Freshly harvested seeds of the native kiwifruit, Actinidia latifolia (Gardn. & Champ.) Merr. were capable of germinating at the alternating temperatures of 25/15℃, and the germination percentage of good, mature seeds reached 80% after 1.5 mo of incubation. The mean germination time (MGT) of seeds stratified at 5℃ for at least 2 wks decreased as compared to fresh seeds, indicating that the germination rate had increased. Treatment of seeds with 50 ppm GA3 also shortened germination times, but the result was not as good as that with 5℃ stratification.