Best Alliums to Grow in California
California spans USDA Zones 5–11, typically Zone 9. We've broken out 44 allium varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
44
for California
USDA
Zones 5–11
155–365 days season
Beginner
29
easy to grow
Heirloom
26
heritage varieties
California in USDA Zones 5–11
California spans Zones 5–11. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Alliums in California
Zone 9's nearly 10-month growing season and mild winters create exceptional conditions for growing alliums, but the long, hot summers require careful variety selection. The key advantage here is your ability to grow both short-day and intermediate-day onions, plus cold-hardy garlic varieties that still get enough chill hours during your December-February period. However, the extended heat from June through September means you'll want to focus on varieties that can bulk up quickly in spring before summer stress sets in.
When selecting alliums for Zone 9, prioritize heat tolerance and appropriate day-length requirements. Short-day varieties like Vidalia and Candy onions will start bulbing when days reach 10-12 hours, perfect for your climate. For garlic, hardneck varieties like Music and German Extra Hardy will thrive with your winter chill hours, while softneck types may struggle to form proper bulbs. The varieties listed here have proven themselves in Zone 9's unique combination of mild winters and intense summer heat.
Your extended growing season also opens up opportunities for succession planting and multi-season harvests. You can start garlic and shallots in fall, plant onions from transplants in late winter, and even squeeze in a second planting of quick-maturing varieties like Japanese Bunching Onions in late summer for winter harvest.
Zone 9 Alliums for California★ Most of CA
44 varieties · Last frost February 15 · 290-day season
Zone 8 Alliums for California
44 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 10 Alliums for California
44 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 7 Alliums for California
44 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 11 Alliums for California
44 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 6 Alliums for California
44 varieties · Last frost April 15 · 180-day season
Zone 5 Alliums for California
44 varieties · Last frost April 30 · 155-day season
Zone 9 Growing Tips for California
Start your allium year in October by planting garlic cloves and shallot bulbs – varieties like Music Hardneck and French Gray Shallots need those crucial chill hours between December and February to form proper bulbs. Plant them 4-6 weeks before your average first frost to allow root development without top growth. For onions, start seeds indoors in December or January, then transplant outside 4-6 weeks before your last frost date, typically around January 10-15.
Your biggest challenge in Zone 9 is the transition from spring to summer – onions need consistent moisture and moderate temperatures to size up properly, but once June hits, they're facing serious heat stress. Mulch heavily around plants in April and ensure deep, consistent watering. Consider shade cloth during the hottest part of summer if you're growing late-maturing varieties. Many successful Zone 9 gardeners harvest their main onion crop by late May or early June, well before peak summer heat.
Take advantage of your long season by planting heat-tolerant varieties like Japanese Bunching Onions and chives in late August for fall and winter harvests. These can handle your mild winters and provide fresh alliums when your main crop is in storage. Also, don't overlook the opportunity to cure your garlic and onions during those hot, dry summer months – your low humidity is perfect for proper curing.