Objective To study the best harvest time of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds. MethodS Seeds of orange testa，red testa and dark red testa were harvested respectively in two planting bases of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis，and their size，1000-grain weight，germination rate，seedling rate，and seedling agronomic traits were determined in laboratory. ResultS Dark red testa seeds were bigger in size and heavier than other color seeds，their germination rate and seedling rate was significantly higher as well，seedling sprouted from dark red testa seeds showed the best agronomic traits. Conclusion It is the best time to harvest seed of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis when its testa color become dark red.