Dahlias: Finger-like tubers. Will they grow?, 1 by WUVIE

WUVIE wrote:
Dinnerplate Dahlias.

Having only grown a couple Dahlias in my life many years ago,
I must admit, I've never been 'into' them and never took the time to
learn until now.

Fast forward to 2009. Sam's Club in Tulsa offered a mixed bag
of 15 Dinnerplate Dahlias for six dollars and some change.
Naturally, I got excited and bought several bags.

Though I was only able to count what I would consider 13 roots, there
were numerous finger-like tubers with small roots. According to a
very old gardening book I have, these tubers will grow, and should be
placed in the soil horizontally.

Could someone answer the following questions for me?

1.) Will these finger-tubers grow?
2.) Will they take a year to bloom?
3.) Book suggests planting next to a stake. Is this for future need?

Many thanks!

Karen Marie