If the "nubs" (new growths) are short and white, then they were most likely underground before the rhizomes were dug up for you. If so, then plant them with the new growth covered with some soil.

If they are showing some green, then plant with the green part above the ground.

Hope this helps

-Ray

If the rhizomes are dormant (which the curcuma should be) you can refer to the article linked below. For stuff that is in active growth as Ray mentioned you can look for the green to white area of the stem assuming there is some left. I don't plant most rhizomes do deep at all, but I never plant anything in the middle of winter. In spring you don't need to worry about the possibility of freezes, and shallow rhizomes will warm up and sprout faster. Once they are growing, most gingers will establish themselves at the soil deep they want. Curcuma especially sprout DOWNWARDS then turn back up to break the soil, too deep and they might be able to grow a long enough stem w/o problems.

Tim Chapman

Here is a link that might be useful: growing gingers from rhizomes article

Middle of winter?

How quickly I've forgotten!

;-)

-Ray

yeah yeah, expats now in tropicals zones aren't allowed to comment. so, how are things in the middle of nonwinter in PR.

Tim Chapman

What do you mean "non-winter"?
It was a chilly 68 degrees this morning!
Brrrr!
LOL

Actually, it is amusing to hear the folks that have lived here all their lives talk about the "cold winter" weather. It's about 40 degrees "back home" right now. I'll take this weather any day of the year!

-Ray