This study evaluated the germination rate of $Rheum$ $palmatum$ L. in Korea as affected by storage temperature, germination temperature, and a soaking treatment. The germination rate of $R.$ $palmatum$ L. stored at various conditions for 8 weeks was > 60%. The highest germination rate occurred at $25^{circ}C$. The germination point of $R.$ $palmatum$ L. with soaking was started 1 day after application, and non soaked seeds germinated in 2 days. When $R.$ $palmatum$ L. was soaked with water, the germination rate was lower, but mean germination velocity was the highest. These results may help our understanding of variations in germination characteristics for seeds treated under different germination conditions.