This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of low temperature and high soluble salts on the germination of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seeds. Stress conditions consisting of either low germination temperature (13 C) or high concentrations of soluble salts (18,000 ppm) in the germination substrate, induced a secondary dormancy in newly harvested cotton seeds. Seeds from seven cotton‐producing states responded similarly, and dormancy under identical conditions decreased as the seeds aged. Three‐year‐old seeds showed little or no dormancy under either salt or cold germination conditions.