1. Prune the Branches
Pruning the branches is one way to delay the blooming of flowers, especially during their growing season. You can also apply similar techniques such as removing buds or picking off shoots to restrict the plant's growth and flowering. This method works by blocking the movement of nutrients (which help the plant grow) from the leaves to the roots.
To make sure your flowers bloom right for Tết, you need to time the leaf stripping, branch pruning, and bud removal correctly. For peach and apricot blossoms, it’s ideal to strip the leaves two months before the Lunar New Year. The exact timing for leaf stripping depends on factors like leap years, weather, and the plant’s growth cycle. Be careful when doing it by hand to avoid damaging the part of the leaf attached to the branch, as this could harm the flower buds.


2. Watering
The water restriction method is commonly used to inhibit flowering in succulent plants like cacti and frangipani. However, this technique can also be applied to apricot blossoms. Starting around October to November each year, you can begin restricting water to slow down the blooming process of apricot flowers. As Tết approaches, you can then resume watering the plant just enough to keep it moist.
For peach blossoms, watering is also a crucial step since their bloom is highly dependent on weather conditions. Depending on whether it's cold or warm, peach growers must spray warm (or cold) water to encourage early blooming or ensure the flowers open just in time for Tết.


3. Fertilizers
Fertilizers typically consist of three main components: N, P, and K, which stand for Nitrogen (for leaves), Phosphorus (for roots), and Potassium (for flowers and fruits). Depending on the purpose, users should choose the appropriate ratio of these elements in the fertilizer.
For flowers to grow quickly, vigorously, with consistent blooms, thick petals, and vibrant colors, it is important to follow the proper fertilizing methods. The timing and type of fertilizer vary depending on the flower species. For example, chrysanthemums should be fed with a potassium fertilizer at a rate of 20 grams per 10 liters of water every three days. Additionally, micronutrients such as Boron (1 gram per 50 liters of water) should be added to the mix.


4. Leaf Stripping
When caring for peach and apricot blossoms, it’s essential to limit the use of high-nitrogen fertilizers starting from early October. Then, by mid-November, stop fertilizing at the base and only water moderately to prepare for leaf stripping. To ensure the flowers bloom beautifully during Tết, leaf stripping should be done 50-60 days before the Lunar New Year.
The timing of leaf stripping can vary depending on the weather conditions. In hotter years, delay the process for a few more days; in colder years, do it earlier. When stripping the leaves, take care not to damage the flower buds located at the base of the leaves, as these buds will eventually bloom.


5. Using Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1, widely known for its health benefits like promoting hair growth and improving memory, also has an unexpected effect: it can stimulate flowers to bloom.
For Tết, if you want your lilies, peach blossoms, or other holiday flowers to bloom right on time, gardeners often dissolve 2-3 B1 tablets in a small amount of water and use this solution to water the plants. The flowers will bloom faster and last longer than usual. However, this method is typically used by flower buyers, as it’s more time-consuming and costly compared to other techniques. If your flowers are not blooming in time, give this method a try!


6. Using Warm Water
One effective method to encourage flowers to bloom faster is by using warm water. This technique works particularly well when you want your flowers, especially peach and apricot blossoms, to look their best and freshest during Tết.
Water the roots with warm water when the weather starts to cool down, and gently rinse the buds and flowers early in the morning. Within 2-3 days, you will see your flowers blooming vibrantly.


7. Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is a readily available product that can be used for more than just cooking, cleaning, and beauty purposes. It is also highly effective in helping flowers stay fresh and vibrant for longer. White vinegar increases the acidity of the water, making it a great way to encourage flowers to bloom quickly and last longer.
For example, when arranging peach blossoms, simply add a few drops of white vinegar to the water. Alternatively, you can mix vinegar with sugar and add it to the water for even better results. Change the water every few days to provide the flowers with the necessary nutrients to promote fast and long-lasting blooms. For potted peach trees, add a few drops of vinegar to the daily watering routine. This method will cause the buds to bloom within days and keep the flowers looking fresh for a long time.


8. Light
If you want your flowers to bloom quickly, you should place them in locations with plenty of light or near artificial lighting. Light plays a crucial role in stimulating the growth of flowers, making the buds swell and bloom faster, resulting in more vibrant and colorful flowers compared to those in low-light environments.
However, if your goal is to slow down their growth, you can use tarps or shading to reduce the amount of direct sunlight the flowers receive, especially if they are outdoors. Alternatively, you can move your potted flowers indoors or to darker areas.


9. Temperature
If you want flowers like chrysanthemums, dahlias, and gladiolus to bloom faster, increase the temperature by adding warm water (30-40°C) to the vase. Remember to change the water twice a day and mist the flowers and leaves with water. Additionally, place the vase in a closed room at night to prevent drafts, which will help the flowers bloom in 2-3 days.
On the other hand, reducing the temperature is an effective method to slow down the blooming process and keep flowers in a dormant state until closer to the desired time. Ensure the storage temperature stays between 18-24°C, and once the buds begin to open, reduce the temperature to 8-15°C.


10. Using Aspirin
One method to accelerate flower blooming is by using aspirin. Start by crushing a few aspirin tablets or dissolving a few grams of nitrogen fertilizer in water for the flowers. Aspirin and nitrogen will provide essential salts and minerals, promoting faster and larger blooms.
If your peach blossoms are not opening just a day or two before the New Year, you can cut the stems and briefly scorch the cut ends over an open flame or hot charcoal. Be careful not to burn the stems. Then place the peach branch in a vase and change the water daily.

