SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

California Early

Onion
Zone 10a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add California Early to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of California Early
90d to harvest

Sweetly aromatic and richly golden, California Early brings a mellow, sunny flavor with a tender bite that shines from the first harvest through full maturity. The bulbs form with a classic yellow-onion glow, crisp outer skins and a juicy, fine-textured interior that’s ideal for everyday use—roasting to bring out its natural sweetness, simmering into savory sauces, or pickling for bright, tangy flavor. Grow it for reliable, home-garden performance and a dependable 90-day rhythm from sowing to harvest-ready bulbs.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsDec 30th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity90
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBulbing
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)5

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for California Early in Zone 10a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting California Early.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 10a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water onion bulbs during the main bulbing phase?
During bulbing (when plants are actively sizing up, usually mid-growth through about a month before harvest), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for rain and heat. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot and reduced bulb fill. Once bulbs are near full size, taper watering so skins dry down instead of staying wet.
When are California Early onions (Allium cepa) ready to harvest, and how can I tell?
Harvest when about 50–70% of the tops have fallen over and the necks feel dry and tight, with papery skins visible at the bulb. Aim for harvest around 90 days from transplanting/sowing (varies with conditions), typically when the foliage is mostly yellow/brown. After lifting, cure in a warm, airy spot out of direct sun until the skins are fully dry and the necks are tight.
Botanical illustration of California Early

Sweetly aromatic and richly golden, California Early brings a mellow, sunny flavor with a tender bite that shines from the first harvest through full maturity. The bulbs form with a classic yellow-onion glow, crisp outer skins and a juicy, fine-textured interior that’s ideal for everyday use—roasting to bring out its natural sweetness, simmering into savory sauces, or pickling for bright, tangy flavor. Grow it for reliable, home-garden performance and a dependable 90-day rhythm from sowing to harvest-ready bulbs.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for California Early in Zone 10a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting California Early.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 10a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Plant cloves in fall so they root before winter, then mulch heavily and avoid wet soil during the early establishment phase.