Vernalization
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What is it?
Vernalization: exposure for specific lengths of time to cold temperatures, required by some plants to initiate bud formation or new growth. It gives the plants a winter so they can have spring.Starting the summer before you receive the plants, we perform specific cultural treatments that have been customized for each variety. For instance, some crops need to be grown at specific temperatures so that they root thoroughly before receiving cold treatment. For other varieties, we count the number of leaves on a plant every week to ensure that the plants have progressed past their juvenility phase. Otherwise, the plants will be unable to perceive the cold treatment that is needed to promote flowering.
These actions ensure appropriate plant maturity and bulking prior to cooling, the best temperatures during transitional cooling, and correct duration and temperature of the final cold treatment to optimize performance post-transplant.
Why do we do it?
To provide you with a liner that is programmed to flower fully the first season. Not just one or two skimpy blooms!How does it Benefit you?
Shorter bench time, enhanced plant vigor, and faster flowering response. Plus a more uniform flower canopy and more color!
Which varieties required vernalization?
Refer to the VR (vernalization required) and VB (vernalization beneficial) codes in our catalog. These codes indicate which plants require or benefit from a vernalization period. Monarda and many Veronica varieties will have this code. Plants that do not show any code do not require vernalization for production.There is also a B code extension to the VR and VB codes (VR-B and VB-B) to indicate which varieties are recommended to plant in the fall and bulk prior to vernalization. This is to provide a bigger flower canopy and better spring performance. Aquilegia, Lithodora, and Phlox subulata are examples of plants that will have a VR-B code.
When are vernalized liners available?
We offer vernalized liners in both a 72-cell and a 30-cell tray from week 6 through week 18. A few early flowering varieties have shorter shipping windows ending in late February to mid-March.
How to order?
A limited number of better selling varieties will be produced in a 72-cell liner on speculation. All other vernalized liners are Grow to Order (GTO) only, with advance notice required. See the shaded prices in the Green Leaf Plants’ catalog for varieties in our speculative program.EOD Deadline on Vernalized liners is August 1st. Liners Available: 30, 50, 72-cell trays