Hi Jim - No chill is necessary. Surface sown, germination of Exbury azalea seeds may begin in approx 7 - 14 days at 65-70F. Pods are about a month from being fully ripe here in this cool summer Z8, but wait until they are brown, dry and beginning to split and you risk losing the dust-like seed...better to pick slightly early or bag the pods with a square of nylon stocking and a twist tie on the plant, catch the seed that way. You might want to read through #s 12 & 13 in Dr. Goheens Rhododendron ABCs where he describes the sowing of seeds.

Here is a link that might be useful: Seeds, Seedlings Dr. Goheen