vernalization
/ˌvɜrnələˈzeɪʃən/
noun
- The process of treating seeds or young plants with cold temperatures to encourage faster flowering or growth later.
- Without proper vernalization, the tulip bulbs might not produce flowers until the following year.
- Farmers use vernalization to help wheat crops bloom earlier in the spring.
- The gardener explained that vernalization mimics the natural winter chill some seeds need.