This question with its answer is important in my science of ancient Egypt topic...where it is confirmed by many texts, and I'm looking for many proofs from the high tech science to show their innovation.
Seed germination is controlled by many factors, temperature is one. John Harper referred to seed dormancy coming in three different forms: some species seed's are 'born' dormant, some 'achieve' dormancy and some have dormancy 'thrust upon' them - very Shakespearean. One fairly common method to break a seed's dormancy is to chill or freeze the seed. Change in daylight is probably the most important factor controlling germination and seed dormancy.