Here in Virginia, I have begun to move tubers from bags to flats lined with a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite. I haven’t seen an eye yet. I divide in the fall and bag all divisions with a bit of stem. When first removed from storage, some tubers will not have eyes, but with patience, many will. I sprinkle the flats lightly and hope that the area around the tubers warms up to 65 degrees.
The “experts” may have started earlier and have taken cuttings and are rooting them. Some folks move tubers set in pots or flats to sunny parts of the house -spouses willing. This process works in most places, although some growers wait a month and others plant right from storage into the ground during May. By then eyes will develop on their own.
Tubers need very little water until they have started to put out roots. Too much water on tubers will cause rot. When the plants start to grow the roots will seek water and moisture.
If you plant a clump with several eyes or shoots, they will be competing for water and food in the same space. It is easier to just replant the clump, but better to divide the clump into individual tubers.
