A study was made about the physical methods of removing the sarcotesta and two environments in wich the seeds of papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Solo) were dried, regarding to their effect upon the rate of germination, the emergency speed and the weight of the fresh and dry matter of the seedling shoot. The sarcotesta was removed by pressure against a sieve, by friction with washed sand or by the use of a blender. Then, the seeds were left to dry by the sun heat or in the shadow. Friction with washed sand reached the best results to all the evaluated characteristics, while the non removal of the sarcotesta got the lowest results. The best results were achieved when the seeds were dried in the shadow.