High temperature is a critical environmental factor that impacts seed bank persistence and limits recruitment, particularly hindering regeneration dynamics in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Given global climate change, understanding how seeds respond to such conditions is crucial for ecosystem resilience and its capacity for natural regeneration. This study investigated how temporal exposure to high temperatures affects the germination and early growth of Sapindus saponaria L., a species found in the Caatinga ecosystem that contributes to seed bank formation. Seeds were exposed to high temperatures (70 degrees C) for 15, 45, 60, and 90 min, corresponding to the estimated soil surface temperatures and exposition times recorded during the peak solar irradiance period in semi-arid regions. Seed germination, seedling growth, and vigor were evaluated. Exposure of S. saponaria seeds to high temperatures for moderate durations (45 and 60 min) improved germination and seed vigor. Furthermore, seedlings exhibited greater vigor and vegetative growth. Moderate exposure to high temperatures may optimize germination and early seedling vigor in S. saponaria, potentially enhancing the recruitment of new individuals in warm environments.