From whom/where online did you buy them? Are you going to grow them inside for a while or are you planning to put them in the ground immediately?

I ordered them on Ebay from this seller http://stores.ebay.com/Marthas-Plants-Trees-Bananas-Bamboo

Price seemed good and they are not supposed to be 6 inch shoots. The description states 1-2 ft and that they are not starter shoots so hopefully I will have better luck with these. They will be potted up in a very bright sunny room and then moved outside mid May. By then the chance of frost should be over. I will probably keep them potted but sink the pots into the ground.

http://stores.ebay.com/Marthas-Plants-Trees-Bananas-Bamboo

Order arrived today and is in great shape. Bananas are not just small pups but have some height to them. Key lime is about 3 feet tall and Papaya's at least 2 ft. Would recommend to new buyers.

Here is a link that might be useful: Marta's Plants trees bananas bamboo