Although S. gardneriana seeds do not show dormancy, germination occurs slowly, making it difficult to obtain results when quick information is wanted. In this context, tetrazolium test has been shown to be a promising alternative in determining seeds viability and vigor of various forest species for the quality and speed in obtaining results. This test reflects the activity of dehydrogenase enzymes involved in the breathing process, whose seeds living and dead tissues are identified by the presence or absence of the color red, respectively (AOSA, 2009).