It is only January, but the pair of roots that I received are already cresting to the surface. I planted the roots that I received in grow bags and it was not much than a month later before the tips of new stems started to appear. I've been exposing them to lower temps in the hope that I can get their grow arrested.
Regardless, this peony appears to be a very vigorous grower. I've also been told that this can be a consequence of the roots having been refrigerated for several weeks (the plant thinks that winter is over), but winter has been mild so far and I think this is part of it.