For fewer stems (fewer but larger flowers) disbud the individual eyes that you do not wish to develop.

I would not soak in miracle grow.

planting now that they are sprouting is a good idea if you can give enoguh light indoors (fluorescent light placed very close or natural sunlight through a sunny window).

Always plant in damp soil. after planting, water well.

Thanks! I thought the miracle grow thing was a little wierd. Do you use fertilizer at all when growing in pots?

KD, Our damp conditions might be the reason, but almost all the instructions from growers out here say DO NOT WATER til the plant is up, there is plenty of moisture to feed the rootlets without rotting the tuber. I try to wait til the plants are about 8 inches tall before watering, unless really warm and dry weather occurs. Our dry winter and Spring might call for "Plan B" though this year.
Poochella