We analyzed changes in abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Gibberellin A₃(GA₃), and trans-Zeatin-riboside (ZR) content in seeds of Idesia polycarpa Maxim. Plant hormones have been widely studied for their roles in the regulation of various aspects related to plant development and, in particular, into their action during seed dormancy release. The obtained evidence suggest that the functions of these hormones are not restricted to a particular development stage, and that more than one hormone is involved in controlling various aspects of plant development. Our results will contribute to understanding the role of these hormones during seed dormancy release in Idesia polycarpa Maxim. The contents and balance of endogenous hormones in I. Polycarpa seeds changed during the chilling treatment. The contents of IAA, GA₃, and ZR and the dynamic ratios of hormones were higher in the chilling treatment than in the control. The ABA content was lower than in the control. The chilling treatment released seed dormancy and significantly improved the seed germination rate. The germination rate was significantly negatively correlated with the contents of IAA and ABA, and positively correlated with the following ratios: GA₃/ABA, GA₃ + ZR)/ABA, (IAA, GA₃ and ZR)/ABA, GA₃ / ABA + IAA), and (GA₃ + ZR)/ (ABA + IAA).