In early December on the lunar calendar, a sense of urgency fills the famed peach-growing villages of Nhat Tan and Dan Phuong in Hanoi. Normally tranquil this time of year, the orchards are now buzzing with activity as pink blossoms burst forth far too early.

At a 60-hectare orchard in Dan Phuong owned by Cong Van Cuong, nearly 60% of the trees have already begun blooming. Cuong explains that although flowering is a natural process, experienced growers must always prepare for various weather scenarios.

“When the buds are ready, they bloom naturally,” he said. “But I’ve calculated the bloom window carefully. Whether it’s cold or warm, we aim to get the flowers to bloom just in time for Tet.”

Many of the blossoms seen now are “boi” flowers - early buds that bloom fast and fade quickly. These are considered immature blooms and unsuitable for Tet. A prime Tet branch should reach full bloom right on the first or second day of the lunar new year.

To prevent premature flowering, growers are paying workers up to $20 per day to remove early blooms and preserve stronger buds. Tasks include pruning open flowers, selecting healthy buds, and adjusting watering and fertilization.

Cuong notes that tree age also plays a major role in flower quality. “Young trees bloom once and fade quickly. Older trees, from two years and up, produce lasting blooms that stay vibrant for weeks,” he said. “So pruning early flowers is essential to ensure peak harvest quality.”

In addition to bloom control, some growers are opting to sell part of their crop early to reduce labor and storage costs.

This year’s market has also been impacted by broader economic concerns. Many orchard owners have lowered their prices to maintain sales volume.

“Because of the economic slowdown, we’re not aiming for high prices this year,” a grower in Tay Tuu flower village shared. “It’s better to sell at a lower margin than hold out and risk losses.”

According to Toan, a grower in Nhat Tan, prices at his orchard range from $120–200 per tree, with premium trees reaching USD 600. His family also offers tree rental services, which have become increasingly popular due to lower costs and full-service care.

“We deliver the tree, guide customers on care to ensure the flowers bloom during Tet, and collect it afterward for continued maintenance,” Toan explained. “It’s more economical for customers and better for us, too.”

Another variety, dao huyen, is being offered at $40–80 depending on size and shape. However, administrative changes have also affected sales.

“Due to the merging of several local administrative units, the number of government office customers has dropped to a third of last year,” Toan added.

Still, most growers remain hopeful that demand will spike in the final 10 days before Tet, when gifting and home decoration needs surge.

Veteran farmers are no strangers to early blooms. Thanks to experience with pruning, leaf stripping, and bloom delay techniques, they remain confident in their ability to manage the crop.

In a year marked by weather unpredictability and economic strain, technical flexibility and price strategy have become key survival tools. Despite the challenges, the resilience of Hanoi’s peach growers is ensuring that springtime color will return once again to Vietnamese homes this Tet.

Nguyen Thi Phuong