after-ripening

[ af-ter-rahy-puh-ning, ahf- ]
/ ˈæf tərˌraɪ pə nɪŋ, ˈɑf- /

noun

biochemical or physical changes that occur in a dormant seed to ensure germination and in fruits after harvesting.
the period during which this occurs.

Origin of after-ripening

First recorded in 1840–45

British Dictionary definitions for after-ripening

after-ripening

noun

botany the period of internal change that is necessary in some apparently mature seeds before germination can occur