vernalization

verb (used with object), ver·nal·ized, ver·nal·iz·ing.

1. to shorten the growth period of (a plant) by chilling or other special treatment of it, its seeds, or its bulbs.

verb

1. to subject ungerminated or germinating seeds to low temperatures, which is essential for many (plants) of temperate environments to ensure germination in some species and flowering in others

1. The subjection of seeds or seedlings to low temperature in order to hasten plant development and flowering. Vernalization is commonly used for crop plants such as winter rye and is possible because the seeds and buds of many plants require cold in order to break dormancy.