What does flower grade mean?

In the commercial cut flower industry, flower grade refers to the system used to describe quality, size, and key characteristics of flowers and foliage. Grading helps buyers understand what to expect from a product before purchasing.

How flowers are graded

Grading methods vary by flower type and are based on the characteristics that matter most for that product:

• Stem length
  Many flowers with long stems take more time to grow and are graded accordingly. Roses are a common example.

• Bloom count
  Large orchids, such as Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis, are often graded by the number of blooms per stem.

• Bloom size
  Flowers like ranunculus and anemones are typically graded by the size of the flower head.

• Bloom size and stem length combined
  Many hydrangeas are graded using both measurements.

Quality considerations

Beyond size, grading also reflects the overall quality of the inflorescence, including checks for:

• Disease or pest damage

• Petal damage or bruising

• Crooked or weak stems

Why flower grade matters

Flower grading allows buyers to:

• Predict consistency and performance

• Compare products accurately

• Understand pricing differences

In general, higher-grade flowers tend to have larger blooms, longer stems, and fewer defects, which is why they are priced higher than lower-grade options.

If you have questions about grades for a specific product, your sales representative at Mayesh Wholesale Florist can help explain how grading applies to what you’re ordering.