How to Choose Beautiful, Abundant Peach Blossom for Tet Celebrations

The apricot blossom is a treasured and elegant ornamental tree. It blooms during the Tet holiday, symbolizing good fortune and the overflowing happiness of the New Year. While people in the North prefer peach blossoms for Tet, those in the Central and Southern regions remain loyal to the vibrant yellow apricot tree.

Tips for Choosing a Beautiful Apricot Tree for Tet

1. Choose the Shape of the Apricot Tree
2. Examine the Apricot Tree’s Base
3. Flower Distribution on the Tree
4. Select the Apricot Leaves
5. Avoid Trees with Too Many Buds
6. The Proportions of a Beautiful Tet Apricot Tree
7. Beautiful Apricot Tree Shapes for Tet
8. Feng Shui Placement for the Apricot Tree

Let’s explore the tips for selecting a beautiful apricot blossom that brings prosperity home during Tet in the article below.

The yellow apricot blossom – scientifically known as Ochna Integerrima, belongs to the Ochnaceae family. Unlike the peach blossom, the yellow apricot is primarily grown in tropical regions, making it more common in the Southern and Central provinces, stretching from Quang Nam to the Mekong Delta. The apricot is a woody plant; the older it gets, the thicker its roots and deeper its grounding. The branches and leaves are abundant, but the flowers are stunning and long-lasting.

In ancient times, it was believed that the apricot symbolizes a resilient life, thriving even in hardship, while its yellow hue represents wealth and prosperity.

Southerners often choose the yellow apricot for Tet decorations because its bright yellow color signifies wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Therefore, people display apricot trees in their homes during Tet, wishing for a prosperous and fortunate New Year. Additionally, the yellow apricot is considered one of the “Four Precious Plants” in our cultural belief – “Pine, Chrysanthemum, Bamboo, Apricot,” and the image of the apricot blossom has been depicted by many writers and poets in their works.

Thus, people have always strived to select beautiful apricot trees that are likely to bloom on the desired date, hoping to invite good fortune into their homes.

Selecting a beautiful apricot tree is not simple; many factors contribute to choosing a good branch. The shape, trunk, flower, leaves, buds, and color are all essential criteria for selecting a high-quality apricot branch. The following tips will help readers choose a satisfactory apricot tree for the spring.

1. Choose the Shape of the Apricot Tree

A beautiful apricot is valued not just for its flowers but for its shape.

A beautiful apricot is valued not just for its flowers but for its shape. Choose trees with well-proportioned branches. The bark should be naturally dark, without mossy patches. Select trees with moderate branches that are evenly spaced. The shape of the apricot is considered its essence; a naturally beautiful or artistically shaped apricot is one of the key criteria. Some apricot trees may have many flowers and lush green leaves, but if the shape is straight and rigid, it does not convey the elegance expected of an apricot.

2. Examine the Apricot Tree’s Base

For any tree, the roots are the most crucial part. A sturdy base and healthy roots are essential for robust growth. When selecting an apricot tree, prioritize those with roots that are slightly exposed above the ground but not overly tangled, as this can create a messy appearance and detract from the tree’s inherent elegance.

Additionally, the base of the tree should be wider than the upper trunk, with a few indentations or bumps being a bonus. While these characteristics may make the tree appear rugged, they also indicate the tree’s strength and stability.

3. Flower Distribution on the Tree

Choose branches or trees with a balanced number of buds distributed evenly across the branches. Observers should stand about 20 meters away to assess the overall appearance of the tree and whether the buds and flowers are evenly distributed. The flower buds should be firm and plump, ready to bloom in time for Tet. A tree that blooms 10 to 30% by the Lunar New Year is considered to have beautiful flowers. Select a tree with about 30% blossoms on the 29th day of the lunar calendar to enjoy it until the full moon of January.

4. Select the Apricot Leaves

Due to the belief in prosperity at the beginning of the year, a beautiful apricot tree must have a balance of leaves and flowers. It’s advisable not to choose trees with overly abundant leaves or overly vibrant green leaves; instead, opt for lighter green leaves or those with a reddish hue. These types of leaves will bring good fortune in the New Year to the homeowner.

5. Avoid Trees with Too Many Buds

Selecting apricots for Tet is primarily about the beauty of the flowers, so the quality of the buds is equally important. Experts recommend avoiding trees where all the branches are fully bloomed. A tree with a few open flowers and many buds is a better choice.

The buds should not be too green or just emerging; they need to be plump to bloom right at Tet. Buds should be evenly distributed across the branches, and there shouldn’t be too many buds, as this can lead to insufficient nutrients for the flowers, causing them to wilt faster.

Choose branches or apricot trees with a balanced number of buds distributed evenly across the branches.

For flowers that have already bloomed, the petals should be large and evenly rounded. A beautiful apricot tree is one with five petals, symbolizing the five elements “Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth.” However, many types of apricots on the market today have flowers with more than five petals, so it depends on the homeowner’s preference when selecting the apricot flowers.

6. The Proportions of a Beautiful Tet Apricot Tree

In addition to the factors mentioned above, you need to pay attention to the proportion between the various parts of an apricot tree. The ideal proportions for a beautiful Tet apricot tree are as follows:

Ratio between the pot and the tree: Choose round pots with a diameter equal to the canopy of the tree, and the height should be proportional to the height of the tree. Typically, the ratio of the pot to the apricot tree ranges from 1/4 to 1/3, which is the most suitable.
Ratio of the base to the branches: A beautiful apricot pot has a harmonious ratio of base to branches. The base and trunk should not be too large, and the branches should not be too few or too many. Additionally, depending on the display space, select apricot pots with sizes that fit the base and branches accordingly.
Ratio of branches to flowers: An apricot tree with too many flowers on the branches or too many branches with few flowers is not considered beautiful. Furthermore, the length of the branches should harmonize with the number of flowers.
Ratio of buds to flowers: A beautiful Tet apricot pot must have a balanced ratio of flowers and buds. This ratio is not determined by the quantity on the branches but rather by the timing of their blooming.

7. Beautiful Apricot Tree Shapes for Tet

The shape of the apricot tree is one of the most important factors people consider when choosing apricots during Tet. The shape not only enhances the inherent beauty of the apricot but also conveys profound meanings.

Vertical Shape: Also known as the straight shape, this tree grows upright with neat, evenly spaced branches. This is also the most basic form of the apricot.
Overhanging Shape: This shape is quite unique and eye-catching. In contrast to the vertical shape above, the overhanging shape adds softness and elegance to the apricot tree.
Five Blessings Shape: This apricot shape is very popular as it symbolizes longevity, wealth, and good fortune, bringing blessings to the homeowner during the New Year.
Dragon Curling Water Shape: Also known as “dragon sucking water,” this shape features a thick trunk with the upper part bent to resemble a dragon’s head, signifying that it will attract wealth and prosperity to the homeowner.
Feminine Shape: This shape gives the tree a graceful and soft appearance, akin to the beauty of a young girl.

The above are some basic and popular apricot shapes for Tet. In addition to these shapes, you may also explore other forms such as maternal shapes, dragon and phoenix shapes, and ascending dragon shapes.