Stratification

The process of exposing seeds or bulbs to cold temperatures, typically in a refrigerator or freezer, to emulate the outdoor winter conditions necessary for successful spring germination.

Stratification is the pre-treatment of seeds to mimic the natural circumstances that they would encounter in the soil throughout the winter. Seeds that have been pre-treated are better able to "break dormancy" and begin the germination process.

Synonyms: seed treatment