Effects of environmental factors and sowing depth on the germination and seedling growth of Miscanthus lutarioriparius, an endemic species in central China and a promising potential energy crop, were researched based on set up different treatments including temperatures, illuminations, soil moistures, growth hormones and sowing depths by means of adopting germination rate, germination potential, germination index, vigor index, length of plumule and radicle as indicators. The result indicated that the M. lutarioriparius seed belongs to high temperature type, and the optimal temperature for its germination was range from 30 ℃ to 35 ℃. With temperature increasing，the growth of plumule tended to rising at first, and then dropping, while the growth of radicle was always rising. Illumination time had significant effect on germination and seedling growth, 24 h of illumination was the most appropriate for seed germination and seedling growth. The optimal soil moisture for seed germination was 15%, while, the growth of plumule was insignificantly influenced by soil water content. The seed germination rate and germination potential was in their greatest in soaking 200 mg/L 6–BA solution. With sowing depth increasing, the germination rate, germination potential, germination index and vigor index were significantly decreased. The seedling height and root length were significantly restrained by soil cover depth, swallow seedling was beneficial to seed germination and seedling growth. Briefly, environmental factors have significant effects on seed germination and seedling growth, soil fertility should also be enhanced through implementing corresponding management strategies.