I guess how long it takes from seed to bloom depends on how the seeds/seedlings are grown. Someone on one of the other forms said 6-7 weeks for theirs, but I don't think they weren't sowing them in/on the soil. I don't think I have the patience to wait overwinter, or more than a year (!) to see bloom. (I already have to wait two years for my daylily seedlings; I'm not going to wait that long for garden color.)
Leslieray, I've been up to Sacramento many times. I think that we get about the same amount of sun, but in my experience, it is much hotter where you are.
I know that 'Arizona Apricot' and 'Oranges and Lemons' are perennial; I've had them for at least two years here. I was wondering about 'Punch Bowl', though, because the vendors say that it is an annual. I am hoping that at worst, it will be a half-hardy or tender perennial, and I can maybe overwinter it some years. (I grow Pelargoniums and licorice plants as perennials... most years they survive without cover.)
I guess I will find out.