Farmers in the highlands of Hoa Binh province are busy preparing for the Tet peach blossom season.

Báo Lao Động•20/01/2025

These days, the atmosphere in the peach orchards of Toan Son commune, Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province is more bustling than ever.

In recent years, Toan Son commune has become a famous peach-growing area in Da Bac district, with more than 15 large-scale orchards covering over 5 hectares. According to surveys, the entire commune currently has approximately 4,000 - 5,000 peach trees of various types.

Da Bac is a mountainous district with the largest number of cultivated and wild peach trees in Hoa Binh province. Photo: Dang Tinh

According to observations by reporters from Lao Dong Newspaper, in the days leading up to the 2025 Lunar New Year, gardens are overflowing with the pink blossoms of peach trees. Vehicles are constantly coming and going, and buyers from all over come to admire and choose beautiful peach trees. At Thanh Tu peach garden (Truc Son hamlet, Toan Son commune, Da Bac district), with over 100 ancient peach trees, the atmosphere is bustling with traders buying and people visiting and selecting peach trees for Tet. According to the gardeners, the peach blossoms this year are more beautiful due to the favorable, warm weather at the end of the year.

The vibrant pink blossoms of the peach tree signal the approaching arrival of a fresh spring. Photo: Dang Tinh

With over 10 years of experience in peach tree cultivation, Mr. Tran Thien Tu (owner of Thanh Tu peach garden) said that proper care is crucial for a beautiful peach tree. Caring for the tree and removing leaves are among the most decisive steps to ensure the peach tree blooms at the right time. According to Mr. Tu, about two months before Tet (Lunar New Year), depending on the size of the flower buds and weather conditions, leaves should be removed so the tree can concentrate nutrients on the flowers. The ideal temperature for peach trees to bloom at the right time for the New Year is around 15-20 degrees Celsius.

These ancient peach trees are carefully tended to by the growers. Photo: Dang Tinh

Providing adequate water for peach trees is also crucial as temperatures have been dropping in recent days. Photo: Dang Tinh

“Compared to previous years, prices this year are stable at 3-5 million VND per tree. Some ancient peach trees can cost up to 40 million VND. After deducting all expenses, the income from selling and renting peach trees for Tet (Lunar New Year) is around 300 million VND per year,” Mr. Tu said. According to Mr. Tu, gardeners have proactively researched and grasped consumer trends and preferences to provide the market with the most beautiful peach trees. They also focus on shaping each tree to harmonize with the space in homes or offices. This has attracted many people in the area and surrounding regions to come and choose their favorite peach trees to celebrate Tet.

At this time of year, peach growers in Toan Son commune, Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province are busy. Photo: Dang Tinh — At this time, peach growers in Toan Son commune, Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province are busy transporting peaches to buyers. Photo: Dang Tinh

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Bui Khac Vinh, Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Da Bac District, said: “With suitable climate and soil conditions, Da Bac District has great potential for developing peach cultivation. In the early years, with favorable harvests, peach cultivation has brought high income to the people, with large-scale orchards producing diverse products, earning several hundred million dong each Tet holiday.” According to Mr. Vinh, peach cultivation is gradually becoming a key economic model, helping households improve their quality of life, and allowing people to have a prosperous and fulfilling spring with their families.