The ornamental plant market is celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) early.

As the twelfth lunar month approaches, the festive atmosphere of Tet (Lunar New Year) is already clearly evident on many streets and residential areas in Thanh Hoa. This year's Tet ornamental plant market didn't wait until the last minute to become vibrant, but started early, reflecting a shift in both consumer psychology and the way nurseries organize production.

Hanh Men high-tech farm is perfecting phalaenopsis orchids for the Tet (Lunar New Year) market. Photo: Chi Pham

In Hop Tien commune, during the final days of the year, the kumquat trees in the orchards are meticulously pruned and shaped to ensure quality before sale; the atmosphere of production and trade is therefore bustling. Here, Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, the owner of a kumquat orchard with many years of experience, said that this year his family is bringing more than 400 kumquat trees of various types to the market. “From the beginning of the twelfth lunar month, traders have come to the orchard to inspect the trees and place deposits in advance. Trees with beautiful shapes and evenly sized fruits are usually reserved early, helping the orchard owners to be more proactive in caring for and selling them, avoiding pressure in the days leading up to Tet,” Mr. Hoa shared. According to him, the early start of the market also forces kumquat growers to improve quality, because customers now care more about the shape, durability, and aesthetics of the tree, rather than just looking at the number of fruits or size.

From a local management perspective, Mr. Le Viet Ngoc, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hop Tien commune, said: "Ornamental plants, with kumquat trees being the main crop, are becoming an important economic development direction for the commune. In recent years, people have gradually shifted from fragmented production to more systematic investment, focusing on shaping techniques and care according to market demand. The early start of the Tet market helps people proactively sell their produce, reducing risks related to price and weather," Mr. Ngoc said. The local government also strengthens propaganda and guidance on safe production, contributing to maintaining the reputation of Hop Tien kumquat growing area.

Beyond traditional ornamental plants, this year's Tet market is also witnessing the expansion of high-tech flower cultivation models, most notably Phalaenopsis orchids. This type of flower is increasingly popular due to its elegant appearance, long blooming period, and suitability for various spaces from homes to offices and businesses. The rise of Phalaenopsis orchids in recent years also reflects a consumer trend that increasingly prioritizes aesthetic value and experience.

At some flower farms in the province, phalaenopsis orchids are being cultivated systematically, from greenhouses and temperature and light control systems to a closed-loop care process. Mr. Tran Van Tien, owner of Hanh Men farm, which specializes in wholesale and retail phalaenopsis orchids for the Tet (Lunar New Year) market, said: "This year, the farm has prepared more than 5,000 pots of various orchids. Phalaenopsis orchids require high technical skills, especially in adjusting the flowering time. Many customers, especially agencies and businesses, place orders early, so the farm can proactively produce according to orders, reducing the pressure of consumption closer to Tet."

The coexistence of traditional ornamental plants like kumquats and peach blossoms with high-end flowers like phalaenopsis orchids shows that the Tet ornamental plant market in Thanh Hoa is gradually diversifying, adapting to the increasingly stratified needs of consumers. While previously, simply having a plant to display during Tet was sufficient, now buyers are focusing more on aesthetics, durability, personalization, and the spiritual value that each potted plant or flower branch brings.

As the end of the twelfth lunar month approaches, the colors of flowers and ornamental plants increasingly cover residential areas, creating a vibrant Tet (Lunar New Year) scene throughout the province. With early preparation by gardeners, the support of local authorities, and the proactive shopping mindset of the people, this year's Tet ornamental plant market is expected to be stable and lively, contributing to a joyful and warm spring atmosphere.

Chi Pham

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/thi-truong-cay-canh-don-tet-som-276213.htm