Start seed indoors six to eight weeks before the average last-frost date. In many Canadian regions this falls in late March or early April, but local frost records should guide the schedule. Keep the seed-starting mix warm, around 24 to 29 °C, then give seedlings strong light as soon as they emerge. Pot them up after true leaves appear. Begin hardening plants seven to ten days before planting, and transplant only after frost danger has passed, the soil has warmed, and nights ideally remain above 10 °C. Planting too early does not produce an earlier harvest when cold soil and air slow growth.
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Untreated cocktail tomato seeds
Solanaceae
Early fruiting vegetable seeds
PetitBec cocktail tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘PetitBec’)
Solanum lycopersicum
Developed in Quebec by Roger Doucet, ‘PetitBec’ cocktail tomato combines earliness, compact growth, and a generous crop. Its determinate plant, about 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in) tall, carries branched clusters of small red fruits that are round to slightly flattened, firm, and resistant to cracking. Their lively, sweet-tart flavour suits snacks, salads, and summer platters. Harvest begins approximately 60 to 65 days after transplanting, a valuable advantage in Canadian short-season gardens. Grow it in full sun, in the ground, a raised bed, or a container holding at least 19 L (5 US gal), and provide steady watering plus a light cage for support.
Quantity
Approximately 15 seeds per packet
Exposure
Full sun
Difficulty level
Moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
Solanum
Species
lycopersicum
Cultivar
PetitBec
Type
Untreated cocktail tomato seeds
Cycle
Annual
PetitBec cocktail tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an early Quebec cultivar selected by agronomist Roger Doucet in the 1970s for cool, short seasons. The determinate plant forms a compact, leafy mound about 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in) tall and develops branched clusters that often carry fifteen fruits or more. Its bright red tomatoes are round to slightly flattened, about 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) across, and close to 30 g. Their firm flesh has a lively, pleasantly sweet-tart flavour. Harvest begins approximately 60 to 65 days after transplanting and is concentrated early in the season.
Grow ‘PetitBec’ in full sun and fertile, loose, organic-rich, well-drained soil, ideally around pH 6.0 to 7.0. In Canada, sow indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, keep seedlings under strong light, and harden them gradually. Transplant only after frost danger has passed, nights are mild, and the soil has warmed. Bury part of the stem to encourage additional roots, space plants 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) apart, and install a cage. Water deeply at soil level on a consistent schedule, then mulch to stabilize moisture and reduce soil splash onto the leaves.
‘PetitBec’ is especially useful in small vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers, where its compact habit makes harvesting easy. Its firm fruits resist cracking, remain on the plant for an extended period, and store reasonably well after picking. Serve them whole as snacks, halve them for salads, roast them, or add them to summer skewers. Pair the plant with low flowers and herbs while preserving airflow. Bumblebees and other bees may visit the flowers even though tomatoes are self-fertile. Keep leaves, stems, and green fruit away from pets, however, because those plant parts contain potentially harmful glycoalkaloids; ripe tomatoes are the edible portion.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
3 mm (1/8 in)
Spacing / density
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) between plants
Establishment temperature
24 to 29 °C
Establishment time
5 to 10 days
Best planting time
After frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Sow ‘PetitBec’ indoors six to eight weeks before the usual last-frost date. Place seeds about 3 mm (1/8 in) deep in sterile seed-starting mix that is moist but not waterlogged. Keep the medium between 24 and 29 °C until emergence, usually in 5 to 10 days, then place seedlings under strong light for 14 to 16 hours daily. When the first true leaves develop, transplant seedlings individually into deeper pots and begin light feeding. Harden plants for seven to ten days by gradually increasing exposure to wind and direct sun. Transplant after all frost danger has passed, the soil has warmed, and nights ideally remain above 10 °C. Choose a sunny site, incorporate mature compost, and bury the stem up to the lowest healthy leaves. Space plants 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) apart. Install a cage at planting, water deeply at soil level, and apply mulch after the soil has warmed. Maintain even moisture without saturating the root zone, and avoid overhead irrigation whenever possible. Regular observation makes it easier to adjust watering, support, and harvest timing to the garden’s actual conditions. Good airflow and dry foliage also reduce the conditions that favour common leaf diseases.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.0
Watering
Water deeply at soil level when the surface begins to dry, aiming for even moisture instead of frequent shallow sprinkling. Avoid alternating severe dryness with excess water, since these shifts can contribute to cracking and blossom-end rot. Mulch reduces evaporation and soil splash. In containers, check moisture daily during hot weather, water until excess drains, and never leave the pot standing in water.
Soil type
Grow ‘PetitBec’ in loose, fertile, well-drained soil amended with mature compost. A loamy texture that holds steady moisture without remaining saturated supports roots and reduces sudden moisture changes associated with cracking and blossom-end rot. A pH range of approximately 6.0 to 7.0 is suitable. In containers, use vegetable potting mix rather than garden soil alone, and ensure excess water can leave freely.
Fertilization
Before planting, incorporate mature compost and, when needed, a vegetable fertilizer selected from a soil test or label directions. After establishment, use a balanced or tomato-formulated product and support fruiting without repeatedly increasing the dose. Excess nitrogen produces abundant foliage at the expense of flowers and fruit. In containers, divide applications into smaller feedings and apply fertilizer only to potting mix that is already slightly moist.
Seasonal care
In spring, start seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost and provide warmth, strong light, and air movement. Pot seedlings up after true leaves appear, then harden them gradually. Wait until the soil is warm and frost danger has passed before transplanting. Install a cage, water deeply, and allow the soil to warm before mulching. In summer, check moisture consistently, especially in containers. Irrigate at soil level, keep moisture even, and renew mulch when needed. Feed moderately after establishment and again as fruit develops without overloading plants with nitrogen. Inspect leaves for spots, caterpillars, or other damage and remove affected tissue promptly with clean tools. Because ‘PetitBec’ is determinate, do not routinely remove every sucker, which would reduce the crop. In autumn, pick ripe fruit and tomatoes that have started colouring before the first frost. Discard diseased plants rather than placing them in a home compost pile. Clean cages and remove debris. In winter, plan a three- to four-year rotation away from other nightshade crops and store unused commercial seed in a cool, dry location. Regular observation makes it easier to adjust watering, support, and harvest timing to the garden’s actual conditions. Good airflow and dry foliage also reduce the conditions that favour common leaf diseases. In Canada, protection from cold nights is more useful than rushing plants into chilly soil.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
At least 19 L (5 US gal), ideally 25 to 40 L
Choose a container holding at least 19 L (5 US gal) for one plant, ideally 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in) deep and equipped with several drainage holes. A larger 25 to 40 L pot buffers moisture more effectively during hot weather and reduces root stress. Fill it with a quality vegetable potting mix amended with mature compost while remaining light and porous; do not use compact garden soil alone. Place ‘PetitBec’ in the sunniest available location with at least six to eight hours of direct light, and install a short cage when planting. Water slowly until excess drains, then repeat when the upper layer begins to dry. Daily checks may be necessary in summer. Feed with a tomato fertilizer according to its label and avoid excessive nitrogen. Remove only diseased leaves or those touching the mix; a determinate plant should not be pruned severely. Rotate the pot if needed for even light. Before frost, harvest coloured fruit and compost only healthy plant material, because tomatoes do not overwinter outdoors in Canada. Regular observation makes it easier to adjust watering, support, and harvest timing to the garden’s actual conditions.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Yellow
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous; frost-tender annual crop
Growth rate
Fast
Bloom period
Small yellow tomato flowers develop in clusters once the plant is mature and temperatures are favourable. ‘PetitBec’ is self-fertile: wind and vibration release pollen, while bumblebees may improve that movement through buzz pollination. Excessive heat, persistent cold, drought stress, irregular watering, or too much nitrogen can cause flower drop and reduce fruit set. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides while flowers are open and bees are visiting.
