Gardeners in Hanoi are using moss to retain moisture and tending to ancient peach trees in preparation for the Lunar New Year.

(VTC News) - As Tet (Lunar New Year) 2026 approaches, many garden owners in Hanoi are meticulously applying moss to the roots of ancient peach trees to retain moisture, and caring for each bud so that the flowers bloom at the right time to serve the Tet market.

In late January, the ornamental flower market in Hanoi becomes vibrant with the appearance of many varieties of peach blossoms to meet the needs of people celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year). Besides traditional Nhat Tan peach blossoms or wild peach blossoms, in recent years, meticulously cared-for ancient peach trees covered in green moss have increasingly attracted the attention and choice of many Hanoians.

According to VTC News reporters, at several Tet flower selling points, ancient peach blossom trees from Son La, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Lai Chau , Lang Son, etc., have been gathered, creating spaces like "small forests" in the heart of the city. The old peach trees, with their gnarled trunks and rough, moss-covered surfaces, create a distinct impression compared to other familiar varieties.

While wild peach blossoms attract attention with their natural, untamed beauty, ancient peach trees covered in moss embody a blend of nature and human artistry. These trees are planted and nurtured for many years, then carefully shaped, pruned, and cared for by gardeners before being brought to Hanoi to serve the Tet market.

Previously, those who cultivated peach trees focused on factors such as large trunks, sturdy bodies, and the presence of moss, fungus, or naturally growing lichen. Recognizing this demand, many gardeners in mountainous provinces have proactively cared for peach trees to preserve their antique appearance while simultaneously enhancing their aesthetic value and longevity by applying moss to retain moisture in the trunk and roots.

According to gardeners, the moss not only gives the trees a rustic appearance but also plays an important role in retaining moisture, helping to nourish buds and maintain the vitality of the peach blossoms throughout the Tet holiday display period.

The moss is carefully selected and cultivated over a long period to ensure a firm and even coverage of the tree trunk without affecting the peach tree's growth.

"The old peach trees have to be brought in nearly a month before Tet so they can acclimate to the climate. After that, we check the trunk and roots daily, apply moss, and water regularly to maintain moisture. This process is quite meticulous; carelessness can affect the flower buds," the peach tree garden owner said.

Besides applying moss, the peach trees are also pruned and their buds trimmed to ensure the flowers bloom at the right time. From their initial rough shape, through the care process, the trees gradually develop their form, ready to burst into bloom when spring arrives.

Ancient peach trees covered in moss are now favored by many customers for their rustic, sturdy beauty, unlike the softness of more common peach varieties.

These peach blossom trees are typically priced between 10 and 20 million VND, depending on their shape and age. For older trees with unique designs, the price can be higher.

"I chose an old peach tree because of its aged shape and natural-looking moss. Importantly, because it's grown from the ground up, the flowers last longer and won't wilt as quickly as peach branches," shared a customer looking to buy a peach tree for Tet (Lunar New Year).

According to gardeners, many peach trees from the northern mountainous regions were brought to Hanoi early. Although some trees have already started to bloom, thanks to being planted from the root and having a layer of moss to retain moisture, the flowers tend to be more vibrant in color and less prone to falling off, meeting the demand for display throughout the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/chu-vuon-o-ha-noi-dap-reu-giu-am-cham-dao-co-thu-don-tet-nguyen-dan-ar999691.html