Even though advances have been made in the techniques of seedling production, there are still many problems to be solved, especially with regard to the development of the root system of seedlings, depending on the containers used. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of recipient size and the plant cultivation time in the production of C. hospita seedlings. Seeds of carnauba (Copernicia hospita Martius) obtained from mature fruit, were pre-germinated and sown in plastic 20 x 30, 28 x 40 and 40 x 60 cm bags, within a substrate of sandy loam + red sand + cured cow manure (2:1:1). After sowing, the bags were kept for 3, 6 or 9 months at a place with direct sunlight. The variables of growth of the plants were not influenced either by the size of the recipients or by the periods of exposure. Although the size of the bags did not influence the development of the plants, the 20 x 30 cm size should be more practical and economical to be used. The 9 months growth period gave more vigorous plants
palm; propagation; root restriction
