As the Lunar New Year approaches, Dong Cuong - known as the "flower capital" of Thanh Hoa province - is bustling with activity. Across the fields, flower growers are working non-stop, pinning their hopes on a successful Tet harvest that could bring in tens of millions of dong, even up to $4,000 per household.

These days, visitors to Dong Cuong, a village with a long-standing tradition of flower cultivation, are greeted by a scene of industrious labor. From dawn till nightfall, farmers are in the fields pruning leaves, fertilizing, and shielding their flowers from erratic weather - racing against time so that their blooms are ready at the perfect moment.

Le Van Quan, 38, is among the large-scale flower growers in the area. With around 50,000 chrysanthemum plants entering their most critical stage ahead of Tet, Quan is practically “living in the fields.” Besides chrysanthemums, his family also cultivates roses and lilies across seven sao (about 2,500 square meters) of farmland.

“Tet is the most important season of the year. If the flowers bloom beautifully and on time, we can net around $2,800 after expenses,” Quan shared.

Throughout the year, his family mainly grows chrysanthemums for full moon days and other ceremonies, which yield modest profits. But during Tet, market demand surges and prices rise, so farmers diversify their crops to boost value.

However, flower growing is far from a guaranteed payday. Quan noted that the work is highly weather-dependent. A sudden shift in temperature - whether heat or cold - can cause flowers to bloom too early or too late, ruining their market value. “If the flowers don’t bloom exactly for Tet, the whole crop is a loss,” he said.

According to Dong Cuong farmers, frost is the most feared weather threat. Without proper covering and care, just one night of frost can devastate an entire field.

Le Thi Hien, 55, has been growing flowers for over 30 years. Her family plants chrysanthemums, roses, and lilies on nine sao of land. In recent years, unpredictable weather has taken a toll; some seasons, she lost everything. Fortunately, this year’s steady cold has helped the flowers thrive - and the high prices have everyone optimistic.

“This Tet, we expect to earn around $4,000 after expenses. That money helps cover our family’s living costs and reinvest in the next crop,” Hien said.

Beyond the direct income, flower farming creates seasonal jobs for many local laborers in the days leading up to Tet. Dong Cuong has thus become not only the main flower supplier for Thanh Hoa province but also for neighboring areas.

According to officials from Ham Rong Ward, Dong Cuong village now has nearly 100 hectares under flower cultivation. Over the decades, flower farming has become a traditional livelihood, providing stable income for hundreds of households. On average, each hectare generates annual revenue of $12,000 to $16,000 - much higher than what rice or vegetables can bring.

“Despite the risks, Dong Cuong’s flower growers remain committed to their craft. A successful Tet season brings not only a ‘light’ $4,000 profit but also the joy of contributing beauty to the New Year celebrations across the country,” a ward official shared.

Le Duong