Item Number: FP556
California Early White Garlic (Lb)
Easy to Grow Softneck Garlic
Organic Early California White Garlic is a popular softneck variety prized for its adaptability, mild heat, and excellent storage life. With smooth, white wrappers and large, creamy cloves, this garlic is well-suited to a wide range of climates—especially warmer regions. Its ease of growth and prolific yields make it a top choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
This variety matures earlier than many others, making it a reliable option for fall planting and early summer harvests. Each bulb typically contains 12–16 plump cloves, which are ideal for everyday cooking. Whether you're planting in a home garden or a commercial farm, Early California White is dependable, flavorful, and easy to work with in the kitchen.
Early California White Garlic stands out for its smooth flavor and excellent bulb quality. It's a staple for those seeking a milder garlic option with wide culinary flexibility. This variety stores exceptionally well, ensuring that home cooks and market growers can enjoy its mild spice long after harvest.
- Softneck garlic variety – ideal for warm climates.
- Mild and grassy flavor with gentle heat.
- 2" and larger diameter bulbs with 12–16 cloves each.
- Easy to grow – perfect for beginner gardeners.
- 6–8 bulbs per pound.
- Early maturing and very prolific.
- Grown in California; stores well long-term.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: This variety delivers a mild, semi-rich flavor with just the right amount of garlic heat. The creamy white cloves are excellent in both raw and cooked dishes, offering a mellow taste that complements everything from salads and sauces to roasts and stir-fries.
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Aroma Profile: When chopped or roasted, Early California White Garlic emits a gentle, earthy aroma with slightly sweet undertones. It becomes more pronounced as it cooks, enhancing a wide range of recipes with a comforting and savory bouquet.
Planting Time
Early California White is typically planted in the fall, about 4–6 weeks before the first frost date. In mild climates, early spring planting is also an option. Fall planting encourages strong root growth and sets the stage for larger bulbs by summer harvest.
Scaping
As a softneck garlic, this variety does not produce scapes. Instead, it channels all of its energy into bulb production, making it ideal for braiding and long-term storage. Softneck types are well-known for their storability and straightforward growing process—especially appealing for first-time growers.
Read our blog about The Differences Between Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic to learn more.
Storage and Preservation
How to Store Fresh Garlic
After harvest in early to midsummer, allow the green tops to fully dry and turn brown for proper curing. Hang the bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to preserve their flavor and quality. This softneck variety stores well for months and is excellent for daily kitchen use.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
To ensure long storage life, harvest when most leaves have browned and a few green leaves remain. Cure the garlic in a breezy, shaded space to lock in its mellow heat and smooth texture. Once cured, it remains fresh and flavorful—ideal for sauces, sautés, or garlic spreads.
Best Practices for Drying and Freezing
Properly cured garlic can be frozen whole, in peeled cloves, or minced. Freezing uncured garlic is not recommended, as it may retain too much moisture and lose texture and flavor. Once cured, freezing is a convenient way to preserve your harvest while maintaining its taste integrity.
Why Order From Us?
We proudly offer top-quality softneck seed garlic like Early California White, grown by trusted farmers in California. This variety is sold by the pound and thrives in diverse growing regions, especially warmer climates. Its mild flavor, reliable growth, and excellent storage potential make it a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Order today and browse our full lineup of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties to grow your best garlic crop yet.
** For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center and try out our Garlic Selector Tool to find the perfect garlic for your growing zone and preferences. Or check out all of our Garlic Learning Blogs for growing tips, recipes, and educational videos curated by our staff.**
Check Your Zone Compatibility:
Our Guarantee To You
Since 1976, we've served our customers at every stage of growing. Please contact us at any time. We are happy to support and assist you.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
We cannot delay ship garlic/shallots. They will be shipped as soon as they are in stock.
Cannot ship to the following states: HI, ID, PR, GU, VI
Shipping Weight: 1.1 lb
Dimensions: 5.0"L x 3.0"W x 3.0"H
Features
Features
- Bulb
- Container Compatible
- Easy to Braid
- Good for Beginners
- Good Keeper
- Medium Flavor
- Softneck
- WSDA Certified Organic
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Limited Seed Garlic Guarantee (When Planted by November 15th)
Claim Deadline is 45 Days from Purchase or Delivery. (Claims placed after December 31st will be denied.)
What We Guarantee
Our only guarantee is that the seed garlic we sell will germinate, provided you follow the steps listed in our Garlic Planting & Growing Guide. This guarantee is only available to customers who purchase their seed garlic directly from us.
What We Cannot Guarantee
We cannot guarantee that your garlic will remain alive & healthy, or sizes up properly, as there are too many variables beyond our control to be able to do so (i.e. soil preparation, fertilization, weed and pest control, temperature control, irrigation, etc).
How to Request a Credit
If you encounter a significant lack of germination of your garlic (over 50%), please contact us within 45 days of delivery. If we determine that your garlic had a significant lack of germination, we will issue you a credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of your garlic (excluding shipping).* This 45-day time frame is meant to allow you up to 2 weeks to plant your garlic, and up to 4 weeks to check for signs of growth.
(*) We reserve the right to not issue credit for items already replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence of the lack of germination of your garlic.
