The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of temperature, substrate, and luminosity on chia seeds in order to determine adequate conditions for a germination test. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design, in a 4 × 5 × 2 factorial scheme (four substrates × five temperatures × two luminosity conditions), with four replications. The following variables were analyzed: first germination count, germination, germination speed index, and mean germination time. Germination was best at 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C for the on-paper, paper roll, and sand substrates. However, in the presence of luminosity and at 25 °C, the on-paper substrate had the highest mean. For all substrates, the lowest germination was achieved at 35 °C, proving that high temperatures reduce chia seed germination. Germination speed index was highest at 25 and 30 °C for on-paper, paper roll, and sand substrates, in both the presence and absence of luminosity. Chia seeds are considered to be neutral photoblasts. Germination tests should be performed with the on-paper substrate, at 25 °C, and with a duration of seven days. The first count should be carried out four days after establishment of the test.

In general, seeds are not used immediately after harvesting. For this reason, they have to be stored for future use, which requires the maintenance of their viability during the storage time by applying the appropriate conservation technology for each species. This study aimed to evaluate whether package and environmental conditions interfere with the physiological quality of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) stored for 12 months. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design in a 3 × 3 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replications, using three packages, three storage environments, and four storage times. After each storage time, seeds were subject to germination and vigor tests (emergence and electrical conductivity). Chia seeds can be stored in a cold or dry chamber, in plastic, glass, or paper containers, for 12 months, without hindering seeds physiological quality.