Abstract: To explore the external Ca²⁺ alleviating effect of saline stress on winter wheat germination and seedling development, Triticum aestivum ‘Linyuan 077038’ seeds were treated with 150, 200, 250 and 350 mmol·L^–1 NaCl after they were soaked in 20 mmol·L^–1CaCl₂ or water. Also, wheat seedlings were transplanted to above NaCl solution or supplemented with 20 mmol·L^–1CaCl₂. Seeds pretreated with CaCl₂ showed increased seed germination ratio and growth vigor under 150–250 mmol·L^–1NaCl stress but could not germinate under 350 mmol·L^–1NaCl stress. However, germinating seeds pretreated with CaCl₂ or water could not develop into seedlings under the above NaCl saline stress. Seedlings treated with 150–350 mmol·L^–1NaCl supplemented with 20 mmol·L^–1CaCl₂ showed increased membrane stability and decreased membrane lipid peroxidation, so alleviated salt injury induced by NaCl, decreased relative conductivity and MDA content, as well as increased SOD and POD activity, aspiration intensity and chlorophyll content. Seedling height and biomass with CaCl₂ treatment were improved accordingly. Alleviation effects were lower with the higher saline stress; seedling biomass was significantly lower than that of the control under 350 mmol·L^–1NaCl saline stress. Treatment with 20 mmol·L^–1CaCl₂ had more favorable effects than water on wheat development.