Potassium sulfate spray improved grapevine leaf abscission and periderm formation during acclimation phase. Throughout the hardening cycle freezing tolerance of all potassium treated vines considerably increased. Abscisic acid concentration changed with LT50 profile and always was higher in K2SO4 treated vines. Potassium sulfate considerably increased free polyamines, soluble sugars and phenolics concentration. Alleviation effect of K2SO4 on freezing stress was more effective at 3%.