vernalization
noun
ver·nal·i·za·tion
ˌvər-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 
: the act or process of hastening the flowering and fruiting of plants by treating seeds, bulbs, or seedlings so as to induce a shortening of the vegetative period
Examples of vernalization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The horticultural importance of vernalization – cold exposure to induce flowering or other physiological processes – is not restricted to deciduous fruit trees.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
These biennial plants produce seeds only in their second year, after a period of vernalization, or cold storage.
—Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2022
The gift of flavor that vernalization produces is shared by many winter crops.
—Jonathan Kauffman, Bon Appétit, 13 Apr. 2022
The onset of vernalization, or dormancy, is triggered by a plant hormone, then fruit-bearing vines, trees and canes begin to rest.
—Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, 21 Feb. 2018
Lysenko just had to point at these mistaken figures and say, look, vernalization works.
—Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 5 May 2017
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Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
These biennial plants produce seeds only in their second year, after a period of vernalization, or cold storage.
—Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2022
The gift of flavor that vernalization produces is shared by many winter crops.
—Jonathan Kauffman, Bon Appétit, 13 Apr. 2022
The onset of vernalization, or dormancy, is triggered by a plant hormone, then fruit-bearing vines, trees and canes begin to rest.
—Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, 21 Feb. 2018
Lysenko just had to point at these mistaken figures and say, look, vernalization works.
—Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 5 May 2017
Cite this Entry
“Vernalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vernalization. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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