Cut Peonies in the Bud Grades and Standards | Agricultural Marketing Service

U.S. No. 1 consists of peonies of similar varietal characteristics which have fresh, strong, well trimmed, and unbroken stems which are fairly straight. The buds shall be well shaped, fresh, firm with calyxes normally expanded but not overmature; free from puff balls, bull heads, and wood heads. The buds and stems shall be free from decay and freezing injury and from damage caused by dirt or other foreign material, discoloration, moisture, disease, insects, mechanical or other means.

a. Each bud shall be not less than 1 inch in diameter and, unless otherwise specified, the overall length of bud and stem shall be not less than 24 inches, but in no case shall the overall length be less than 20 inches.

b. Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances, by count, are provided as specified;

i. For defects. Five percent for peonies in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of this grade, including therein not more than one-half of 1 percent for peonies which are affected by decay.

ii. For size. Ten percent for peonies in any lot which fail to meet the specified size requirements, including therein not more than 5 percent for buds which fail to meet the specified minimum diameter.

U.S. No. 2 consists of peonies of similar varietal characteristics, which have fresh, fairly well trimmed, and unbroken stems which are not badly curved or crooked. The buds shall be fresh, firm with calyxes normally expanded but not overmature; free from puff balls, bull heads, and wood heads. The buds and stems shall be free from decay and from damage caused by freezing, and from serious damage caused by dirt or other foreign material, discoloration, moisture, disease, insects, mechanical or other means.

a. Each bud shall be not less than 7/8 inch in diameter, and, unless otherwise specified, the overall length of bud and stem shall be not less than 20 inches but in no case shall the overall length be less than 18 inches.

b. Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances, by count, are provided as specified:

i. For defects. Ten percent for peonies in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of this grade, including therein not more than 5 percent for defects causing serious damage, and including in this latter amount not more than 1 percent for peonies which are affected by decay.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:

U.S. Grade Standards for Cut Peonies in the Bud (pdf)