Vernalization
/ver-nal-ih-ZAY-shun/🧑🌾 Cultivation●●● Advanced
Also known as: cold treatment, chilling requirement
Vernalization is the physiological process where plants require an extended period of cold temperatures (typically 1-10°C for 4-12 weeks) to initiate flowering. This adaptation prevents plants from flowering during brief warm spells in autumn or winter. Biennials like carrots, beets, and foxglove require vernalization between their first and second year. Winter wheat must be vernalized to produce grain.
Etymology
From Latin vernalis (of spring), from ver (spring)
Example
“The tulip bulbs required 12 weeks of vernalization below 45°F before they would produce flowers.”