How long does vernalization take for Cymbidium goeringii flower buds?

I saw a fellow orchid grower ask how long Cymbidium goeringii flower buds need for vernalization. A vernalization period of 70-100 days is suitable, and it should preferably not be less than 70 days. The longer the vernalization time, the relatively better the flowering quality, but it should not be too long, otherwise the plant will have built up all its strength with nowhere to use it.

Regarding the issue of vernalization, the old-timers have said a great deal, and all of it offers good reference value. Let me share what I have experienced in practice (Cymbidium goeringii vernalization in the north):

First, select strong seedlings with good genes (provenance). If the genes (provenance) are poor, no matter how strong the plant grows, it will not flower well. When orchid friends post saying the flowering quality is poor and that they will vernalize again the next year, I want to say that if the genes (provenance) are poor, no amount of vernalization will help, and the next year you will only be heartbroken again. But with good genes (provenance), sometimes the flowering is poor, and that is indeed a matter of vernalization and other issues. The plants in the pictures in this article all began vernalization on November 26, 2017.

Second, vernalization duration. 70-100 days is suitable, and it should preferably not be less than 70 days. The longer the vernalization time, the relatively better the flowering quality, but it should not be too long, otherwise the plant will have built up all its strength with nowhere to use it.

Third, vernalization temperature. Try to choose a stepwise cooling method for vernalization. I vernalize by going from 20---15---10----5 degrees. The temperature must not be too high; once the crystal heads and autumn shoots start growing, the flowering quality will inevitably suffer.

Fourth, vernalization timing. I choose to begin vernalization when the flower buds emerge about 0.5-1 cm. Setting aside other factors, the choice of vernalization timing and the light exposure before vernalization are crucial to the vividness of the lip markings.

Fifth, watering during vernalization. There is no fixed standard; just water when it is dry.

The original text has been abridged. Original title: "Experiences with Cymbidium goeringii Vernalization in the North" Author: Shandong Qingfeng Guolan