Noun
vernalization (usually uncountable, plural vernalizations)
(agrobiology) The treatment of seeds or bulbs by exposure to low temperatures so as to decrease the vegetative period or to cause the plant to flower or bear fruit more quickly.
However, this method had already been known by farmers since the 1800s, and had recently been discussed in detail by Gustav Gassner as "vernalization" (from the Latin "vernus", of the Spring). Source: Internet
Spring cereals are planted in early springtime and mature later that same summer, without vernalization. Source: Internet
Where winters are too warm for vernalization or exceed the hardiness of the crop (which varies by species and variety), farmers grow spring varieties. Source: Internet
Winter varieties do not flower until springtime because they require vernalization : exposure to low temperatures for a genetically determined length of time. Source: Internet