Attaining seed and seedling vigor in cotton is a goal of many researchers and most producers. By separating and defining components of seed and seedling vigor, progress can be achieved. I have distinguished seed vigor from seed viability and have defined seed vigor in terms of low degree of seed deterioration. Varying levels of resistance to seed deterioration have been achieved using different approaches. Three components are proposed for defining seedling vigor: well-developed seedling roots, rapid true leaf differentiation, and low incidence of seedling disease. Approaches and improvement in each of these components are discussed. Attaining seed and seedling vigor, and subsequently vigorous stands of cotton, requires an integrated approach and improvement within each component.