Five sources of phosphate fertilisers with various strengths of citrate solubility were experimented on large polybag nursery seedlings at three rates viz; 5, 10 and 20 g per seedling. The three rates were calculated and standardised equivalent to citrate soluble P2O5 with the objective to provide indications on the efficiency of phosphate uptake by the seedlings and its response to growth. The present testing establishes the importance of phosphate in seedling growth. Irrespective of the source of the phosphate fertilisers, the estimated requirement of phosphate was 15 g per seedling to achieve optimal growth. However, triple super phosphate which has the highest citrate soluble content of P2O5 appeared to be the most cost effective, when applied to the seedlings at the rates corresponding to the citrate soluble phosphates. Keywords: Phosphate rocks, oil palm, citrate soluble phosphates.