Seed germination status of Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch. -Bip. was compared by setting two groups of sowing depth according to 0. 5 and 0. 2 cm gradients. The results show that under sowing depth of 0. 0-4. 0 cm (0. 5 cm gradient) and 0. 0-2. 0 cm (0. 2 cm gradient) conditions, germination energy and germination rate of S. involucrata seed appear a trend of increasing firstly and then decreasing with increasing of sowing depth, and suitable sowing depth is 1. 0 and 1. 5 cm, 1. 0 and 0. 8 cm, respectively, in which, seed germination rate is obviously significant higher at sowing depth of 1. 0 cm than that at other sowing depths. It is concluded that the suitable sowing depth of S. involucrata seed is 0. 8- 1. 5 cm. Combined research and planting experience in recent ten years, it is suggested that the best sowing depth of S. involucrata seed is 1. 0-2. 5 cm in loose soil of arid region and that is 0. 5-1. 0 cm in tight soil.