Seed vigor is an important index of sowing quality and a major component of seed value. Seed vigor is a complex trait encompassing attributes such as rapid germination, high stress tolerance, and rapid seedling establishment. The regulation of seed vigor is involved in the processes of seed development, seed maturation, seed deterioration, seed germination, and seed treatments, and it is also influenced by various environment factors. In this review, the recent advances on the molecular mechanism of the regulation on the vigor establishment, rapid germination, stress tolerance, and seedling establishment were summarized, as well as the prospects of future research was discussed.