Topic: Seed potato dilemma

[PJW_Letchworth]

I think I need some help and advice.

I've just got my seed potatoes from the cupboard under the stairs to put them out for chitting only to find they have started to shoot.  Unfortunately they are long, thin, white shoots, just like spuds go when you store them for eating.  Some of the shoots have finer roots from them and the seed is fairly soft.  They are about 4" long, some are longer.

Do you think they will be okay to use? What should I do with them if they are ok?  Should they be put into the light or in the recycle bin?

[kt.]

I would still keep them and put them in the ground later.  Put them in a lighter environment for now and see what happens.  Can't hurt.  Even soft spud sets can be planted.

[PJW_Letchworth]

Do I break off the long shoots or leave them?

[glosterwomble]

Chitting spuds need to be in the light not the dark. I think you can rub off the long white shoots and let smaller ones develop but I might be wrong so I'd wait for an expert to come along!  ;D

[kt.]

Do I break off the long shoots or leave them?

You can break off the long ones.  There is still plenty of time for new ones to grow.  You can even plant without chitting so dont worry.

[coznbob]

I'd say, rub them off and start again in the light too..

[PJW_Letchworth]

Thanks for the advice everyone.   ;D  I've removed all the shoots which looked very pale.  Now all the spuds are in trays on the kitchen window sill.  I must remember not to put them in the cupboard next year!  ::)

By the way, I've been updating my website if you'd like to look.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/phillworboys