Perhaps varieties meant for California are not quite right for where you live and garden? Temperatures where I live get into the 20s but not often lower. I experience some tip burn, but nothing seems to be effected by the chill. Late rains are FAR worse than the cold.

The early Italian garlic I grow does not start to bolt until the middle of December. I keep it in a dark room which is kept cool (door shut, heat from woodstove can't get to it.) How early you harvest &/or how you cure the garlic may also have some bearing on how long it will keep for you.

I agree that California Early's growth schedule does not seem to match your climate. Where I live I want to see very little if any green growth in the fall, because it will get killed back even with mulch.

One of the best softnecks for me has been S&H Silverskin from Southern Exposure. Some of the bulbs get very large, comparable to Music (hardneck), and they mature about a week earlier. They have a nice, long storage period, too. We just ate the last Silverskin bulb from last year.

Here is a link that might be useful: S&H Silverskin

Thank you for the replies. I agree that it is probably a variety problem as much as a storage problem. California Early worked well for me the first four winters I grew it-slow onset of winter and only a few nights below 20. I am trying S&H Siverskin for the first time this season. It was slow to emerge; no winter damage; plants are beautiful right now. I am looking forward to the harvest. If it's as good as it looks, we will mostly be eating Cal Early and saving most of the S&H Silverskin to increase the planting. I'll give Early Italian a trial next year. Once again, your insights are much appreciated.