Abstract: In this study, the germination experiments of Lupinus micranthus seeds at different temperatures and different illumination were carried out to explore the optimum germination conditions and the optimum sowing season of lupine seeds in the southwest mountainous area of Hubei province.The results showed that illumination significantly affected the germination potential of L. micranthus seeds and had a significant interaction with temperature.The germination potential under full darkness at 10 ℃ was significantly higher than that under alternating light and dark, but had no significant effects on other indexes.The total darkness condition was more advantageous to shorten the management time of L. micranthus. The germination rate, germination index and germination potential were obviously affected by temperature.The low temperature conditions of 5,10,15 ℃ and 5 ℃/10 ℃ alternation were the best for obtaining higher germination rate, and the variable temperature was better than the constant temperature condition.Under the condition of open air in the southwest mountainous area of Hubei province, the most suitable sowing season of L. micranthus was winter, followed by spring, then autumn, and avoiding summer sowing with high temperature.In conclusion, temperature was a key environmental factor for seed germination of L. micranthus.