Name: Suzanne/Sue Sebastopol, CA (Zone 9a) Sunset Zone 15
I grew them from a 4" pot purchase but didn't save seeds, I was in the process of moving so too much going on. I'll probably try them again eventually.
The first and second years I started them indoors (and they got a bit leggy), but the last couple of years I've just had volunteers from the original ones. Given that, it does seem like you could winter sow them successfully. You could try both!
Confidence is that feeling you have right before you do something really stupid.