Introduction. The technology for citrus rootstock production through improved sowing methods and fertilizer inputs offers greater opportunity in the certified citrus plant production system. Our work evaluated the influence of seed coat removal and different controlled-release fertilizer concentrations on plant emergence and plant growth of two citrus rootstock cultivars. Materials and methods. Decoated and not decoated seeds of Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) and Swingle citrumelo [Citrus paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf] were sown in 50-cm3 tubes. Fertilizer concentrations were (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) kg·m–3 of controlled-release fertilizer (NPK 19-06-10) incorporated into the substrate. The experimental layout followed a randomized block design with 2 × 6 factorial (seed coat removal × fertilizer concentration) for each rootstock. Results and discussion. Seed coat removal resulted in faster plant emergence and higher dry weight for both rootstocks. Vegetative growth increased with controlled-release fertilizer concentrations.