Yes, it's possible, if the roots are still live, not dried out, frozen, or partly decayed. Also, some people spray food-grade roots with a growth suppressor to keep them from sprouting in the store. If this is the case, growth may be non-existent, slow, or stunted. you just have to try it. Here's what to do:
As a Houseplant:
Use a pot at least 10" wide, and 12" deep. Use a non-soil potting mix, and plant them with the top slightly emerging from the mix. Water well, and place in a warm, humid environment. When new growth appears, keep it in bright filtered light, such as near a large east facing window. Use a weak fertilizer solution, such as half-strength 10-10-10, every other week after the plant has put out top growth.
As a garden plant:
Prepare some well worked loamy soil in a shady area, preferably away from large trees. Mound the loose soil into mounds 10" high, and 18" wide. Plant the roots 10-12" apart, and right below the soil surface. Keep the soil damp. Harvest when the tops are killed by frost, in temperate areas, or when needed otherwise.
As a houseplant:
Use a pot at least 10" wide, and 12" deep. Use a very well draining non-soil potting mix, and plant them with the top slightly under the surface of the mix. Water well, and place in a warm, humid environment. When new growth appears, keep it in bright filtered light, such as near a large east facing window. Use a weak fertilizer solution, such as half-strength 10-10-10, every other week after the plant has put out top growth.
As a garden plant:
Prepare some well worked loamy soil in a shady, well drained area, preferably away from large trees. Make sure the soil is worked at least 6-8" down, and free of debris. Plant the roots about 12" apart, and right below the surface. Water well. You can mulch with leaves, grass clippings, or another good organic mulch after the top growth emerges, to help keep in the moisture. Harvest when the top growth is killed by frost in temperate areas, in other areas harves lightly as needed through the season.
As a houseplant:
Use a container at least 12" wide, and 14" deep. Fill it with a well drained organic potting mix. Bury the rhizomes right below the surface. Water well. Place in the brightest location possible, full sun is ideal. Fertilize when new growth appears (in about 2-4 weeks from planting time). Do this every other week.
As a garden plant:
In a well drained, sunny area, with deep, good soil, work up the top 8" and remove debris. Plant the rhizomes about 2" deep, and 12" apart. Water well during the entire growing season, and control weeds by hand pulling or an organic mulch. Cultivation may damage growing roots. Harvest in 7-10 months, or after the top growth is killed off by frost.
