The reason for planting in October is so that the roots can start growing but the shoots won't pop through the ground just before it turns to winter. That would be bad, they might die or be weakened anyway I guess. They actually grow during the winter but you want that to be all below ground. It's beyond my experience but there is a bit of mystery about when to plant to get it just right.. varies by your location.
This is why I protected the one I planted right away, by keeping it in the greenhouse, so any shoots wouldn't be winter killed. I planted the sprouting top fairly deep in the pot, tips below the soil surface anyway, and actually they didn't break the ground until spring anyhow.
At least, until greenhouse spring.