With dwarf selections like ‘Patio Choice Yellow,’ there’s always room to tuck in more tomatoes. The productive fruiters on compact vines yield bright yellow rounds that are perfectly poppable right off the stem. Enjoy the sweet flavor of the sunny fruits fresh or in canning, roasting, and sauces. Sun-dry them for a tasty snack or topping.
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ lives up to its name as a fit for small spaces, easy to grow across garden scales. They suit containers in addition to raised beds and in-ground plantings. Arrange them with blooming annuals, perennials, and herbs for a potted display. Edible blooms like marigolds, calendula, and zinnia make a pretty complement. They even grow beautifully in hanging baskets; add growing space by going vertical, and keep them nearby for easy picking.
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ is an early producer, ideal for climates with short growing seasons and also for quicker tomato gratification, as other varieties continue to ripen on the vine. They’re high-yielding and disease-resistant, performing and producing even in heat and humidity.
Patio Choice Yellow Bush Cherry Tomato
Patio Choice Yellow Bush Cherry Tomato Seeds
Patio Choice’ is just exactly that—the ideal tomato for container gardening or small spaces! This eye-catching variety will provide you with an abundance of sweet, 1/2-ounce cherry tomatoes for canning, roasting, and drying.
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ Tomato Overview
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What Are ‘Patio Choice’ Tomatoes?
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ is a top dwarf or “bush” variety, able to fill a pot or small space with loads of tasty, bright yellow globes. The ‘Patio’ series features hybrids bred to have compact branching and bountiful cherry tomato production on determinate vines.
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ is an All-America Selections award winner for its productive yields, compact habit, and easy care. A big contribution to its low-maintenance is strong disease resistance. The variety resists tobacco mosaic virus, Fusarium wilt, and Verticillium wilt, all common fungal problems of the genus.
The ‘Patio’ series is, by design, tailored to pots and containers. They open up food production in a variety of growing situations with ease, from balconies to sunny porches to tucking in beds and borders.
Characteristics
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ is a determinate variety that reaches just 18 inches tall and 20 inches wide. In prolific clusters, a single plant produces 100 or more of the bright gold cherries. The fruits have a mild flavor, sweet with slight acidity.
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ matures early and is ready to harvest around 45 days after transplanting (65 days from sowing). The “perfect” flowers are self-pollinating and don’t rely on insects or pollen from another plant to produce fruit. Each yellow globe is one to one and a half inches across and weighs half an ounce.
Cherry tomato clusters begin ripening at the stem and progress to the tips. The ripening phases stagger the harvest over a few days and create an attractive look to the plant with bunches of green, yellow, and rich gold tomatoes. They flower and ripen over about four to five weeks.
As a determinate selection and a particularly compact one, ‘Patio Choice Yellow’ doesn’t require staking or caging. The bush is self-supporting, though you can insert a small stake to keep clusters and stems upright.
Let the globes ripen on the vine or pick them a few days early to fully ripen indoors. Harvesting a little early keeps them from birds and prevents cracking from the sun or filling with excess water. Picking early, as they begin to show good color, won’t compromise flavor.
Native Area
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ is a hybrid from Seeds By Design, a California-based distributor of specialty selections. Its wild, tropical ancestors originate in South America, with a growing range from the coast to the Andes from Ecuador to Chile. The original cherry tomato, a wild, weedy plant with little fruits, dates to Ecuador some 80,000 years ago.
With cultivation, spreading, and trade, the range expanded to Central America and further into South America. Explorers from Spain brought domesticated tomatoes to Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries, but they were slow to catch on. Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, with peppers, eggplants, tobacco, and many herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and trees. Nightshades include highly toxic species, giving plant collectors pause in eating tomatoes.
Planting
The compact, determinate selection does best with an in-bed spacing of 12 to 15 inches apart. In containers, five gallons allows ample soil volume. Opt for five gallons or larger for mixed arrangements, like combining the dwarf tomatoes with companions.
The annuals (or tender perennials in zones 10-11) are frost-sensitive and require warm air and soil temperatures for best growth. They grow easily from seed, whether started indoors or direct sown. Start seeds indoors five to six weeks before the final frost date, and transplant seedlings one to two weeks after, as nighttime temperatures are above 55°F (13°C). Direct sow as soil temperatures rise above 60°F (16°C). For the heat-loving vegetables, soils between 70-90°F (21-32°C) are optimal for germination.
