New Mexico FFA Floriculture Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary reason for pre-cooling potted azaleas is to initiate blooming. Azaleas are sensitive to temperature variations, and providing a period of cool conditions is essential for triggering the natural flowering process. This is particularly important because azaleas require a certain amount of chilling hours—time spent at cooler temperatures—to stimulate the necessary physiological changes that promote bud development and ultimately lead to blooming.

In contrast, enhancing root growth is more influenced by factors like watering, fertilization, and soil conditions rather than pre-cooling. While pre-cooling can indirectly support better shelf life by promoting uniform and timely blooming, it is not the direct purpose. The reduction of pest problems is usually managed through cultural practices and pest control methods rather than temperature management alone. Therefore, initiating blooming is the most significant effect of pre-cooling on potted azaleas.