This year’s Tet (Lunar New Year) season brought early success to kumquat growers in Nam Toan, Vi Khe Ward (Ninh Binh Province), where wholesale buyers began placing deposits as early as August in the lunar calendar. As a result, many local farms were completely sold out by September.

Nam Phong and Nam Toan kumquats are perennial favorites during Tet thanks to their superior variety and time-honored cultivation techniques. These trees are prized for their plump, glossy fruits, healthy green foliage, strong branches, and elegant, long-lasting shape.

This year, buyers secured their orders unusually early, with many farms selling most  -  if not all  -  of their trees by mid-September or early October in the lunar calendar.

“From early August, buyers came to view the trees and place deposits. By mid-September, everything was sold out. I’ve since spent time pruning and shaping the trees. By early November, the wholesalers will return to collect them for retail,” said Mr. Tinh.

The soil used must be clean, loose, and well-drained, often mixed with coal slag. Upon transplanting, the roots and young branches are pruned, and the tree needs about 20 days to settle before shaping begins.

It’s not just Mr. Tinh who had a winning season. Other kumquat farmers in Vi Khe also reported early sellouts.

“My entire garden has been reserved. I’ll continue shaping the trees until the end of the month. By early November, buyers will pick them up. Once the last tree is shipped, we’ll start preparing for next year’s Tet crop,” said Mr. Cuong.

So far, nearly 40% of his expected Tet inventory has been pre-ordered.

Mr. Diem noted that ornamental horticulture is a key economic sector for the ward. Local leadership has focused on supporting growers through improved infrastructure, irrigation systems, and access to capital for production.

The ward also guarantees smooth transport during the Tet season, allowing vehicles to access the gardens directly  -  making sales and delivery more convenient for both farmers and buyers.

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Vi Khe Ward is known as Ninh Binh’s capital of ornamental flowers and plants. Alongside its floral heritage, it is also home to the province’s largest specialized kumquat-growing region, spanning over 60 hectares and offering high economic value.
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Mr. Do Van Tinh (67), a resident of Hong Phong residential group, Vi Khe Ward, shared that his family grew over 900 cascade-style kumquat trees this year. All were pre-ordered nearly a month in advance. Trees measuring 1.2–1.5 meters high (including the ceramic pot) were priced between $41 and $49 per tree.
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According to Mr. Tinh, growing kumquats in ceramic pots is far more demanding than planting them in soil. The limited space makes the tree vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies, requiring careful care to ensure even fruiting, strong branching, and a balanced combination of green and ripe fruits with young shoots ready for Tet.
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Throughout the year-long process, growers must monitor weather patterns and the tree’s growth phases closely  -  watering, fertilizing, pruning, and nurturing to ensure a perfect form and consistent fruiting. Thanks to this level of meticulous care, Vi Khe’s kumquat trees are in high demand well before the season begins.
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Mr. Bui Van Cuong, also from Hong Phong, shared that his family grew over 600 kumquat trees, which were all sold out by late September. He noted that Tet 2026 prices have remained stable compared to last year.
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This Year of the Fire Horse (Binh Ngo) has brought not only success to cascade-style kumquat growers but also to those cultivating traditional and ornamental bonsai kumquats in Vi Khe.

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Mr. Doan Xuan Canh, a resident of Van Diep 1 in Vi Khe, said his family grows about 500 kumquat trees, including both traditional pyramid-shaped and stylized bonsai forms. Prices start from $82 per tree and go much higher depending on size and craftsmanship. Some older bonsai kumquats, meticulously shaped over several years, have sold for as much as $1,230 each.
According to Mr. Do Dinh Diem, Standing Deputy Secretary of Vi Khe Ward’s Party Committee, despite this year’s storms and heavy rains, local authorities acted quickly to support farmers in minimizing damage and preserving the flowering and fruiting cycles of the kumquat trees. As of now, the trees are thriving, with large fruits and lush shoots  -  impressing visitors as being even more beautiful than last year.

Trong Tung