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Seed imbibition is a critical first step in the awakening of an embryo plant. To determine if imbibitional conditions influenced post-germination growth, seeds of 3 winterfat (Eurotia lanata) ecotypes were imbibed at 5 temperatures from 0 to 20 degrees C, and at 5 oxygen concentrations from 0 to 40%. After a 4-day imbibition period the seeds were either dried and weighed or they were cultured in the dark at 20 degrees C. Seedling axial length was measured 5 times between 5 and 14 days post-germination to assure that maximum growth was measured. The study was repeated 3 times for each ecotype. Oxygen concentration had little effect except at 0%. As imbibition temperature increased both post-imbibition dried seed weight and seedling axil length decreased. This indicates the probability for successful termination, establishment, and survival of winterfat decreases when seeds are imbibed at 15-20 degrees C as compared to 5 degrees C. Therefore winterfat should be sown during those parts of the year when diaspores will imbibe at cool temperatures. Winterfat should be imbibed and held at 5 degrees C for 4 days, then germinated at 15 degrees C when testing germination. This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information. Migrated from OJS platform August 2020