At this time of year, all the apricot blossom gardens are bustling with activity, from removing leaves to caring for the plants from root to tip, in preparation for the Tet market.
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| Picking leaves from apricot blossom trees provides a decent income for many people during the period leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year). |
According to gardeners, the ideal time to remove the leaves from apricot blossom trees is usually from December 13th onwards. This is considered a crucial step, requiring careful attention to avoid affecting the tree's growth. Carelessness can even damage the flower buds located in the leaf axils.
The daily wage for pruning apricot blossom branches is 200-250 thousand VND for women and 350-400 thousand VND for men, as men have to stand on high shelves to prune the leaves. In addition, after pruning, attention must also be paid to nurturing the buds and preventing leaf-eating insects, as this is a very vulnerable time for pest attacks.
Ms. Nguyen Thi To (Chanh An commune) said: “Every year around the 12th day of the 12th lunar month, I go to work plucking leaves from apricot blossom trees for hire. Thanks to this job, I have a decent income to celebrate Tet. According to experience, not every apricot blossom tree needs its leaves plucked. Usually, we pluck leaves until around the 18th day of the 12th lunar month, depending on whether the buds have shed their husks or not. Plucking apricot blossom leaves isn't simply about pulling them off; you have to know how to choose the right time and method. Plucking too early or too late will affect whether the apricot blossoms bloom at the right time.”
With two plots of land dedicated to growing apricot blossoms, Mr. Le Quang Hien (from Cho Lach commune) said: “My apricot blossom garden has trees ranging from 10 to 65 years old. From the 13th day of the lunar month, I start hiring workers to remove the leaves from the apricot blossoms. Depending on the type of apricot blossom and the size of the buds, the removal is completed no later than the 18th day of the lunar month. Because they are mostly old, long-lived apricot blossom trees, one plot of land requires 3 workers and takes 4-5 days to finish.”
This year, although it's a leap year, some apricot blossoms bloomed early, but thanks to diligent care, they now have beautiful buds, and I predict they will bloom just in time for Tet. However, fewer traders are coming to buy apricot blossoms, about 30-40% fewer than at the same time last year, so I'm also considering the cost of care.”
Text and photos: THAO LY
Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/kinh-te/202602/thu-nhap-kha-nho-lat-la-mai-0821c58/
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