It just depends on the seeds, Jeanne. They have their own schedule. I always leave them until the sprout. Some from the same pod take longer than others. Most germinate fairly quickly, within two weeks. I've had others take two months.
I just dampen the pad, squeeze out the excess water/peroxide, put it in a small ziplock bag, and put the seeds on it, without folding it. That is why I cut them in half. It's a waste to use a whole one. I also put the tag off of the pod in the bag, which lists the cross. Normally I'll take all of the baggies and stick them in a gallon bag. I always put all of the seeds from a pod on one pad. Sometimes it gets a little crowded, but I've had no problems with doing it that way.
I have a greenhouse, but have had much better luck starting them in the fridge first. And, I never plant them until they germinate, because it's nice to know that they have started growing before sticking them in a pot. I don't think I'll ever do it any other way, because I've had such great success this way. It works for me, but you may find a way that you like better. For me, this is just very quick and easy. Just make sure that you remember to check the seeds once in a while. They can start growing fast!
