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Seeds are one of the most important inputs for onion (Allium cepa L.) production. However, storage time and conditions can significantly affect their quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate how these factors influence seed germination. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the study, including six commercial seed cultivars (C1 – C6) stored for different periods (between 3 and 10 years) in a refrigerator at a temperature of 5 + 2° C and a relative humidity of 30 to 50%. Two seedling trays were prepared per cultivar, each with a capacity of 280 seedlings. After one month, three rows of 20 seedlings per cultivar were randomly selected to determine the germination percentage per row, applying the transformation using the equation: y = LN(x+1). An analysis of variance was performed at a significance level of 0.05, as well as exponential regression to evaluate the correlation between seed storage time and germination. The results showed significant differences between the treatments evaluated (F = 272.5616; p = 6.412 x 10-12). The first group consisted of cultivars with 3.25 to 4.75 years of storage and an adequate average germination percentage (C1 = 95%; C2 = 91.67%; C3 = 91.67%; C4 = 86.67%). In contrast, the second group, which included cultivars stored for 4.5 to 10 years, showed poor germination (C5 = 31.67%; C6 = 11.67%). Exponential regression analysis revealed an inverse relationship between germination and storage time, with a considerable correlation (R2 = 0.7556). In conclusion, storage of onion seeds under adequate conditions should not exceed 4 years from the date of packaging.
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