Selection for fast and slow germination in Altai wild ryegrass (Elymus angustus Trin.) through three cycles of selection resulted in significant differences in the speed of germination index between the two populations. The fast germinating population established significantly better in a field test than the slow germinating population. Significant differences, although not large, were also found between the populations for spring vigor, seed yield and dry matter yield. However, observations from a greenhouse test indicate that these differences were attributable to differences in stand establishment in the field test rather than directly attributable to selection for speed of germination. It is suggested that selection for fast germination would be useful in breeding better establishing strains of Altai wild ryegrass. This would have little effect on either spring vigor or yield of seed and forage.