Dormancy
/ˈdɔrmənsi/
Definition
Dormancy is a temporary resting state in which a plant, seed, bulb, tuber, or bud greatly slows growth and metabolism, even when it may still be alive and healthy. It differs from death or simple slow growth because development is paused until specific cues, such as cold, moisture, day length, or warmth, signal growth to resume. This helps plants survive unfavorable seasons and protects delicate new growth.
Biological Role
- Seasonal survival timing: It helps many plants avoid damage from cold, drought, or other unfavorable periods by slowing visible growth until conditions improve.
- Control by environment and hormones: Day length, temperature, and plant hormones such as abscisic acid and gibberellins help start, maintain, or end dormancy in buds, seeds, and some storage organs.
- Impact on flowering and sprouting: In many temperate species, a period of winter chilling is needed before buds open evenly in spring, which affects flowering, leaf-out, and fruit production.
- Practical value in cultivation: Understanding dormancy helps gardeners time seed stratification, pruning, repotting, and watering changes so plants are not pushed into growth at the wrong time.
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