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Bromus tectorum is the most common invasive grass in the Great Basin and is a major contributor to the increasing frequency of rangeland fire in the region. Previous research has shown that plant litter can promote B. tectorum, presumably by creating favorable conditions for germination and growth. We examined how varying plant litter depths (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 cm) affected emergence and growth of B. tectorum in Mollisol and Aridisol soils. We calculated emergence and survival rates and used plant height, number of leaves and biomass as metrics of plant growth. After twelve weeks of growth, we found that emergence, survivorship, plant height, and number of leaves was greatest in the Mollisol soil type and increased with litter depth within soil treatments. Plants grown in Aridisol showed a much stronger litter response, where germination, survivorship, plant height, and number of leaves were dramatically lower with no litter. Litter responses became more pronounced after we reduced plant watering during the second half of the experiment. These results support the hypothesis that litter has positive effects on B. tectorum establishment and growth and that these litter effects increase with litter depth, even when the litter is especially thick. Litter depth was more important to B. tectorum emergence and growth in a high clay soil (Aridisol) than a high organic matter soil (Mollisol). Our results suggest that litter is important for B. tectorum emergence and growth. However, these patterns may not be consistent across all landscapes due to different soil types. Considering litter may promote B. tectorum, managers should consider possible litter removal treatments in high priority areas and avoid treatments that may increase litter, such as cover crops.