I just discovered 'Punch Bowl' online today, and without closely reading (that it was an annual), hastily ordered a package of seeds.

Reading more about it, I discovered (on another site) what I missed the first time - that it is an annual strain.

Bah, humbug.... I was hoping for a pink or lavender perennial Gaillardia.

Have you (or anyone else) grown this? Does it overwinter (as some annuals do) in CA Zone 9?

For that matter, any idea how long from seed to bloom? (If it won't overwinter, should I just save the seeds and start them early next spring?)

Sorry, I have no experience with them but it's worth a shot trying, I am always surprised at what does the cross-over from annual to perennial for us.
There are a couple of forums that I thought you could ask:
http://garden.org/forums/view/...
http://garden.org/forums/view/...
http://garden.org/forums/view/...

After hearing back from you, I was going to try the perennials forum next, but you may be right about asking on the annuals forum - and since I can't find anywhere how long it will be from seed to bloom, I may as well also check in on the seeds forum!

Thanks, Sue!