In order to promote the germination of Lycium barbarum seeds, the Lycium barbarum seeds were treated by contact glow discharge plasma (CGDP), the effects of CGDP on germination were explored under different treatment time, voltages, and electrolyte conditions. The seed treatment process was optimized by response surface optimization design based on seed germination rate and vigor indexes. The effects of CGDP on the structure and properties of the seed coat were preliminarily studied through the detecting changes in the morphology and the contact angle of the seed coat. The results showed that the optimized conditions for seed treatment were 15 min, voltage 550 V, Na₂SO₄ electrolyte, and the highest seed germination rate was 95.56%. After treatment, the seed coat becomes flat, the texture is blurred, and the hydrophilicity of the seeds is enhanced; the chlorophyll content in the leaves of seedlings increases. Therefore, glow discharge plasma treatment can promote the germination and growth of Lycium barbarum seeds.