Expert reveals how to "time" peach blossoms to bloom right on Tet
This year, peach blossoms bloomed quite early, even though the Lunar New Year is still more than a month away.
Temperature is the decisive factor for flowering time
Lunar New Year 2026 is approaching, but because it is a leap year with prolonged warm, sunny weather, peach blossoms have bloomed profusely in many places. Although it is still more than a month until the Year of the Horse Tet, the vibrant pink of Nhat Tan peach blossoms and wild peach blossoms already brightens the Quang An flower market. In peach blossom orchards and households across other areas, petals are already in full bloom.
Serving this year's Year of the Horse Lunar New Year market, farmers in Cho Lach commune planted over 1 million pots of fresh flowers of various kinds, with chrysanthemums making up the largest share. However, due to weather conditions, about 30% of potted morifolium chrysanthemums bloomed early and had to be sold before Tet. Currently, flower growers are applying technical measures to prolong blooming time while actively selling the bloomed flowers.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Van Dong, Deputy Director of the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, to ensure peach blossom trees bloom in time for the Lunar New Year (Tet), growers must simultaneously manage the tree's internal physiological factors and external environmental conditions. Physiologically, the most critical aspects are the differentiation of flower buds and their dormancy state. The tree must have grown vigorously enough during the previous season and accumulated adequate nutrients, especially carbohydrates, for flower buds to develop well and bloom uniformly. The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth must be calibrated at the right time.
Regarding environmental conditions, temperature is the primary deciding factor. Peach trees are temperate deciduous plants that require a certain period of low temperatures to break bud dormancy; if the winter is too warm, buds tend to develop early and bloom before Tet, whereas prolonged cold spells will delay flowering. In addition, watering and nutrition must be properly regulated: restrict water and nitrogen before the flower bud differentiation stage to 'curb' vegetative growth, then moderately supplement them when forcing bud development. Light and ventilation also affect bud quality and flower color.
"In short, to make peach blossoms bloom in time for Tet, growers must thoroughly understand the plant's physiological patterns and proactively adjust temperature, watering, nutrition, and lighting across each growth stage, rather than relying on a single technical measure," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Van Dong.
Stripping leaves, girdling bark, and regulating watering: How to do it right?
In practical production, measures such as leaf stripping, girdling, and regulating water and nutrients are key technical tools that help growers actively adjust the flowering time of peach blossom trees, but they are only highly effective when combined synchronously and at the right time.
Stripping leaves is the most important practice, directly stimulating flower bud differentiation and development. When leaves are removed, nutrients and growth hormones are directed to the buds, helping them develop faster and more evenly. However, leaf stripping must be based on the variety, tree age, and annual weather conditions; stripping too early can cause flowers to bloom before Tet, while stripping too late leads to delayed or uneven blooming.
Girdling plays a supportive role, helping to restrict the downward flow of assimilates to the roots, thereby enhancing nutrient accumulation in branches and buds. This method is particularly effective for vigorously growing trees with many winter shoots. However, improper technique or overdoing it can weaken the tree and diminish its post-Tet vitality.
Regulating irrigation is a "soft" yet crucial measure. Reducing water before flower bud differentiation helps suppress vegetative growth; conversely, when forcing blooms, adequate watering promotes rapid bud development and timely flowering.
Nutrition, especially the balance among nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, determines the quality of buds and flowers. Limiting nitrogen at the end of the year helps prevent winter shoots, while phosphorus and potassium help produce firm buds, large flowers, vibrant colors, and long-lasting blooms.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Van Dong concluded that there is no "panacea" solution. Success in timing peach blossoms to bloom precisely for Tet depends on the flexible coordination of technical measures, based on a profound understanding of the variety, plant physiology, and the specific weather patterns of each year.
Choose healthy, beautiful peach blossom trees
Consumers choosing a healthy peach tree or branch with long-lasting blossoms and strong visual appeal should pay attention to a few basic but very important criteria.
First is the physiological condition of the tree or branch. A quality peach blossom tree or branch typically features three generations: open blossoms, swelling buds ready to bloom, and young buds. This distribution allows flowers to bloom continuously, extending the display period. The buds should be plump, firm, and free from blights, withering, or dried tips; opened blossoms should have thick petals, vibrant color, and no bruising or signs of pests and diseases.
Second is the freshness and vitality of the tree or branch. For potted peach blossoms, the tree must look fresh, with healthy green young leaves (if any), smooth and unwrinkled bark, and no signs of transplant shock from being newly potted. For cut branches, choose freshly cut ones with a clean, moist cut surface, good flexibility, and no abnormal dryness or sap leakage.
Third is overall shape and aesthetics. A beautiful peach blossom tree or branch needs a harmonious, balanced proportion among the trunk, branches, and flowers; the branches should be evenly distributed, not tangled, and without an asymmetrical canopy. For shaped peach trees, the posture must be clear, with rationally arranged branches that create a natural, stable feel.
Fourth is suitability for the display space. Buyers should consider height, canopy spread, and flower color to ensure harmony with the room's area, lighting, and interior palette; avoid choosing a tree that is either too large or too small for the space.
Experts conclude that a good peach blossom tree or branch is not only beautiful at the time of purchase, but must also be healthy, resilient, and capable of prolonged blooming. Carefully observing the buds, blossoms, branches, and overall tree shape will help buyers select a worthy specimen to fully enjoy during the Tet holidays.