in zone 8b, my very first curcuma is breaking ground right now, which happens to be a c. elata. Its not time to give up yet, dormant gingers are always the last perennials to sprout. some even later than others. Soil temp. starts the process, so it doesn't matter when you plant, just when the ground gets warm enough (by their standards), then they start.

Tim Chapman

Thanks for the advice!

The bed where I planted them is in partial shade, so maybe the soil is taking longer to warm up...