Abstract Effects of dehydration, storage temperature and humidification on germination of Salix alba andS. matsudana seeds were studied. Newly released seeds showed 100% germination before and after dehydration to 11–12% moisture content. Germination of the high vigour lot (100% initial normal germination) was not affected by dehydration to 6.7% moisture content but germination decreased with further dehydration to 4.3%. The lower vigour lot (75% initial normal germination) was more susceptible to dehydration and germination decreased following dehydration to 6.7% moisture content. Dry seeds of both species survived immersion in liquid nitrogen without loss of viability. The germination of seeds stored with 9% moisture content decreased to 35–40% in 5 months at −20°C or in 2 months at 5°C. However, at 25°C seeds entirely lost viability within 2 weeks. Seeds showed improved performance when stored at −70°C > − 20°C > 5°C > 25°C and tolerated dehydration to a moisture content in equilibrium with 15% relative humidity. Results suggest that they are orthodox in storage behaviour although they are short-lived. Humidification treatment of low vigour seed lots resulted in a remarkable increase in germination percentage.