I planted both of mine the height of the seed. So, very shallow, about 1/4 inch below the soil line. Keriann~

If you prepare the planting hole correctly, making it large and deep enough, loosening the soil and adding organics, you can plant the bud union just below the surface in zone 5. As the loose soil and organics settle the bush will settle with it. I've found the bud union usually ends up 4 to 6 inches deep this way. One advantage is there is no lull as the roots are planted at the same depth they were in the field. As you weed and work the soil in the beds you'll slowly fill the depression made as the bush and soil settle. By the end of summer the bud union will have settled to the proper depth. Remember though, you must prepare the planting hole properly to do it this way. Just digging a hole deep and wide enough for the root ball or roots will not suffice. In my not handicapped days I dug the planting holes no less than 18 inches wide and deep.

You really don't have to plant them all that deep I'd say 2 to 3 inches of soil above the top of the corm If it's in spike / Don't bury the whole spike I usually cover only 1/3 to 1/4 of the spike (depending on size) Didn't get around to planting my last one till it was almost 3 feet tall Pics~ http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/582332415wrFXCz (Need to update / LOL)

My general rule of thumb is about 2" below the soil surface. However, that said, it really isn't an exact science. When I first pot 'em up, it's usually about 3 plus inches deep as the potting soil will settle and the eventual depth will be anywhere from 1" to 2" deep. If you're going to transplant them inground, then basically you just want them up and growing, with the rhizomes starting to put out new roots. To get them started once you have them potted, water moderately and put them in the warmest spot you can find, hopefully in a window with direct sun. When they start to feel dryish on top, water them well. You don't want to overwater at this point as they can rot. Once you have them outside and the temps are hot, then they'll take all the water you can give them. Here, in our hot, zone 9 summer climate, we can't give them enough water. Hope this helps some. Jenna