The market for Tet flowers and ornamental plants maintains prices while awaiting increased demand.

The market for flowers and ornamental plants in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year is experiencing erratic developments compared to previous years. While the atmosphere remains bustling in terms of scale, it hasn't been accompanied by the purchasing power that traders and gardeners had hoped for.

Along streets like Hang Luoc, Lac Long Quan, Au Co, and Hoang Hoa Tham, flowers and ornamental plants are brought in from nurseries. From vibrant pink peach blossoms, golden kumquat trees, dazzling yellow apricot blossoms, and pristine white plum blossoms, everything is meticulously cared for to meet the needs of people celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year). Due to favorable weather this year and the two leap months, the supply of flowers and ornamental plants is abundant, blooming and showcasing their beauty at the right time. Observations at the flower markets show that while the supply for Tet is plentiful, demand has not met expectations.

Hang Luoc flower market is bustling in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year).

At Hang Luoc flower market, one of the oldest and most characteristic Tet flower selling spots in Hanoi's Old Quarter, Ms. Bui Thi Hai, residing in Suoi Hai commune, Hanoi, diligently waters her white apricot blossom trees. Ms. Hai says that the price of her family's white apricot blossom trees this year remains stable, with no significant fluctuations compared to previous years. On average, each tree costs around 700,000 VND, with some models being cheaper or more expensive depending on their shape and size. Despite the relatively affordable prices, Ms. Hai feels that purchasing power is quite slow these days, lacking the usual bustling atmosphere of previous Tet seasons.

According to Ms. Bui Thi Hai, the price of white apricot blossoms from her family's farm remains stable this year.

Ms. Hai started bringing flowers to Hang Luoc market on the 15th day of the 12th lunar month. It's been over a week, but she's only sold 50 plants so far. Normally, in previous years, her family would sell 20 to 30 plants a day, but now she's only managed to sell about 6 to 7. The peak shopping season is usually from the 25th to the 28th of the 12th lunar month, so she remains optimistic, hoping that when people officially enter the holiday period, the number of customers viewing and buying flowers will increase significantly.

Small business owners hope that when people officially enter the holiday season, the number of customers viewing and buying flowers will increase significantly.

Meanwhile, along Lac Long Quan Street, Mr. Tran Van Hau, the owner of a garden in Tu Lien Ward, Hanoi, is busy rearranging his potted kumquat trees. Mr. Hau noted that due to unfavorable weather conditions this year, the quality of the fruit is not as good as last year. However, his garden has prepared a variety of tree shapes and designs to give customers more choices to suit their needs. The price of kumquats this year remains at the same level as last year, not significantly higher, making it easier for people to shop for Tet (Lunar New Year).

People are choosing to buy peach blossoms in the area along Lac Long Quan Street.

From a shopper's perspective, Ms. Duong Ngoc Nhung, from Xuan Dinh ward, Hanoi, recently purchased a satisfactory mini kumquat bonsai from Mr. Hau's stall for 150,000 VND. According to her, the price of kumquat trees this year is slightly higher than in previous years, but with careful selection, buyers can still find trees that fit their family's budget.

Ms. Duong Ngoc Nhung just bought a mini kumquat bonsai from Mr. Hau's stall for 150,000 VND.

For small business owners, each potted plant is not only the result of a year of hard work under the sun and rain, but also carries the hope of a warm and joyful Tet holiday for their families. However, this year's warm winter weather is becoming one of the factors directly affecting the appearance and timing of the flowers, creating additional obstacles for these small business owners.

Small business owners are worried that the prolonged warm weather will cause the flowers to bloom prematurely.

Many people prefer to buy wild peach blossoms to display in their homes during Tet (Lunar New Year).

Ms. Pham Thu Tuyet, a peach blossom vendor at the Ho Tay Tet flower market, admitted that the price of peach blossoms this year is slightly higher than last year. Another concern for her is the prolonged warm weather causing the flowers to bloom early, leading customers to be very selective about branches with many buds to ensure the flowers last throughout the Tet holiday.

According to vendors, peach blossom prices this year are somewhat higher than last year.

Customers buying flowers often carefully select branches with many buds to ensure the flowers last throughout the Tet holiday.

According to Ms. Tuyet, purchasing power from the beginning of the season until now has generally been quite slow, not showing the breakthrough as expected. She hopes to sell her goods soon so she can return home to prepare for Tet (Lunar New Year) with her family. Like many other small traders, Ms. Tuyet has high hopes for the coming days, after the official holiday begins, when people will shop more actively, making the flower and ornamental plant market more vibrant.

According to small business owners, current consumer purchasing power remains slow.

According to vendors, although purchasing power is still slow, the flower markets retain a special appeal for Hanoi residents. Going to the flower market is no longer simply about shopping, but also about sightseeing, admiring flowers, and enjoying the festive atmosphere of Tet. Many people still maintain the habit of wanting to choose the most beautiful flower pots and ornamental plants to display in their homes, so their selection is very careful. Gardeners and vendors expect that purchasing power will increase significantly from this weekend, as the Tet holiday begins. For Hanoi residents, decorating their homes with flower arrangements and ornamental plants during Tet is a beautiful cultural tradition that has been preserved for many years.

The atmosphere of flower markets still retains a special appeal for the people of Hanoi.

Minh Ngoc/News and Ethnic Groups Newspaper

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/ha-noi/thi-truong-hoa-va-cay-canh-tet-giu-gia-cho-suc-mua-20260213122418459.htm