Abstract: In order to explore the suitable conditions for seed germination of Cynanchum auriculatum, the effects of different temperature, different kinds and concentrations of exogenous substances（plant hormones and chemical reagents） on seed germination were investigated based on germination percentage, germination potential, germination index and germination process. The results showed that temperature had a significant effect on seed germination, and the best germination effect was achieved when cultured at 25 ℃, while soaking at 35 ℃ pretreatment could further promote seed germination. Compared with indoleacetic acid（IAA） and 6-benzylaminopurine（6-BA）, exogenous gibberellin（GA₃） had a more significant promoting effect on seed germination, and 100 mg/L GA₃ treatment had the best effect, where the seed germination percentage, germination potential and germination index were significantly higher than that of other treatment groups. Seed germination of Cynanchum auriculatum was also promoted significantly by KNO₃（6 g/L） and NaCl（1 g/L）. Under the combined treatment（100 mg/L GA₃ + 6 g/L KNO₃ + 1 g/L NaCl）, the germination percentage, germination potential and germination index of Cynanchum auriculatum seeds increased by 35.2%, 57.6% and 94.6%, respectively, compared with the control, furthermore, the germination start time and peaking time were both 2 days earlier than control, and the germination cycle was also distinctly shortened.