The optimal developmental stages for harvest can be studied at the market. They should be taken into a cool shed as soon as possible and placed in water. Keep all flower vases, buckets and other containers scrupulously clean. Do not use metal containers. There are no uniform standards laid down for flower grading in New Zealand, but it is important that individual growers' grades are uniform and consistent.
Buyers then get to know what type of product a particular grower provides.
High quality is essential, but several grades can and should be used. It is acceptable to market flowers as second grade provided they are still of good and fresh quality. Smaller and short-stemmed flowers come into this category, but they can still be of good quality and useful in floral work. Some days, seconds from a good grower may get nearly as high a price as firsts. Do not, because of this, stop grading.