The present invention pertains to a method for promoting the germination of rice seeds, the method being characterized by comprising a step for treating rice seeds with iron powder and a compound represented by formula (1) [in the formula, R1 and R2 are the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group, or alternatively R1 and R2 are bonded together and represent a divalent group represented by CH2OCH2.]. The present invention makes it possible to promote the germination of rice seeds.