florafauna,

I would plant them in potting soil in pots ( because we still expect frost here for another few weeks). Then I would take them outside into the garden area, but because they are in pots I can bring them into the garage for protection in case of frost. If you do not expect any more frost, then you could plant directly into the ground.

I would plant them with just the tip of the shoots above the ground. They will form nice roots down below, and the plant will start to open its leaves above ground level for you. When it gets taller, the lowest leaves should be pinched off so that the lowest leaves are at least 4 inches off the ground.

I don't think that I would add too much manure now, until the leaves start to open. Then they would appreciate it. At this point, it is important to establish roots. Later, you will want to establish the upper plant, and then the FLOWERS, which is what it is all about.

Thanks so much jroot! I read so many posts that I became confused with all the information. The reason I was going to add the manure is because the bed I'm putting them in doesn't have the best dirt (silty) so I usually just add manure when I add a new plant since I can't amend the whole bed. I'll try it without adding the manure.

Thanks again!