Deferring flowering of nobile dendrobium hybrids by holding plants under low temperature after vernalization

► First experiment to develop a strategy to defer flowering of nobile dendrobium orchids by holding them under low temperature. ► Increase of low temperature holding duration from 0 to 16 weeks extended time to flower up to 3 months. ► An increase in low temperature holding duration caused more leaf abscission in Den. Red Emperor 'Prince'. ► Growers can now defer flowering to May or June to supply the Mother's Day and early summer market. ► Low temperature holding after vernalization is an effective and inexpensive way to extend flowering time of nobile dendrobium orchids.