verb
- to subject (a plant or seed) to a period of cold treatment to induce flowering or fruiting
Usage: botanical; technical
Examples
- The researcher vernalizes the wheat seeds by exposing them to cold temperatures for several weeks.
- Many bulbs must be vernalized before they will bloom in spring.
- The gardener vernalizes tulip bulbs by storing them in the refrigerator over winter.
- Scientists vernalize plant specimens to study their flowering responses.
- Without vernalizing the seeds, the plants may not produce flowers.
- The laboratory vernalizes different varieties to compare their cold requirements.