A propagation technique where seeds are exposed to a period of cold, moist conditions to simulate a winter environment. This process breaks internal chemical dormancies that otherwise prevent the seed from sprouting. Growers achieve this by placing seeds in refrigerated damp sand or peat for several weeks before sowing.
Heard on the job
These apple seeds require at least sixty days of cold treatment in the cooler before they'll do anything.
Do not mix it up with
- Stratification: Stratification is the broader term for mimicking natural conditions to break dormancy, which usually means cold treatment but can sometimes involve heat.