BackgroundSeed dormancy and germination are key components of plant regeneration strategies.Aconitum barbatumis a plant commonly found in northeast China. Although it has potential for use in gardening and landscaping, its seed dormancy and regeneration strategy, which adapt to its natural habitat, are not well understood. Our aim was to identify conditions for breakingA. barbatumseed dormancy and determine its dormancy type. Embryo growth and germination were determined by collecting seeds over time in the field. Laboratory experiments that control light, temperature, and stratification period were conducted to assess dormancy breaking and germination, and GA3was used to identify dormancy type.ResultsSeeds ofA. barbatumhave undeveloped embryos with physiological dormancy at maturity in autumn. The embryo-to-seed length ratio increases from 0.33 to 0.78 before the emergence of the radical. Under natural environmental conditions, embryo development begins in early winter. Laboratory experiments have shown that long-term incubation under 4 °C (cold stratification) promotes embryo development and seed dormancy break. With an extension of cold stratification, an increase in germination percentages was observed when seeds were transferred from 4 °C to warmer temperatures. Seeds exposed to light during incubation show a higher germination percentage than those kept in the dark. Seed germination can also be enhanced by a 100 mg/L GA3concentration.ConclusionsSeeds ofA. barbatumdisplay intermediate complex morphophysiological dormancy at maturity. In addition to the underdeveloped embryo, there are also physiological barriers that prevent the embryo from germinating. Dormancy breaking ofA. barbatumseeds can be achieved by natural winter cold stratification, allowing seeds to germinate and sprout seedlings at the beginning of the following growing season. Our findings provide valuable insights into the seed dormancy and regeneration strategy ofA. barbatum, which could facilitate its effective utilization in gardening and landscaping.