I noticed that two year old seed won't germinate. So I use seed from the previous year also.
Perhaps there is a way to preserve them longer. I don't know.
I grow the "Aunt Mollies Favorite" and is is definatly worth having in the garden. I eat it fresh right off the ground every morning when I go out.

Sometimes it's best to just let them take care of themselves. You've probably noticed that they will self-sow readily. Some years I don't even bother to start them from seed... I just wait for some of the inevitable volunteers to appear and then move them around to where I want them.

-Diggity

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Imperative

since you've already grown these, can you tell me if they are worth it, as far as having fruit goes? I started mine from seed a few weeks ago, and while initially they were growing slowly this week they just took off and are now 2 inches high.

I used freshly purchased seed if that matters and had pretty close to 100% germination.

Well I don't think of them as fruit in the traditional sense (even though they technically are). The flavor is somewhere between a pineapple and a tomato if you can imagine that, with a hint of honey and lemon. They are somewhat of an acquired taste... a bit foreign on the palate the first time you try them, but once your tastebuds get accustomed to them, you'll probably start to really enjoy them. I do. My kids love them, and eat them like candy. They are probably best eaten fresh, or in salads or salsa. Definitely worth giving them a try!

-Diggity

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Imperative

They volunteer in my garden. When I tried to raise then in a block, they always were bothered badly by an insect making a hole in the fruit. When scattered around individually, they are not bothered.

I'm hoping to have better luck with any volunteers in my garden this year- last year's from seed just never amounted to much. The plants were too small and always cranky from the get-go. My tomatoes were started and treated the same way and did fine. However, the fruit were so good that I really want to try them again... and again... and again until I get it right! If all goes well, I will try saving seed from my best plant!

Cheers!

Sunni