Observations on vigour (trunk diameter 2, 3 and 4 years after planting) and on juvenile period (presence of flower buds 4 years after planting) in 1,626 pistachio seedlings from 30 controlled crosses between 9 female and 12 male cultivars were made. A highly significant correlation was found between vigour data corresponding to different years. The correlation coefficients were 0.83 (2-3 years), 0.75 (2-4 years) and 0.93 (3-4 years). These results showed the possibility to select for vigour when the trees are only two years old. Significant differences between families have been observed regarding vigour. Progenies 'Mateur' x 'Tunez' and 'Mateur' x 'C' showed high vigour and 'Larnaka' x 'M-38' and 'Larnaka' x 'M-502' showed reduced vigour. Referring to parents, seedlings derived from 'Mateur' (female) and 'C' (male) stood out, while derivatives of 'Larnaka' (female) showed less vigour. Considerable differences between families were observed in relation to the juvenile period. Regarding number of trees showing flower buds 4 years after planting, the following families stood out: 'Larnaka' x 'B', 'Batoury' x 'C', 'Mateur' x 'C', 'Kerman' x 'M-11' and 'Kerman' x 'M-36'. Concerning female parents, especially 'Kerman' but also 'Batoury' and 'Mateur' were outstanding. The males 'B', 'C', 'M-502' and 'Peters' were also interesting parents for this character.