Abstract: To explore the effect of sowing quantity of Rheum palmatum seeds on seedling quality and to provide a basis for the standardization of cultivation, the seeds of triennium R. palmatum plants were harvested. The quality indicators of their seedlings cultured under different sowing rates (35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85 kg/ha) were measured at the end of nursery culturing and the survival rate of the nursery stocks were determined at intervals after transplanting into a field in Li county, Gansu. The sowing rate had a significant influence on seedling quality. At the lowest rate (35 kg/ha), the seedlings continued to increase and their yield significantly increased but it decreased as the sowing rate was increased. However, quality indicators such as root length, root diameter, single seedling weight, root reduced-intensity of TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) all decreased. The single fresh weight and root reduced-intensity TTC in the seedlings cultured at a sowing rates above 65 kg/ha were relatively reduced but at this rate, seedlings showed the highest yield, the best synthesis indicators, good growing and development, condition, size, and higher transplant survival-ratevs. Considering the seedling quality and economic benefit in nursery production, a sowing rate of 65 kg/ha is good for culturing R. palmatum seedlings in Li county of Gansu.