Have been grown commercially in the Skagit Valley in the past, but were dropped after a record winter. Don't know if there is any current local production.

We have grown them for a time more than once over the years in the garden here. Like other spring bulbs tend to dwindle and disappear, this may just be lack of adequate fertilization.

Do seem to have a consistent tendency to produce stippled/streaked foliage here, don't know if this is thrips or if they are coming from the suppliers virused. If there is a virus problem with stocks on the market it would seem that could also contribute to lack of persisting vitality and permanence.

I grow them too, they do fine. I dunno why you don't see them, maybe they just get outshone by tulips and daffodils and bearded iris. They make great cut flowers, unlike the bearded iris.

"disappearing into the ground" means you had gophers.

Yes, moles eat insects and worms - not plants.

We've had some growing for 25+ years.