop chitting at the mo

I find the tray type of egg containers (holds about 30 taters) are ideal for chitting em

 

Mmmmm bit confused now. I was flicking through a gardening book today and it said that seeding potatoes should'nt be exposed to light as it turns them green and poisonous. Well as I left my potatoes on the window ledge to start them off they were obviously exposed to light and have gone green. It is safe to use them now?