To explore the low temperature germination characteristics of rapeseed, 8 main cultivars were selected for germination experiments in incubators at 20℃, 16℃, 12℃ and 8℃, respectively, to measure and analyze the germination potential, germination rate, root length, bud length, etc. The results showed that there was significant difference in the germination potential of tested rapeseeds at temperatures. And the low temperature of 8℃ was significantly reduced the germination potential. With the decrease of germination temperature, the growth of roots and buds were inhibited significantly. There were significant differences both in temperatures and varieties. The germination potential, root length and bud length could be used as the main index to evaluate seed germination of rapeseed under low temperature. In addition, to screen varieties suitable for spring sowing as green manure, the spring sowing test was carried out. The study found that the fresh grass yield of “Huyouzao No.1” was 1712.53 kg/m 2 , which was much higher than other 7 varieties. Its relative root length was second only to “Huyou17” and its relative bud length next to “Huyoufei No.1” at 8℃, respectively. The results can provide a reference for early spring sowing of rapeseed as green manure.