When feasible, nightshade members benefit from crop rotation yearly because of shared pests and diseases. For ‘Patio Choice Yellow’ in the ground, choose a spot where you haven’t grown other nightshades (eggplants, tomatillos, potatoes, peppers, and other tomatoes) in the past year for a clean plot.
At planting, go a little deep with stems. Each hair on the stem has the potential to set a root. More roots mean a vigorous system for strong, stable plants with increased nutrient and water absorption for best fruiting.
Transplanting
After starting seeds indoors, tomato seedlings benefit from a hardening-off period before transplanting. As temperatures warm post-frost, gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions.
Place them outside in a protected area (out of direct sunlight, winds, and chilly temps) and gradually move the seedlings to conditions mirroring their new garden location. This hardening-off period only takes about a week to 10 days, giving seedlings a chance to acclimate to garden growing.
How to Grow
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ is easygoing as tomatoes go. The right site and cultural conditions bring the best vigor and fruiting. Plenty of sunlight, even moisture, and good air circulation are key to tomato plant health.
Light
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ grows best in full sun, with at least six hours of daily sunlight. They can grow in partial shade with at least four to six hours of sun, but flowering, fruiting, and growth decrease in deeper shade.
In areas with intense afternoon sun, they’ll appreciate dappled light or afternoon shade to protect foliage and fruits from scorching. Pair them near taller specimens or trellised vines in a south or west orientation for overhead afternoon protection.
Water
The cherry tomatoes need one to two inches of water per week. Containers and hanging baskets dry out more quickly than in-ground plantings and may need water more often, especially during hot or dry spells.
Aim for consistent water and even moisture to prevent diseases and physiological problems like blossom end rot. Moist soils are best, but not soggy or saturated, which leads to fungal issues.
When watering tomatoes, avoid splashing the leaves whenever possible. Ground irrigation and watering at the base of the plant is ideal. Watering at the soil level allows water to penetrate the roots without spreading fungus or bacteria among the leaves. If sprinklers or overhead sprays are your watering option, water in the early morning so foliage can dry out in the day’s sun.
Soil
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ grows best in rich, organic, loamy soils with good drainage. They prefer slight acidity with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Topdress with compost to boost nutrition and soil composition.
In pots, use a potting mix or vegetable formula (but not regular garden soil). Potting mix is light and allows good aeration, moisture retention, and drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
The compact selection is an early producer once temperatures warm. Warm temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) are best, though they begin to grow with temperatures above 55°F (13°C) and soil temperatures at 55-60°F (13-16°C).
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ withstands heat and humidity. Still, plenty of air circulation around leaves and stems and between other specimens is best for health. Situate pots with airflow between other containers, walls, etc.
Fertilizing
Tomatoes benefit from the nutrients of compost, organic soils, and quality potting mixes. As quick-fruiting annuals, they appreciate a boost from supplemental fertilizer. At planting, apply a balanced organic fertilizer like 5-5-5, and switch as plants near flowering. Fish emulsion, kelp, and seaweed are low-grade organic options for planting and during growth phases.
For flowering and fruiting, opt for a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium (the “P” and “K” in the N-P-K ratio) and lower in nitrogen (N). A 6-8-12, 8-32-16, or 6-24-24 ratio is usual for tomatoes in the flowering phase. Take care not to overfertilize, especially with too much nitrogen. Excess nitrogen creates leafy, vigorous upper growth with few blooms or fruits. The quick production and weak stems lead to stress and disease issues.
Sometimes, tomatoes need calcium enrichment to prevent loss from blossom end rot. If you see yellowing leaves and moisture isn’t the issue, add eggshells, calcium nitrate, or other calcium-rich fertilizers. Seaweed and bone meal also add calcium to the surrounding soils.
Maintenance
‘Patio Choice Yellow’ is dense and leafy. The self-supporting bush type doesn’t need pruning. If using a small stake to hold stems and clusters upright, tie off stems every several inches as they reach their maximum of 18 inches.
Mulching is a good practice to insulate roots, regulate soil temperatures, and retain moisture. Initially, hold off on mulch to let the sun warm the roots of tender seedlings. When stems inch toward their mature height, layer two to three inches of weed-free straw around the base.
Propagation
Seed is the easiest way to propagate ‘Patio Choice Yellow.’ Since it’s a hybrid cherry, collected seeds won’t grow true to type. Purchase seed packets from a reliable source, and they’ll store in a cool, dim, dry space for a few years. Cuttings are another viable propagation option, useful for planting out anytime in frost-free climates or overwintering indoors in cooler zones.
