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Seriphidium transiliense is a native xerophytic subshrub, the dominant species in sagebrush desert and one of the preferred grass species in reseeding degraded desert in Xinjiang, China. To investigate the influence of harvest time on seed quality and seedling establishment, the germination characteristics of S. transiliense seeds harvested at different stages of maturity were measured under two germination temperature regimes (10/20 degrees C and 15/25 degrees C). With delayed harvest time, the germination rate, germination potential and radical length increased and then decreased. The germination speed and germination percentage of S. transiliense seeds was greater at 10/20 degrees C than at 15/25 degrees C. The germination vigour of seeds stored at low temperature (-20 degrees C) was better than that of seeds stored at room temperature. The best seed harvest time of S. transiliense was 15 days after mature seeds were first observed.