I've grown them from seed. If you start them early enough --like in January they will bloom the first year. I never tried fall sowing so I couldn't tell you how they'd do. However why wait until next year. I'd buy a couple of plants now when they are likely to be on sale. That way you'll have bigger plants next year. Clips comes in white too but it's not as hardy as the blue

Thanks! It's good to know that the white isn't as hardy.

I'll keep an eye out in the big box stores, the main garden centers in my area don't have that great of a selection. I have a couple boutique garden places near me that have way better selection, but their plants are like $20+ each, so I try to avoid them for the most part.