Growing From Seed
Late winter and early spring are prime for starting tomato seeds indoors. Aim for four to six weeks before your expected final frost date. Direct sow in mild or frost-free climates as the weather warms. Seeds germinate quickly, usually in 5-10 days.
- Plant tomato seeds ¼” deep in a lightweight potting medium in a tray, cell, or small pot with drainage.
- Place pots and trays in a spot with temperatures near 75°F (24°C) for germination. Use a heat mat if necessary.
- Keep potting media evenly moist.
- When sprouts emerge, move them to a sunny location like a windowsill.
- Step seedlings up from cell packs to a small pot when two to three sets of true leaves appear.
- When seedlings are six inches tall and just as full, harden them off for planting in their garden location.
Cuttings
Tomatoes propagate through cuttings rooted in moist soil or water. The stems root easily in soil and water, with nodes and hairs setting roots. Use water propagation to quickly create new plants and replicate the specific cultivar (cuttings are clones).
Treat tomatoes as you would other soft-stemmed clippings. Take a four- to six-inch section and remove all but the upper two sets of leaves. Stick the ends in water or moist potting media, and roots should develop within a week. With water rooting, pot up seedlings as the roots reach one to two inches long. Transplant potted seedlings to the garden or larger container as they reach six inches tall.
Common Problems
Tomatoes have a number of pest and disease woes, but ‘Patio Choice Yellow’ brings resistance to primary offenders. Wilts and mosaic viruses are common problems, but typically not for the hearty dwarf.
Maintaining consistent soil moisture, good airflow, soil health, and sun exposure is the best way to prevent problems. Companion plants like basil, marigolds, and dill attract beneficial insects, dissuade common pests, and promote overall health.
Pests
Regular scouting to spot pests early is the best control against quick damage. Use organic and food-safe pest controls if necessary, and follow label instructions to avoid impacting healthy crops and pollinators.
Aphids
Aphids are common sap-sucking insects that don’t often cause a severe threat to ‘Patio Choice Yellow’, but can spread diseases. They also leave behind a sticky honeydew that can lead to black, sooty mold in humid conditions.
If you notice curled leaves, stunted growth, or signs of congregating insects on the undersides of leaves, spray plants with a stream of water. Spray early in the day to displace the pests from stems and leaves. Horticultural soap or neem oil treats infestations.
A number of predatory insects feed on aphids, and planting pollen and nectar-rich specimens nearby is of benefit in increasing biodiversity and natural pest control.
Tomato Hornworm
Hornworms may not find their way to your patio planting, but if they’re active in your area, ‘Patio Choice Yellow’ isn’t immune. The plump green caterpillars do quick damage by stripping nightshades of their leaves as they feed.
Controls include handpicking and relocating them far from your tomatoes. This is useful because the tomato pests are also the larvae of pollinating moths – the five-spotted hawk moth and the Carolina sphinx.
Biological controls include BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), parasitic wasps, and diatomaceous earth. Neem oil (or other horticultural oil) is another treatment option.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are small insects that hop from leaf to leaf and skeletonize foliage as they go. Most active in the spring, organic treatments include spinosad or pyrethrin sprays and horticultural oils. Interplanting with plants to repel insects like catmints, basil, and marigolds may help deter small populations.
Diseases
The disease-resistant ‘Patio Choice Yellow’ is a great option as a beginner tomato and anywhere disease has been an issue (most of us have issues at one point or another).
Watch for Septoria leaf spot, a fungal disease indicated by small brown spots between leaf veins. Leaves turn yellow and drop. It crops up after heavy rains, prolonged moisture, and high humidity. The disease spreads quickly, and an outbreak can kill tomato plants at any growth stage.
Remove any plant parts affected by leaf spot. Avoid adding the debris to the compost pile, as it can harbor and spread spores.
Frequently Asked Questions
The compact vines and productive yield of this dwarf cherry tomato make it ideal for containers, hanging baskets, raised beds, and small spaces. Bright yellow globes are mild and sweet with a bit of acidity. The ornamental fruits are eye-catching in the edible display.
The petite globes are at peak ripeness when they’re bright yellow and tender under a gentle squeeze. Let them sun-ripen on the vine, or pick them a few days before fully ripe (they’ll show color but won’t be as tender) to ripen indoors. Fruits mature about two months after sowing.
