In order to assess the potential of nursery grown tropical tree seedlings for reforestation success in Ghana, we compared growth characteristics and foliar physiological traits of Cedrela odorata L. and Terminalia superba Engl. and Diels in a 2 nutrient × 2 sunlight factorial experiment. After approximately 16 weeks of a pot trial study, we found variations in the effect of light and/or nutrient addition on the parameters examined for C. odorata and T. superba. Both species attained greatest relative height growth rate (RHGR) at 33% sunlight with fertilization. However, the pioneer species, T. superba showed superior RHGR at both light treatments, especially in the fertilized pots. Allocation to leaf and root followed patterns typical of plants growing in sun or shade conditions. Greater root mass ratio was found in fertilized plants of T. superba than in fertilized plants of C. odorata at 100% sunlight. N fertilization enhanced relative Chl content of both species and without fertilization, 100% sunlight-grown foliage of C. odorata showed reduced Chl content. At 100% sunlight, fertilization enhanced F_v/F_m of C. odorata and thus, reduced the specie's susceptibility to photoinhibition. Foliar N concentration of both species was higher in the fertilized than control pots, whereas P concentration response to the light-nutrient treatments was species-specific. Superior biomass production in fertilized plants grown at 100% sunlight suggests that C. odorata and T. superba may be suitable for planting in large gaps and/or exposed sites. Based on our results, we recommend longer hardening periods plus fertilization of the seedlings in an exposed nursery, which may enhance their acclimation and thus, stimulate their growth when planted in the field.