Sounds like one of those boxes with roots or bulbs or something. I've bought stuff like that before from Sam's and even Lowes. Sometimes the root thing was so dry, and sometimes it was so wet that everything was mushy or disintegrated like you mentioned.

I would try to return it and then open the next one up at the store before you leave. If the same thing happens again, try another one or decide that it's not worth it and buy something else.

True enough sounds like a.plan