Abstract: To provide a reference for quality test and improving the success rate of sowing and seedling of Amomumtsao- ko seed, we investigated its dormancy causes and optimum germination condition. The water，permeability was measured by weighing method after soaking seeds; the germination inhibitor was detected by biological assay; the germination test was conducted under the following conditions: different preliminary treatments, different light and temperature, different germinating beds as well as different storage methods, to measure the germination rate. The results showed that Amomumtsao- ko seed had low water absorption, only 40% after 67 h; the aqueous extracts of Amomumtsao- ko seed inhibited the germination of cabbage seeds obviously; the germination rate and uniformity of the seeds treated by wet sand lamination for 30 d were improved significantly and the germination rate increased by 50% comparing with the untreated seeds; using gauze as the germination bed, Amomumtsao-ko seed had the highest germination rate under 12 h light and 30/ 20℃ alternating condition, up to 54.75%. The germination inhibitors in the seed might be one of the main causes of dormancy; wet sand lamination treatment could effectively degrade the germination inhibitors, therefore, it was the optimum pretreatment method. 12 h light, 30/20℃ alternating condition and gauze as the germination bed is the optimum germination condition; wet sand storage is the optimum storage method.