Farmers in Nghe An are busy planting seeds in preparation for the Tet flower season.

These days, the atmosphere in the flower fields of Nghe An is busier than ever as farmers in the growing regions are busy planting seeds in preparation for the 2026 Tet flower season. Despite the sharp increase in input costs, everyone shares the hope for a bountiful Tet flower harvest with good prices.

Prices of flower seedlings and fertilizers have increased significantly.

The price of chrysanthemums with roots has increased by 500,000 - 700,000 VND per 10,000 plants compared to last year. Photo: TP

In Vinh Tuong commune, starting from the beginning of September in the lunar calendar, Ms. Duong Thi Ngoc's family has planted 20,000 long-day chrysanthemum seedlings out of a total of 60,000 seedlings planned for this Tet season. “This year, the price of chrysanthemum seedlings has increased sharply, ranging from 2.2 to 2.5 million VND per 10,000 seedlings; while those with roots reach 3.5 to 4.5 million VND per 10,000 seedlings, an increase of about 500,000 to 700,000 VND per 10,000 seedlings compared to last year. Every year I both plant and sell seedlings to other farmers, but this year the prices are too high, so I'm only accepting pre-orders,” Ms. Ngoc shared.

Not only chrysanthemums, but many other types of flowers such as lilies, peonies, gladioli, marigolds, etc., are also experiencing a surge in seed prices. In Vinh Hung ward, considered a major concentrated area for Tet flower cultivation in Vinh city, farmers are expected to plant about 25 hectares of various flowers this year. Of these, chrysanthemums will still occupy the largest area.

Many households buy chrysanthemum seedlings to grow and propagate at home to save costs. Photo: TP

“According to price surveys at wholesale nurseries in Ninh Binh (formerly Nam Dinh province), the price of chrysanthemum seedlings varies depending on the variety and color. Generally, prices have increased by 500,000 to 1 million VND per 10,000 plants compared to the previous season. Despite the high price, farmers are still placing orders to ensure timely planting for the new season. To reduce costs, we consolidate orders and buy in bulk to lower shipping fees, purchasing at wholesale prices…,” shared Ms. Bui Thi Hoa, a farmer from Vinh Hung ward.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Duc, a chrysanthemum seedling supplier in Thai Hoa ward, the reason for the price increase is the series of natural disasters in the North, the main source of seedlings – which have damaged many parent flower gardens. “Many seedling growing areas in Nam Dinh, Thai Binh , and Hanoi have been flooded, causing mass deaths of parent chrysanthemums, leading to a sharp decrease in supply. Therefore, the price of chrysanthemum seedlings has increased. Other flower varieties such as pansies, gerberas, peonies, gladioli… have also been affected,” Mr. Duc said.

Many gardeners have planted long-day chrysanthemum varieties. Photo: TP

According to information from lily bulb suppliers in the area, the price of lily bulbs this year has increased slightly by 3-5 thousand VND per bulb compared to last year. “Currently, fragrant lilies retail for about 20-22 thousand VND per bulb, while double lilies range from 28-32 thousand VND per bulb. For wholesale buyers, the price may decrease by 2-3 thousand VND per bulb. Despite the price increase, orders remain very high, and flower growers have been planting their crops since mid-October of the lunar calendar,” said Mr. Luu Thang, a garden owner in Nam Dan commune.

Not only flower varieties, but also fertilizers, growing media, pesticides, and labor costs have increased by 10-20%. For each plot of land used for flower cultivation, the initial investment cost adds approximately 2-3 million VND. To alleviate this burden, many flower growers have formed groups, jointly purchasing supplies at wholesale prices, sharing experiences, providing seedlings, and even investment capital.

The price of lily bulbs has also increased from 2,000 to 7,000 VND per bulb (depending on the type). Photo: TP

Ms. Ngoc, owner of Ngoc Son garden in Vinh Tuong commune, added: "We have to plan meticulously from the soil selection and planting time to whether we choose long-day or short-day flower varieties. Just a few days off the planting schedule, and the flowers won't bloom in time for Tet, resulting in heavy losses. Therefore, every step must be precise."

Along with cost pressures, flower growers are also worried about unpredictable weather patterns. Towards the end of the year, unseasonal rains and dense fog can easily cause root rot, leaf burn, and pest infestations. Therefore, local farmers' associations and technical staff are increasing support through training and guidance on pest control and drainage measures, helping farmers feel secure in their production.

Introducing new varieties for cultivation.

In Vinh Hung ward, farmers are working diligently in the fields to complete the planting process in time for the planting season. According to Ms. Nguyen Hoai An, Chairwoman of the Farmers' Association of the ward, this year, in addition to traditional flower varieties, farmers have boldly introduced many new flower varieties with high aesthetic and economic value.

“New varieties of chrysanthemums such as unusually colored marigolds, magic chrysanthemums, Thai rough chrysanthemums, Japanese marigolds, along with double peonies, new colors of gladioli, firecracker flowers, and Japanese sunflowers are being experimented with by many households. In addition, various types of basket flowers, mini potted flowers, and hanging balcony flowers are also being invested in to meet the market demand for Tet and for decorating garden landscapes,” Ms. An said.

Using shade netting and artificial lighting to stimulate flower growth. Photo: TP

Ms. Duong Thi Anh Tuyet, one of the largest flower growers in Vinh Hung ward, expanded her farm from 3 sao (approximately 0.3 hectares) to 5 sao (approximately 0.5 hectares) this year. Of that, 2 sao are planted with chrysanthemums, and the remaining 3 sao with new flower varieties. “During the 2025 Tet season, despite high costs, the flowers fetched good prices and sold well, resulting in a successful harvest for my family. If the weather is favorable in 2026, I believe the flowers will be in high demand again,” Ms. Tuyet shared. According to Ms. Tuyet, farmers are currently planting long-lasting chrysanthemum varieties, followed by marigolds, peonies, and hanging flowers. This staggered planting helps diversify the flower supply and extends the consumption period. Each flower type has its own growth cycle, so growers must calculate precisely so that the flowers bloom at the right time leading up to Tet, approximately from the 25th to the 29th of the 12th lunar month and lasting until the 15th of the 1st lunar month.

To proactively secure their output, the Vinh Hung Ward Farmers' Association has encouraged farmers to diversify their sales channels, connecting with flower shops, shopping centers, wholesale markets, and online sales channels. Some households have also collaborated with tourist areas, agencies, offices, cafes, and event organizers to supply potted flowers and miniature landscapes. This approach helps growers reduce their dependence on traders and gain more control over selling prices.

Many new flower varieties have been introduced to diversify the market and increase revenue. Photo: TP

Thanks to the application of synchronized techniques, many flower growers in Vinh Phu and Vinh Hung this year have proactively implemented drip irrigation and misting systems, increasing the area planted in greenhouses and net houses to better control pests and diseases and ensure more consistent quality. At the same time, they combine microbial fertilizers and biological pesticides to ensure the flowers stay fresh longer and have healthy stems. “Farmers recognize that the Tet season is the main season, bringing in 70-80% of the year's income, so everyone invests effort, capital, and faith. Even with increased costs, we still believe that if we care for the flowers properly, they will be beautiful and sell at a good price,” said Ms. Huong Le, president of the Farmers' Association of Vinh Phu ward.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nong-dan-nghe-an-tat-bat-xuong-giong-chuan-bi-cho-vu-hoa-tet-10309576.html