How to Grow Patriot Scarlet Tomato
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Patriot Scarlet Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Patriot Scarlet'
vegetablePatriot Scarlet is a determinate cherry tomato variety known for its bright red, perfectly round fruits and exceptional disease resistance. It produces abundant yields of small, sweet tomatoes ideal for fresh eating, salads, and snacking. This variety is particularly valued for its resistance to late blight and early blight, making it reliable in challenging growing conditions.
When should you plant Patriot Scarlet Tomato in your zone?
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Example Patriot Scarlet Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Patriot Scarlet Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Patriot Scarlet Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Patriot Scarlet Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; can be grown in zones 3-10 with proper planning
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny sprouted plants with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing
Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F), provide bright light, keep soil moist but not soggy, thin seedlings to 1-2 inches apart
Vegetative
4-6 weeks after transplantingYoung plants developing compound leaves and growing taller; no flowers yet
Gradually harden off transplants over 7-10 days before planting outdoors. Plant deeply to encourage root development. Install stakes or cages early. Keep consistently watered.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear in clusters; plant becomes bushier
Maintain consistent watering; avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers. Prune suckers on determinate varieties if desired. Ensure adequate calcium to prevent blossom-end rot.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksSmall green cherry tomatoes form and gradually enlarge, then transition from green to bright red
Continue consistent watering without overwatering. Support heavy fruit clusters. Monitor closely for late blight and early blight despite resistance. Fertilize moderately with balanced fertilizer.
Harvest
2-4 weeks of peak harvestFully red, ripe cherry tomatoes ready for picking; plant may produce additional waves of fruit
Pick ripe tomatoes regularly to encourage continued production. Patriot Scarlet is determinate, so most fruit ripens within a concentrated window. Continue watering and monitoring for disease.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for smaller infestations; encourage natural predators like wasps
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Use reflective mulch; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps; maintain good air circulation
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or miticide if severe; avoid excessive nitrogen
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Spray with insecticidal soap; use neem oil; introduce ladybugs; remove heavily infested shoots
Uses
Fresh eating and snacking
CulinaryPatriot Scarlet cherry tomatoes are perfectly sized for popping directly into your mouth or adding whole to salads. Their sweet, balanced flavor and juicy texture make them ideal for fresh consumption without cooking. [source]
Salads and garnish
CulinaryThe small, uniformly round fruits halve beautifully for salads or serve as elegant garnishes for plated dishes. Their bright red color adds visual appeal to any preparation. [source]
Preserving and sauces
CulinaryHigh yields of abundant small tomatoes make Patriot Scarlet excellent for canning, roasting, or making tomato sauce. Their concentrated flavor intensifies when cooked or preserved. [source]
Lycopene and antioxidants
MedicinalTomatoes are renowned sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene bioavailability. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, supporting broader ecosystem health and improving pollination of nearby plants. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick tomatoes when fully red and slightly soft to the touch. Patriot Scarlet is a determinate variety, so harvest regularly throughout the concentrated fruiting period to encourage continued production. Tomatoes can be harvested at the breaker stage (first showing color) and ripened indoors if needed. Use gentle twisting motion or scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Patriot Scarlet was specifically bred for exceptional disease resistance, including resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), the same pathogen that caused the Irish Potato Famine.
- 🌱 This determinate variety produces most of its fruit within a concentrated 3-4 week window, making it ideal for canning projects and generating abundant harvests for preservation.
- 🌱 Cherry tomatoes like Patriot Scarlet have been shown to contain higher concentrations of certain beneficial compounds per unit weight compared to larger slicing tomatoes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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