Chitting Potatoes: Pentland Javelin (first early)

Pentland Javelin is the first early variety of potato that I’m going to give a go growing this year. Chitting is another word for sprouting.

To chit your seed potatoes, simply place them in a shallow tray or an egg carton with any shoots that may be showing, facing upwards. Keep the seed potatoes away from the frost and make sure they have access to sunlight.

Chitting your potatoes in a greenhouse, shed or porch is ideal as this will protect them from the frost, let in the light and keep them at a temperature that will allow them to sprout.

Chitting seed potatoes will give them a headstart before you plant them into the ground.

They’ll grow quicker and you’ll end up with a bigger harvest (hopefully!).

After around three to six weeks, or maybe sooner depending on the amount of sunlight they’re exposed to, you should look to plant them in the ground. The shoots should be 2-3cms long.

Try and avoid letting them chit for too long to avoid long spaghetti like shoots. This isn’t ideal as these shoots could break off when you plant them.

History of Pentland Javelin

The first early variety I’m going for this year is Pentland Javelin. Pentland Javelin (first early) was bred by Dr. Jack Dunnett MBE of Caithness Potatoes Limited. Dr. Jack Dunnett is quite the name in the potato world – and you can read up on him here.

From what I’ve read online, Pentland Javelin (first early) is a fairly average looking new potato which is bursting with flavour. This particular first early seed potato is fairly disease resistant and not a slug’s first meal choice. Pentland Javelin bulks up slightly later to produce a larger amount of crop than other first early potatoes.