[Leisurely]

Today I bought my seed potatoes, 3 kg of Rocket and 3kg of Desiree. It is the first time I have tried to grow potatoes and I would like to know how long on average do you have to leave them to chit. My allotment is very wet and a neighbour told me not to even think about trying to plant anything in the ground until well into March. Will my seed potatoes wait that long, I have placed them in egg boxes and put them in my shed.

[Sally A]

I think mid to end of March is the norm.

[SnooziSuzi]

and yes, they usually will be fine - it takes a surprising legnth of time before a potato rots - I've had some in my shed for about 7 months and they are still not anywhere near dead yet!

[cawdor2001]

yep if kept in a cold place (no frost as chits are very sensitive) they will take a while to grow, ideal length is around 1 to 1.5cm any longer and they will probably snap off at planting.  Mid-end March is fine.

Cawdor

[richyrich7]

Local knowledge is always best  Leisurely,

as a rough guide 1st earlies can go in from the end of Feb and all pots should be in by end of May, I stagger mine 2 weeks apart from the end of Feb, 1st earlies, 2nd earlies, main crop,