Abstract Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings from a Virginia nursery were lifted once per month between October and February during the 1983 and 1984 lifting seasons and held in cold storage at 2°C for 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Following cold storage, root growth potential (RGP) and root and shoot characteristics were compared to freshly lifted seedlings. New root growth was similar despite significant differences in dry weight and shoot activity between cold-stored and freshly lifted seedlings. Seedlings placed in cold storage prior to the accumulation of 500 chilling hours in the nursery stored poorly. Cold storage success of seedlings in the spring was variable. For. Sci. 34(1):41-54.