Encapsulated phase change materials in seed coatings

The present invention is directed to improved seed coatings which facilitate fall or early spring planting while maintaining seed dormancy until soil temperatures are appropriate for successful germination. The improved seed coatings contain encapsulated phase change materials within a polymeric shell which preserve the dormancy of the seed during early planting by slowing the rate at which the seed temperature rises in the event of a temperature spike thus preventing premature germination. The encapsulated phase change material is a material characterized by a solid/liquid or liquid/solid phase change which occurs at a temperature which ranges from about −5 to about 20° C., preferably between about 0 to about 19° C., most preferably between about 5 to about 15° C. The solid/liquid or liquid/solid phase change is further characterized by an effective enthalpy of fusion/crystallization for the solid-liquid/liquid-solid phase change equal to or greater than 20 J/g when determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry.