Does anyone know what this is in the photo? I have red eyes growing and poking out of the ground and a few of these stalky things as well in addition to the red eyes growing. (The photo attached probably isn't the best representation of what I'm experiencing but I think it's good enough) I read somewhere that it is possibly last years growth. What does that mean for me when I planted these bare root last fall? Does it mean it came off of a mature plant? I don't know what last years growth was since I received these as bare root. I'm in Philadelphia suburbs zone 7a.

I also have a question on what 1st year, second year, etc. means and how do I determine the year of mine. For example, If I planted in fall are my plants considered 1st year or 2nd since it technically is a new year right now.

This is last year's stem Ruthanna (doesn't grow anymore) The red noses are this years stems so good to see! Doesn't really matter how old your plant is but how well it does now

Thank you. I find it interesting that it even came out of the ground if it doesn't grow anymore. I also, don't know that much though, pertaining to peony growth.

I don't care much about the age but I would like to know how someone can say 3 years in the ground, 2 years in the ground etc. I'll ask google again on that one. If/when they start to bloom I feel knowing that would be helpful.

Welcome to the peony forum Ruthanna! Bare root peonies are best planted in the fall like you did with yours. A plant is referred to as a first year peony its first spring/summer in the ground, regardless of how big the division is. The roots are reestablishing, getting used to its new home, growing more "arterial" roots, etc and will be a bit more needy during extreme conditions than it will be when it's been in the ground longer. It's different for peony seedlings—most people count from the first time foliage appears whether you get growth from seed planted the summer before or 3 summers before.
As for last year's stem, herbaceous peonies die all the way back to the ground each fall and no part of that growth above ground is viable in subsequent years. Tree or woody peonies are different—you can and will get new growth on previous years' stems. Itohs are a hybrid between the 2 other types and warmer zones or protected plants can get growth like woody peonies. Both Itohs and woody peonies can also get growth straight from the root like herbaceous but since woody peonies are more often reproduced by grafting stems to herbaceous roots any growth from the ground needs to be monitored to ensure it's the right type.

Another thing that dead stem tells me is that you didn't plant your peony too deep.

Thank you @LizinElizabeth for all the details. That is appreciated.

And yeah, @Mieko2 after and before I planted last fall I (somehow) got obsessed and tried to read as much as I could. Thankfully read I shouldn't plant too deep before planting. Now since I'm seeing growth there are some questions arise that I can't research, easily. Thankful for the responses and help here.

Ruthanna, we are slightly addicted to peonies here, so do feel free to ask away. It's good that you did some research beforehand. Peonies seem to be a bit pricey to some folks, but if you consider that with proper care they will probably outlive you, they are really a good investment.

@mieko2 totally. I wish I knew about reputable places to buy peonies when I first started. I google peony tubers and got them from the first site that came up . At the time I thought they all were created equal, I learned that is not the case. My hopes are not high for those, but I am seeing growth. I placed an order at Solaris farms for this fall so I can get some quality plants.

Solaris sends really nice roots, you'll be happy.

Ruthanna...I think we all started out the same as you...but cheap/not reputable is not all that bad...my first peony root was tiny from Hirts (not recommended at all) but it grew and bloomed correctly and I got hooked!

That's good to hear @sandsock I don't remember my peonies being all that bad, pretty big with about 5 eyes each. But I'm waiting to see my order this fall to compare. 4 out of the 5 I have so far look good and are growing.