I used to grow these in OH, where they do need to be lifted to save for winter (Z5,) and over the course of summer, there would be TONS of bulbils.
They're hardy here in AL, and can spread via seeds.
I may have a wrong stereotype in my head about PNW being really moist over winter, but if there's any truth to that, it may be a contributing factor to why they are less reliable, even though the zone number may be the same. Raised beds sound like an excellent spot/method if so.
If you happen to be using a weed'n'feed near/around beds, or lawn fertilizer alone, those can cause difficulties with blooms, with nearby plants just making a ton of fantastic foliage.
