California Early White Softneck Garlic

California Early White Softneck is an easy-to-grow white garlic with large, plump, creamy-white cloves and sharp, rich, umami flavor that is superior to store-bought garlic! California White is a favorite for its fast growth, long storage, and incredible flavor, typically ready to be harvested just 90 days after planting, making it ideal for gardeners looking for a quicker turnaround. The plants grow robust, with tall green stalks that add a touch of elegance to any garden bed. It thrives in a variety of climates, adapting well to both cooler and warmer regions, and is especially favored in areas with milder winters. The compact heads and multiple cloves per bulb make it an excellent choice for storage, allowing it to last for months, ensuring you have a steady supply of fresh garlic all year round. The high yield and easy growing process make this variety perfect for gardeners, whether you're new to garlic cultivation or a seasoned pro. Braid the tops into a decorative rope for an attractive display or give away as a gift! Grows 10-20 cloves per head.

Growing garlic at home from bulbs is easy and rewarding. Every clove can grow into a large bulb at least 10 times its weight within one year of planting. Plant in Fall for a late Spring or early Summer harvest or plant in early Spring for a harvest in the same season.

Also Known As: Artichoke Garlic, Softneck Garlic, Silverskin Garlic.

Plant Name:	Garlic, Early California White (Softneck)
Latin Name:	Allium sativum
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	240 (Fall Planting), 90 (Spring Planting)
Plant Height:	18 - 24 Inches
Spread:	6 - 12 Inches
Growth Habit:	Clumping
USDA Zones:	5-10
Lifespan:	Perennial, Grown as Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Divide the bulb into individual cloves, leaving the papery skins on the cloves. Plant each clove with the narrow tip facing upwards 1-2 inches deep in soil. Try to plant cloves in well-drained soil rich in organic matter and full sun immediately after cracking the bulb into cloves. Plant Fall-planted garlic 4-6 weeks before the average first frost date for a harvest in Early Summer, about 240 days from planting. Apply 3 inches thick of mulch, such as dried grass, leaves, or straw, to best overwinter garlic. Remove mulch in Spring after the average first frost-free date to allow the soil to warm.

Spring-planted garlic may not reach the same bulb size as if garlic were Fall-planted but can still produce good yields. Plant cloves when the soil reaches at least 55F for a harvest in the same season, about 90 days from planting. 

Planting Depth:	2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	5 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	5-12 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants enough to keep them from wilting, about 1/2-inch to 1 inch of water per week in well-draining soil. If the weather is really dry, add supplemental water. Stop watering when 3 of the outermost leaves have yellowed and died because it is close to harvest time.

Weeding: Keep plants as weed-free as possible, taking care not to damage the feeder rooters which may slow the plant's growth. 

Fertilizing: After optionally applying initial fertilization in Fall, you may optionally side-dress with additional nitrogen fertilizer in Spring after initial plant growth. Water the plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Though garlic is a natural pest repellent, insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

When bottom-third of leaves yellow, pull a garlic plant to check the bulb for splitting. Pull a garlic plant and check for size. If cloves have formed and the bulbs are a good size, harvest the bulbs, shake off loose soil, and let dry in a shady area for 24 hours. Cure the bulbs by leaving in a dry environment for 2-4 weeks. Optionally, braid tops tightly then allow bulbs to continue curing. Bulbs cured properly can be stored for 8-9 months.