Abstract: To explore effects of different sodium selenite concentrations on Carthamus tinctorius L. seed germination and seedling growth．Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds were used as experimental materials to screen suitable selenium concentrations for Carthamus tinctorius L. seed germination and seedling growth．This was achieved by measuring seed germination rate, germination potential, germination index, and radicle length, as well as seedling height, stem diameter, biomass, and other growth indexes．Results showed that selenium treatment at low concentrations（0.050, 0.500, 1.000, 3.000 mg/L）promoted Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds germination．Seed germination rate, germination potential, germination index, and radicle length of Carthamus tinctorius L. reached the maximum values under 3.000 mg/L selenium treatment, while high concentration（10.000 mg/L）of selenium had a significant inhibitory effect on Carthamus tinctorius L. seed germination．In addition, Carthamus tinctorius L. seedlings exhibited a positive response to 3.000 mg/L selenium treatment, with increases in seeding height, taproot length, and whole plant fresh weight．That is, an appropriate selenium concentration had a positive effect on Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds germination and growth of seedlings．Results could provide a theoretical basis for efficient cultivation of Carthamus tinctorius L. and response to selenium stress in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region．