diff --git a/packages/node_modules/@node-red/editor-client/src/js/ui/editor.js b/packages/node_modules/@node-red/editor-client/src/js/ui/editor.js
index 427f3ca95..46dc60fe2 100644
--- a/packages/node_modules/@node-red/editor-client/src/js/ui/editor.js
+++ b/packages/node_modules/@node-red/editor-client/src/js/ui/editor.js
@@ -426,8 +426,13 @@ RED.editor = (function() {
             }
         });
 
-        // Set the select value
-        select.val(nodeValue);
+        const optionCount = select.find("option").length
+        if (optionCount === 1) {
+            // We only have the 'add new...' option
+            select.val('_ADD_')
+        } else {
+            select.val(nodeValue);
+        }
     }
 
     /**