[Objective] The germination ability of Artemisia desertorum seeds under salt and drought stress was investigated to provide a reference for artificial cultivation and planting of A. desertorum.[Methods] Using A. desertorum seeds as experimental materials, different concentrations of NaCl solutions (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%, 1.2%, 1.4%, 1.6%, and 1.8%) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) were applied to simulate salinity and drought stress conditions on seeds. The germination rate, germination potential, germination index, and vigor index were measured in the early stage of seed germination.[Results] When the NaCl concentration was ≤ 0.6%, the above-mentioned indices did not change significantly compared with the control group. However, when the solution concentration was higher than this range, the indices decreased significantly with the increase in concentration. The NaCl solution concentration of 0.6% was the most suitable concentration limit for normal seed germination. When the PEG concentration was ≤ 15%, the above indices of A. desertorum seeds did not change significantly compared with the control group. However, when the PEG concentration was higher than 15%, the seed indices decreased significantly compared with the control group. The PEG concentration of 15% was the most suitable concentration limit for normal germination.[Conclusion] A. desertorum seeds showed tolerance to mild and moderate salt and drought stress and could still grow normally in low salt content soil and mild and moderate drought environments.