Seven perennial arid land species were studied for germination at low soil moisture levels. The research was conducted to test the hypothesis that seeds of arid land species could germinate at relatively low soil moisture. This would allow selection of strains that germinate at low soil moisture, improving direct seeding success in ecosystem restoration projects. The method used allowed seeds to be in contact with soil. Soil moisture was kept at constant levels by a polyethylene glycol solution that was separated from the soil by a semi-permeable membrane. Highest germination rates were 86%, 61·5% and 66% for Agropyron cristatum, Bassia prostrata and Sporobulus airoides at –0·2 MPa respectively. Maximum germination rates for Atriplex canescens, Grayia brandegei and Sphaeralcia sp. were at –0·8 MPa and were 22%, 38% and 9·5% respectively. Germination of Sarcobatus vermiculatus was intermediate with the two groups and showed a maximum percentage of 37·5% at –0·4 MPa. In general, germination was lowest at 0·0 MPa or no soil moisture stress except with Sporobulus airoides. All seven species germinated readily at soil moisture stress and some species maintained high germination levels as low as –1·6 MPa. In particular Bassia prostrata and Agropyron cristatum showed little decline in germination with increasing soil moisture stress. Data indicate that arid land species have an adaptation to germinate under some levels of soil moisture stress. Thus, establishment can be successful at low soil moisture levels near the surface of the seed bed if soil moisture at lower levels of the soil is sufficient for growth and development.