Fruiting
‘PetitBec’ develops branched clusters that often carry fifteen small tomatoes or more. The bright red, round to slightly flattened fruits are about 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) across and close to 30 g. They ripen approximately 60 to 65 days after transplanting, resist cracking, and remain on the plant for an extended period. Pick them fully coloured for the best sweet-tart balance.
Harvest
Harvest evenly red, firm fruit approximately 60 to 65 days after transplanting
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Pair ‘PetitBec’ with crops that share full sun without blocking airflow around its leaves. Basil, parsley, chives, early-harvested lettuce, and low flowers can use neighbouring space and diversify the garden. Maintain adequate spacing for watering, inspection, and harvest. These combinations are suggested for organization, biodiversity, texture, and convenient kitchen use, not as evidence that one companion automatically protects tomatoes from insects or disease. Regular observation makes it easier to adjust watering, support, and harvest timing to the garden’s actual conditions.
Use ‘PetitBec’ in sunny vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers where its compact determinate habit is easy to support. Cocktail-sized fruit can be eaten fresh, whole or halved, in salads, lunches, and platters; it also roasts well and suits quick sauces. The early crop is especially valuable in Canadian short-season regions, and the firm fruit is convenient for frequent picking and handling. Regular observation makes it easier to adjust watering, support, and harvest timing to the garden’s actual conditions.
From the garden to inspiration.
Make a tray of basil-roasted ‘PetitBec’ tomatoes. Heat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Rinse about 500 g of ripe fruit, dry it, and cut each tomato in half. Arrange the halves cut side up on a baking sheet with one thinly sliced shallot and one chopped garlic clove. Add 15 mL (1 tbsp) olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tomatoes soften while retaining some shape. After removing the tray, fold in a handful of fresh basil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Serve over pasta, toasted bread, or a grain salad. Use only healthy ripe fruit; never add tomato leaves, stems, or green fruit to the recipe. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and eat them within the next few days. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to the chosen dish. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to the chosen dish.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Yes. Cultivar references describe ‘PetitBec’ as a compact determinate tomato. It generally reaches about 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in), although growing conditions can affect final size. Install a cage when transplanting so the numerous clusters remain supported. Do not routinely remove every sucker as gardeners sometimes do with indeterminate tomatoes. Determinate plants carry much of their flowering potential on a limited framework, and severe pruning can reduce the harvest. Instead, remove damaged or diseased leaves and any foliage touching the soil. Keep adequate spacing around the plant, water at soil level, and preserve airflow through sensible cleanup rather than aggressive pruning.
Yes. Its compact determinate habit suits a large container, but a small pot dries too quickly to support a steady crop. Use at least 19 L (5 US gal) for one plant, and preferably 25 to 40 L to buffer moisture and root temperature. The container needs several drainage holes and a light vegetable potting mix. Place it in full sun, install a short cage, and check moisture daily during hot weather. Water until excess drains but do not leave the pot standing in water. Feed according to the label of a tomato fertilizer and avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth instead of flowers and fruit.
Harvest normally begins about 60 to 65 days after transplanting when conditions are favourable. Pick tomatoes when they are evenly red, still firm, and release easily. ‘PetitBec’ fruit resists cracking and can remain on the plant for a useful period, but frequent picking reduces losses and makes it easier to notice damage. Handle loaded clusters carefully so their stems do not break. Before a forecast frost, pick fruit that has begun to change colour and allow it to ripen indoors at room temperature. Avoid unnecessary refrigeration when tomatoes will be eaten soon, because cold storage can mute their aroma and flavour.
Ripe tomato fruit is edible for people, but the entire plant should not be treated as pet-safe. The ASPCA lists tomato plants as toxic to dogs and cats because glycoalkaloids occur mainly in the leaves, stems, and green fruit. Keep containers and pruning debris away from pets that chew plants. Do not feed them green plant parts or unripe tomatoes. If an animal ingests this material or develops digestive signs, weakness, or unusual behaviour, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison-control service promptly. Gardeners should separate the confirmed edibility of ripe fruit from the potential hazard presented by vegetative tissue and unripe fruit.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
