Water deficit is one of the most important problems in arid and semi- arid regions. In drought condition, using some plant growth regulators such as salicylic acid might be an effective strategy to prevent destructive effect of drought and provide plant compatibility. In this investigation, seeds of 16 ornamental annuals (Zinnia elegans ‘Lilliput rose’, Ageratum houstonianum ‘Blue Danube’, Catharanthus roseus ‘Bright Eye, Catharanthus roseus ‘Carmine’, Petunia hybrida Red, Petunia hybrid,Celosia plumose,Gomphrena gnome ‘Pink’,Gomphrena gnome‘ Purple’ (Buddy), Gomphrena gnome ‘White’, Callistephuschinensis‘Milady Mix’,Tagetspatula‘Hero Harmony’,Tagetserecta ‘Discovery Yellow’,Calendula officinalis,SanvitaliaprocumbensandPennisetumglaucum ‘Purple Majesty’) were chosen for study. The experimental was conducted as a factorial using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications. Drought stress at 2 levels (-0.33 and -3.75 bar) was imposed using polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) and SA at (0 and 1 mM) was also prepared. Germination percentage, germination rate, root and shoot length, shoot fresh and dry weight were measured at the experiment.There were significant differences between germination ability both in percent and rate among 16 species and stress levels (p<0.01). SA showed no noticeable effect as not considered. Except for shoot fresh and dry weight interaction effects of species×stress for all studied traits were significant (p<0.01). Germination percent reduction was most recognized in Callistephuschinensis ‘Milady Mix’, Gomphrena gnome ‘White’, Catharanthus roseus ‘Bright Eye with 78.75% , 72.38% and 48.27% reduction respectively compared to control. Overall it was obvious that germination abilities in this experiment can be pointed to species characteristics itself and secondly to drought stress.

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