Chitting & Pre-germinating Seeds

Sowing

Chitting encourages seed potatoes to make short, sturdy shoots before planting, giving crops a faster start. Pre-germinating selected vegetable seed can also reveal viable seed before it reaches the bed. Both methods are useful when the season is short, soil is cool, or you want to avoid gaps in a carefully planned row.

How to do it

For seed potatoes, place sound, certified tubers rose-end upwards in egg boxes or shallow trays. Keep them in a bright, cool, frost-free place until short, sturdy shoots form. Handle the shoots carefully when planting. To pre-germinate seed such as parsnip, moisten a piece of clean kitchen paper, scatter seed widely across it and fold it loosely. Put it in a labelled container or bag that retains humidity but is checked daily. Keep it at a suitable indoor temperature. As soon as a tiny root appears, transfer each seed gently into a prepared drill or module using a dibber, then water lightly. Do not allow roots to grow long on the paper.

When to do it

Chit seed potatoes from January or February for planting once soil has warmed in spring and local frost conditions allow. Pre-germinate parsnip and other slow seed shortly before its intended March or April sowing. Work to local conditions: cold, wet ground is no benefit even when shoots or roots have appeared.

Tips

Choose only firm seed potatoes without signs of rot. Bright, cool conditions produce compact chits; darkness produces weak, pale shoots. For pre-germinated seed, use small batches so you can sow promptly. Kitchen paper must stay damp but never waterlogged, and emerging roots should not be handled by their tips.

Chitting & Pre-germinating Seeds: frequently asked questions

How does chitting & pre-germinating seeds work?

For seed potatoes, place sound, certified tubers rose-end upwards in egg boxes or shallow trays.

When should I do chitting & pre-germinating seeds?

Chit seed potatoes from January or February for planting once soil has warmed in spring and local frost conditions allow.

What are some tips for chitting & pre-germinating seeds?

Choose only firm seed potatoes without signs of rot.

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General guidance for UK gardens. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.