Cordia trichotoma is an arboreal species with quick initial growth, also known as Louro pardo. The wood of this species is used to make furniture, it seeds have short viability and studies about the production of seedlings are scarce. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate seed germination at different temperatures, emergence from different substrates, and the seedling development from seeds with different diameters. To observe germination and seedling development seeds were distributed on filter paper with light and dark conditions at different temperatures. To evaluate emerging seedlings, seeds were distributed into trays with commercial substrate, sand, soil and sand, and soil, sand and dung. We evaluated the percentage and speed of germination and seedling emergence, and at the end of the experiment in the nursery, we determined the length of seedlings, roots, and stems, as well as the dry mass of roots, leaves, and stems. Seed germination on filter paper substrate started on day 3 and lasted until day 16. Regarding the diameter, we observed a significant difference in seed germination in different temperatures in the dark. In nursery conditions, the diameter of the seed also influenced plant emergence and development.